Owning a car in Western Australia (WA) gives you great freedom — but it also comes with legal duties. Whether you drive your car daily, rent it out, or simply keep it parked, there are laws every car owner must follow to stay compliant. Ignoring them can lead to heavy fines, loss of registration, or even legal action.

Understanding Your Legal Obligations as a Car Owner

Every car owner in WA must ensure their vehicle is roadworthy, properly registered, and insured before driving on public roads. These responsibilities are enforced by the Department of Transport (DoT) and the WA Police, ensuring all vehicles on the road meet safety and environmental standards.

In addition to driving compliance, car owners who rent out or share their vehicles (like through peer-to-peer platforms such as Accura Cars) must also meet certain insurance, registration, and maintenance obligations.

1. Vehicle Registration and Licensing

All vehicles in Western Australia must be registered with the WA Department of Transport. Driving an unregistered car is illegal and can result in serious penalties.

Key points to remember:

• Annual registration renewal is mandatory — you’ll get a renewal notice from the DoT before expiry.
• The vehicle must have a current vehicle licence (rego) before it can be legally driven or rented.
• Registration covers basic third-party injury insurance (Compulsory Third Party or CTP insurance).
• You must update ownership details immediately when buying or selling a vehicle.

Tip: If you rent out your car through Accura Cars, always ensure the registration is current — this protects both you and your renters.

2. Compulsory Third-Party (CTP) Insurance

Every registered vehicle in WA automatically includes CTP insurance, which covers injuries to other people if your vehicle is involved in an accident.

However, CTP does not cover property damage — either to your vehicle or someone else’s. That’s why it’s wise (and often required by rental platforms) to also have comprehensive car insurance or rental-specific coverage.

Types of additional insurance to consider:

• Comprehensive insurance – covers damage to your car and others.
• Third-party property insurance – covers damage to other vehicles or property, not your own.
• Peer-to-peer rental insurance – specialized cover for owners renting cars to others (many platforms like Accura Cars include this automatically).

Having the right insurance protects you financially if an accident occurs while your car is being used by someone else.

3. Roadworthiness and Vehicle Safety Standards

WA law requires that all vehicles must be safe, roadworthy, and maintained to a minimum standard. That means keeping your car in good working condition and ensuring it meets all safety requirements.

Your main responsibilities include:

• Ensuring brakes, tyres, and lights work properly at all times.
• Maintaining seatbelts, windscreen wipers, and mirrors.
• Keeping registration plates clean and visible.
• Ensuring your vehicle meets emission and noise standards.

If you rent your car out, it’s your legal duty to have it inspected regularly to ensure safety for renters. Unsafe or poorly maintained cars can lead to fines or liability if an accident occurs.

4. Liability for Fines and Offences

In WA, the registered car owner is responsible for paying any fines linked to their vehicle, including speeding, parking, or toll violations.

If someone else is driving (for example, a renter), you can nominate the actual driver when you receive the fine notice. However, if you fail to nominate them within the allowed time, you may remain liable for the fine and any associated penalties.

Tip for car owners renting out vehicles:

Keep accurate records of who rented your car and when — platforms like Accura Cars help automate this process, making it easier to manage fines and driver accountability.

5. Updating Personal and Vehicle Information

It’s also your legal responsibility to keep your personal and vehicle details up to date with the WA Department of Transport.

This includes:

• Change of address or contact details
• Sale or transfer of vehicle ownership
• Any modification that affects the car’s structure or performance

Failing to update your information may lead to missed fines, registration cancellations, or loss of insurance coverage.

6. When Renting Out Your Car: Extra Responsibilities

If you’re listing your car for rent in Perth through peer-to-peer platforms like Accura Cars, a few extra legal responsibilities apply:

You must:

• Disclose all relevant vehicle information truthfully.
• Ensure the vehicle is registered, insured, and roadworthy.
• Provide clear rental terms and inspect the car before and after each trip.
• Report any accidents or damage to your insurer and platform immediately.

These steps help protect you legally and ensure renters have a safe, positive experience.

7. Record Keeping and Documentation

Always keep digital or physical copies of:

• Vehicle registration certificate
• Insurance policy documents
• Maintenance records
• Rental or trip logs

These records can save you trouble if disputes, insurance claims, or legal questions arise later.

8. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with WA vehicle laws can lead to serious consequences, including:

• Fines for expired registration
• Vehicle impoundment
• Cancellation of licence or insurance
• Civil liability in case of an accident

Regularly reviewing your car’s legal and maintenance status helps avoid unexpected issues.

Final Thoughts

Owning a car in WA comes with more than just driving privileges — it brings clear legal responsibilities. By keeping your vehicle registered, insured, and roadworthy, you protect yourself, your renters, and everyone else on the road.

If you’re planning to rent out your car, make sure all your legal obligations are met before listing it online. Platforms like Accura Cars make compliance easy by helping you manage listings, inspections, and renter details — so you can earn with confidence while staying within the law.