(1)  Except as provided by this regulation, a person must not use, or cause or permit the use of, a vehicle or combination on a public street unless –

(a) the vehicle or combination complies with each provision of the Vehicle Standards applying to the vehicle or combination; and

(b) the vehicle or combination, and each part of the vehicle or combination and its equipment, is in a safe and roadworthy condition; and

(c) each light, reflector, sign, writing, colouring or band required to be fitted, lit or displayed on the vehicle or combination under the Vehicle Standards is clean and unobscured.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 20 penalty units.

(2)  Subregulation (1)(a) does not apply to a vehicle or combination if –

(a) it is used on a public street under one of the following authorisations:

(i) a permit issued by the Commission under Part 6 of the Vehicle and Traffic (Vehicle Operations) Regulations 2024 ;

(ii) a short term unregistered vehicle permit issued under the Vehicle and Traffic (Driver Licensing and Vehicle Registration) Regulations 2021 ;

(iii) conditional registration under the Vehicle and Traffic (Driver Licensing and Vehicle Registration) Regulations 2021 ;

(iv) an exemption under section 28 or 29 of the Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999 ;

(v) an exemption, approval or determination issued by the Registrar under the Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999 ; and

(b) the authorisation excuses or has the effect of excusing the vehicle or combination from having to comply with the applicable provision of the Vehicle Standards; and

(c) the vehicle or combination is being used in accordance with the authorisation.

(3)  Subregulation (1)(a) does not apply to or in relation to the failure of a motor vehicle's emission control system to comply with applicable provisions of the Vehicle Standards if, despite the non-compliance, the system is continuing to operate essentially in accordance with its original design.

(4)  It is a defence in proceedings under subregulation (1)(a) to show that, at the relevant time, the vehicle or combination failing to comply with an applicable provision of the Vehicle Standards was –

(a) being repaired, or being tested in the course of being repaired, so that it would comply with the Vehicle Standards; and

(b) not endangering its occupants or other road users while being so repaired or tested.