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Incentives for low and zero emissions vehicles

Discounted registration for zero and low-emissions vehicles

Vehicle registration fees in the ACT are transitioning from a weight-based system to an emissions-based system for most light vehicles. This means that lower emissions vehicles will pay lower registration fees. Eligible vehicles include:

  • zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs)
  • plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs)
  • hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)
  • low-emission petrol and diesel vehicles.

The ACT also offers motor vehicle duty (stamp duty) exemptions to encourage residents to buy and register zero and low-emissions vehicles.

Find out more about how the ACT Government is planning to reduce transport emissions.

Motor vehicle duty exemption

In the ACT, the following vehicles are exempt from motor vehicle duty:

  • New or used ZEVs.
  • New PHEVs and HEVs purchased or acquired on or after 1 August 2022.
  • Used PHEVs and HEVs purchased or acquired on or after 1 July 2023.

To qualify, you must hold an ACT Driver Licence and garage the vehicle in the ACT. Company vehicles are eligible if the business has physical premises in the ACT, and the vehicle is also garaged there.

Eligibility for ZEVs, PHEVs, and HEVs

  • The vehicle must have been acquired on or after 1 August 2022. For example, a purchaser can provide a deposit for a vehicle if they make the final payment on or after 1 August 2022. For vehicles acquired through other means such as a gift or transfer of name, this must be completed on or after 1 August 2022.
  • The vehicle must have a tailpipe emission of no more than 130 g/km and weigh under 4.5 tonnes.
  • Converted vehicles (e.g., those converted to ZEV, PHEV, or HEV) that meet the above criteria are eligible.
  • Second-hand imported ZEVs (grey imports) that meet the above criteria are included.
  • Applicants must hold an ACT Driver Licence, and the vehicle must not have been registered in their name before 1 August 2022.

Eligibility for used PHEVs and HEVs

  • The vehicle must have been acquired on or after 1 July 2023. For example, a purchaser can provide a deposit for a vehicle if they make the final payment on or after 1 July 2023. For vehicles acquired through other means such as a gift or transfer of name, this must be completed on or after 1 July 2023.
  • The vehicle must have a tailpipe emission of no more than 130 g/km and weigh under 4.5 tonnes.
  • Second-hand imported ZEVs (grey imports) that meet the above criteria are included.
  • Applicants must hold an ACT Driver Licence, and the vehicle must not have been registered in their name before 1 July 2023.

You can use the CO2 calculator on the Green Vehicle Guide website to check your vehicle’s tailpipe emissions.

How to get the exemption

  • If you’re buying through a dealership, they’ll let you know if your vehicle is eligible for the exemption when they register it.
  • If you’re registering the vehicle yourself, Access Canberra will tell you if it qualifies.

For more information, read about vehicle registration and transfer.

Sustainable Household Scheme

Interest-free loans of up to $15,000 are available to eligible homeowners for sustainable products. This includes new and used ZEVs and household ZEV charging infrastructure. Visit the Everyday Climate Choices website to learn more.