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Which Rego's Right for Your Ride?

A No-Nonsense Guide to Motorcycle Registration in Victoria


Let’s face it—nobody gets into motorcycles because they love paperwork. But if you want to keep your wheels on the right side of the law in Victoria, you need to understand the rego game. Whether you’re wrenching on a vintage beast or tearing up trails on the weekend, there’s a registration option that fits. Here’s the Machine Alley rundown.


🏍 Full Registration

For: Riders who live in the saddle

This is the standard setup. You get full access to public roads, TAC insurance in case something goes sideways, and you’re street-legal 24/7. Pay it annually, or break it up with quarterly payments if you're tight on cash.


What you get:

  • Ride any public road, any time

  • TAC personal injury cover

  • No log books or BS from the law


Ideal if: You ride to work, tour on weekends, or just love an open road.




🛠 Club Permit Scheme (CPS)

For: Old-school legends and garage kings

Got a bike that’s 25+ years old? The Club Permit Scheme is your ticket to ride—without coughing up for full rego. It’s designed for classic and vintage bikes that aren’t daily riders.

You get either a 45-day or 90-day permit per year, but you’ve gotta be in an approved motorcycle club and log your rides before you head out.


Perks:

  • Way cheaper than full rego

  • Perfect for weekend blasts or show days

  • Keeps your old iron rolling legally


Heads up: No logging your ride = no riding. VicRoads doesn’t mess around.



🌲 Recreational Registration

For: Trail demons and bush bashers

If you’ve got a dirt bike or a trail bike that never sees the bitumen, this one’s for you. Recreational rego is only valid in state forests, off-road parks, and other approved public country roads. Don’t even think about riding it on the road.


Why bother?

  • Makes your bike legal on trails

  • TAC personal injury cover

  • Cheaper than full rego


Just remember: This doesn’t include TAC cover unless you’re in a designated area, and no, you can’t sneak it down to the servo.



🔁 Short-Term Regos

For: Getting your bike to/from a RWC, or for a single trip or journey

In Victoria, temporary vehicle registration for unregistered vehicles is handled through Unregistered Vehicle Permits (UVPs), which VicRoads issues. These permits allow for the movement of unregistered vehicles under specific circumstances, such as for registration or a single trip.


Why bother?

  • Legally move your bike to a mechanic or VicRoads

  • Move your bike to a new location

  • Cheaper than full rego


Just remember: Your vehicle still needs to be roadworthy, and can only be used during daylight hours.


🚫 Unregistered = Don’t Ride It

If your bike’s unregistered, it’s not allowed on any public road, footpath, parking area, or even nature strips. Trailer it, push it, or park it in the shed—but don’t ride it. Fines are no joke.



Rego Type

Best For

The Deal

Full Rego

Daily or frequent road riders

All-road access, TAC cover, pay upfront or split

Club Permit

Classic bike riders (25+ years)

45 or 90-day logbook system, must join a club

Rec Rego

Trail riders only

Off-road, and limited country roads only

Unregistered Vehicle Permits

Getting your bike ready for a rego

Super cheap, pay by the day



Final Words

Don’t let rego confusion stall your ride. Figure out how and where you ride, then pick the option that fits. Whether you’re building a bobber, restoring a postie, or blasting bush trails on weekends, there’s a legit way to keep it on the road—or off it.

Need help? Hit up your club or VicRoads. Or better yet, swing by Machine Alley and talk bikes over a cold one.

 
 
 

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