When CVS and HVS Vehicles Can Be Used

If your vehicle has classic or historic vehicle registration, it can only be used:

  • for events organised by primary clubs affiliated with Transport for NSW approved organisations
  • for events organised by community organisations if an official invitation is received and recorded by the primary club in the official minutes or 'Day Book'
  • for short journeys to service and inspect the vehicle from your place of garaging
  • on longer journeys if you notify your primary club and the details are recorded in the primary club's official minutes.

Classic vehicle log books

If you record your vehicle use in a classic or historic vehicle log book, you can drive your registered vehicle for up to 60 days each year outside of organised club events. Find out more about historic and classic vehicle log books.

Using your vehicle for functions

If your classic vehicle is operating a passenger transport service – for example, for weddings or other functions – you must:

  • comply with the Point to Point Transport (Taxis and Hire Vehicles) legislation – see Point to Point Transport
  • seek approval from the club and have the details recorded in the organisation's official minutes or 'Day Book'.

Interstate vehicles and travelling outside NSW

If your classic or historic vehicle is registered in NSW, you may temporarily use it in other states and territories. You'll need to abide by the same conditions that apply in NSW.

If you are visiting from interstate and your vehicle is registered under a similar scheme in your home state or territory, you may use it temporarily in NSW. You'll need to observe the same conditions that apply in your home jurisdiction.

Towing and loads

Classic and Historic vehicles can tow a trailer that is either:

Historic vehicles must meet these requirements if carrying a load:

  • Loads cannot be carried for commercial purposes.
  • Loads must be the private property of the vehicle operator and/or carried as part of a club event.
  • Loads must be restrained to the standards detailed in the Load Restraint Guide.

Number plates and certificates

Once they are registered, classic and historic vehicles must display classic vehicle registration number plates.

Name bars may be fixed to the number plate, provided the position of the name bar does not obscure the number plate.

The Certificate of Approved Operations, detailing the conditions applicable to the operation of the vehicle, must be carried in the vehicle whenever it is used on a road or road-related area.

Seatbelts and child restraints

Cars, tourers and limousines can only carry 1 person per seating position. Seatbelts must be worn, where fitted.

Drivers of historic vehicles under the Historic Vehicle Scheme are exempt from fitting child restraints when carrying children between 12 months and 7 years, provided:

  • they have written advice from a licensed certifier that it is not reasonably practicable to install seatbelts and/or child restraints in the historic vehicle, and
  • this written advice is carried in the vehicle when transporting any child between 12 months and 7 years.

All passengers under 12 months must be restrained in an approved child restraint.

See Period options, accessories and safety items for a list of approved items for historic vehicles.