Motorists will receive a text message when their registration expires under a new opt-in initiative by the NSW government after 50,000 drivers were fined for driving while unregistered or uninsured in 2025 alone.
More than one million motorists already receive digital reminders via email or their MyServiceNSW and Service NSW account inboxes two weeks and one day before their vehicle registration expires.
However, the Labor government is expanding the opt-in program to include SMS reminders for motorists, reminding them to renew their rego and to stop them from driving unregistered by accident.
Digital Government Minister Jihad Dib said many vehicle registrations were not renewed on time “because paperwork is misplaced or simply forgotten”.
“We know people lead busy lives and can carry huge mental to-do lists … By introducing an overdue SMS notification one day after expiry as a final reminder to get your registration sorted, we could save you hundreds of dollars in fines while keeping everyone safe on our roads,” he said.
“This is a simple idea that could make a huge difference to people; by giving drivers this option we are offering you a convenient reminder in the palm of your hand.”
Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said the consequences for failing to renew rego, which can “slip down the to-do list”, were serious.
“Driving unregistered doesn’t just risk a fine, it means being uninsured and putting yourself and others at risk on our roads,” she said.
“These SMS reminders are a simple, practical way to help people stay on top of their rego and avoid an honest mistake.”
In NSW, motorists can be fined up to $818 for driving or parking an unregistered vehicle on a road or “road-related area”.
For heavy vehicles, fines skyrocket to a whopping $1728.
Digital registration reminders are optional in NSW and customers who don’t opt in continue to receive paper reminders in the mail about six weeks before vehicle registration is due.
Messages encouraging more than four million people to join the scheme will be sent out throughout May and June as part of a government blitz.
