A large number of our members have vehicles on Historic Registration (one of 3 categories in the Conditional Rego scheme), and we’ve found it to be an affordable way of getting our classic cars on the road.  Human nature being what it is, we tend to take it for granted after using it for a while.

In that context, the annual ritual of vehicle inspections & paper stamping can be seen as an unnecessary burden.  Why do we do this?

Let’s revisit the basic principles.  The Registrar of Motor Vehicles (a high ranking public servant who has the right to refuse or cancel registrations) has openly stated at least 3 non-negotiable rules:

• Conditional Rego is an extended privilege, not a right.
• Its Code of Practice must be strictly adhered to.
• It must not have a negative impact on registration revenue.

We are aware that at least one club has been expelled from the scheme because it approved non-compliant vehicles.  That’s got our attention!  The Committee of this club is therefore very diligent in protecting our privilege from abuse.  Section 6.4.2 in the Code of Practice says “each club vehicle must be inspected by their club’s authorised person at a minimum of once every three (3) years ...”  To be safe, this club’s policy is to exercise that word “minimum” and require annual inspections.

Our Conditional Registration Officer (CRO) and his assistants give their clerical & inspection services free of charge, but that doesn’t mean they will chase you.  It is your responsibility to bring your vehicle and paperwork to Subs & Rego Day (or other place directed by the CRO if you have a good excuse).

All documents pertaining to Conditional Rego can be found on the internet, starting here:

• Federation of Historic Motoring Clubs of SA Inc. – Statutory Declaration form download link at the bottom of that page.
• S.A. Govt. website – contains the Code Of Practice & method of applying for Conditional Registration Scheme for Historic Vehicles etc.
• Historic vehicle registration fees
• Check Registration Expiry Date – Plate Type for most of us would be "A Alphanumeric" or "P Personalised" or "V Numeric Vehicle"

A list of your responsibilities is given in the Code of Practice section 11.7 on page 31.  Having complied with each and every one of them, you have just one right – to go for a drive.  If you don’t like the responsibilities, you are welcome to use Full Registration.

1. Ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy.
2. Obtain the Code of Practice (document MR332) and determine that your vehicle is eligible under section 3 (page 6).
3. Obtain an MR334 form from the club’s Conditional Registration Officer – described in the Code as the “authorised person” and allow him to inspect the vehicle at a place directed by him – see section 6.3 of the Code.
4. Sign the MR334 form – see section 6.3.5 of the Code.
5. Take the MR334 to a Service SA shop and submit it together with an MR1 Application form – see section 6.3.6 of the Code.
   You can avoid payment of the Administration Fee next year by registering for a period of 2 or 3 years.
   Ask for an “extension condition” for no extra cost – see section 6.3.7.

1. Print a Statutory Declaration form – go to www.fhmcsa.org.au/hist.htm .
   At the bottom of that page is a link to download it as a PDF file.
2. Take the Stat. Dec. form, the vehicle’s Registration Details Certificate and personal identification (driver’s licence) to a Justice of the Peace who will witness you signing the form as a legal document – see section 6.4.3 of the Code.  The club attempts to bring a JP to one meeting during the first half of the year.  If you miss that opportunity, it’s your job to find a JP.  Most police stations, council chambers and some banks have a JP in house.
3. Attend our annual Subs & Rego Day to achieve the following tasks:
   • Get your vehicle inspected for eligibility by our Conditional Registration Officer (CRO) or his assistants.
   • Pay your annual Membership Fee.
   • Present the following to the CRO: Membership Card, inspection ticket, Log Book & Registration Details Certificate for stamping.
   Driving your vehicle beyond 30 June while not being a financial member of the club which issued the Log Book means driving unregistered & uninsured – painfully expensive (more than $1200).