Historic Registration

In a recent letter to the Qld Department of Transport our President, Carl Neilsen asked some questions regarding the use of Histroic Vehicles as defined by the Department. This is what he wrote:

Dear Anne,

Thank you for your telephone call regarding the use of special interest vehicles.
I would like to know what Queensland Transports interpretation of the word "Rally" is ?. The reason I ask is that as a club most of our outing are conducted in a non-competitive format and therefore don't technically qualify as rallies. Most of our Club outings are run as a general scenic drive starting at a defined point and ending normally at a park or the likes for a picnic or B.B.Q.
I would also like to know who is allowed to operate a concessional registered special interest vehicle?. Are drivers other than the registered operator legally allowed to drive the vehicle on public roads?.
We are endeavouring to make sure that our club members are aware of the rules relating to the use of their special interest vehicles, as there has been some confusion in interpreting the guide for the use of special interest vehicles. We are also wanting to ensure that people do not abuse this excellent registration scheme, as it is keeping our motoring heritage alive and provides the opportunity for some very rare machinery to be seen by the public and enjoyed by the owners who spend untold hours restoring and looking after their machines.
Your comments would be greatly appreciated by both myself and our clubs members.

Kind regards
Carl Neilsen
President
The FIAT Car Club of Queensland inc.

The response was this:

Hi Carl

Under the guidelines for the special interest vehicle (SIV) concession the vehicle can be used to: participate in rallies organised by properly incorporated car clubs participating in processions for which a Special Events Permit has been issued exhibiting the vehicle in displays, fetes or similar functions conducted for religious, charitable or educational purposes. use for ceremonial purposes involving immediate family members (eg weddings and school formals) preparing for, proceeding to and returning from the above activities Other uses relating to having repairs conducted and road testing.
Neither the SIV guide nor the legislation about the SIV concession defines a rally therefore the dictionary definition applies. Under the Australian Oxford Dictionary rally means a competition for motor vehicles over public roads; a mass meeting of supporters or persons having a common interest. Given this meaning of rally the type of events mentioned in your e-mail would be considered a rally. These events must be sanctioned by the car club.
There is nothing in the SIV guide nor the legislation that requires the registered operator to be driving the vehicle in any of these events. In fact the SIV Guide was developed to accompany the vehicle so that if anyone else was driving the vehicle they could familiarise themselves with the allowed uses. This is detailed on page 1 under the heading 'About the Guide'
I hope this clarifies the requirements.

Anne Kirby
Advisor (Policy)
Queensland Transport
Ph 3253 4113

Registration of Street Rods & Vintage Cars information can be found here on the Qld Transport website.