In Brief
The reform will make the registered owner liable for tolls from the moment a vehicle passes a toll point. Rental operators will no longer be able to transfer liability to a renter through a statutory declaration, except where the vehicle was stolen. Operators should start reviewing recovery processes now.
What Is Changing?
Under current law, the driver is liable for a toll first. If the driver does not pay, liability shifts to the registered owner, usually the rental operator, who can currently discharge that liability by providing a sworn statement or statutory declaration naming the driver, or confirming the vehicle was stolen.
The Land Transport (Revenue) Amendment Bill removes that driver liability step. Once in force, the registered person will be liable from the outset. Naming the renter will no longer transfer liability; the remaining exemption is where the vehicle was stolen.
Who is liable. Current: Driver first, then registered owner if unpaid. Amended: Registered owner from the toll point.
Liability transfer. Current: Name driver, or confirm theft. Amended: Only theft remains an exemption.