Less Time In Queues, More Time In Territory
9 February 2026
Annual roadworthy inspections scrapped for most light vehicles, saving Territorians time and at least $68.20 per vehicle each year
Practical cost-of-living relief that cuts red tape and frees up time to enjoy the Territory lifestyle
Targeted on-road compliance to continue, with NT Government Transport Inspectors working alongside NT Police to keep roads safe
Thousands of Territorians will no longer have to waste time or money lining up for annual vehicle inspections, with the Finocchiaro CLP Government delivering another practical cost-of-living reform.
From today, inspections will only be required for vehicles 7 years and older and when:
Transferring ownership (can be completed by either seller or buyer)Re-establishing registration after a lapse of more than 12 monthsFirst registering in the Northern Territory (prior to compliance checks for interstate transfers).
There will be no changes to box or boat trailers 750 kg or less which do not require periodic roadworthy inspections, or to current inspection requirements for heavy vehicles or commercial passenger vehicles.
Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure, Bill Yan said the changes were well overdue.
"Territorians were frustrated paying for checks on vehicles that were already being serviced, when they had better things to do with their time, and better uses for their money," he said.
"This is a real, practical cost-of-living saving that also gives people their time back, time they can spend with family, on the water, or enjoying our unique Territory lifestyle."
Minister Yan said the reforms were part of a broader focus on reducing pressure on everyday services, with work underway to identify practical changes to improve Motor Vehicle Registry processes and reduce unnecessary delays for Territorians.
"It is another example of the Finocchiaro CLP Government putting Territorians first in our year of growth, certainty, and security with practical reforms that cut red-tape," he said.
"I can assure Territorians we'll continue to crack down on unroadworthy cars with on-road auditing by NT Government Transport Inspectors, working together with Northern Territory Police Force."
Minister Yan said inspections were still required for heavy vehicles or commercial passenger vehicles.
"When it comes to heavy vehicles or commercial passenger vehicles, it's a different story with The National Transport Commission data showing annual inspections are beneficial and important," he said.
"This is especially proven for components such as tyres, brakes, wipers and shock absorbers," he said.
The removal of annual inspections follows a range of recent CLP Government initiatives to support road users and reduce everyday costs, including freezing car registration fees until 1 July 2026, providing a free driver's licence for a year, enabling three-year trailer registration in 2025, and speeding up the removal of abandoned vehicles.
"It's all about making a safer Territory, a stronger economy and restoring our unique Territory lifestyle Territorians deserve," he said.
https://nt.gov.au/
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