There is a lot of confusion with the various registration alternatives available to long distance, heavy vehicle operators. These operators typically cross the border from one state or territory to another in the course of their journey – sometimes on a daily basis.
The Federal Interstate Registration Scheme or FIRS, was introduced in 1987 as an alternative to state based registration for heavy vehicles weighing more than 4.5 tonnes, engaged exclusively in interstate operations.
The idea was to have consistent & uniform operating conditions & charges for road transport operators travelling across state / territory borders. It essentially replaced the “IS” or “Inter-State” registration scheme that dated back to the late 60’s early 70’s .
In February 2008, COAG and the Australian Transport Council agreed that heavy vehicle charges – including registration & fuel based charges – should be adjusted annually to maintain recovery of road costs. The National Transport Commission (NTC) is responsible for reviewing national heavy vehicle charges and calculating these annual adjustments.
FIRS registration is available to heavy vehicles weighing over 4.5 tonnes, which are engaged solely in interstate operations. A vehicle registered under the FIRS may not be used for intrastate work, i.e. goods carried by a FIRS vehicle must be in the process of being delivered to an interstate address in a continuous journey (origin / destination documented on a consignment note).
By nature of their definition, special purpose vehicles such as mobile cranes cannot be registered under FIRS. State & Territory permits are required for FIRS registered combinations operating as road trains and vehicles carrying large, indivisible loads.
Like state registration, vehicles must comply with relevant Australian Design Rules (ADR’s) and other standard requirements in relation to vehicle construction, equipment and performance standards. FIRS vehicles must have compulsory thi9rd party insurance for the period of registration.
For the full article or for more information, please go to www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/motor/firs
This article reproduced with the permission of the National Transport Commission.
