Police have reminded motorists of their responsibility to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and compliant after stopping a driver in Broken Hill whose vehicle had not been registered for more than a decade.

Just after 10pm on Friday, February 20, 2026, a 35-year-old male was stopped whilst driving in Broken Hill after his vehicle came under the attention of police. It will be alleged that after checks, police discovered the driver's licence was currently suspended and that the vehicle had not been registered since 2014.

The male was issued with a Court Attendance Notice to appear at court on a future date.

Police have reminded motorists that checks should include ensuring headlights, indicators and brake lights are all working before leaving home. Drivers should also ensure that the vehicle has number plates and a bonnet.

Under NSW law, driving whilst suspended carries serious penalties. For a first offence, drivers face a maximum fine of $3,300, an automatic 12-month disqualification period which can be reduced to a minimum of three months, and up to 18 months imprisonment. Second or subsequent offences carry maximum penalties of $5,500, two years disqualification and two years imprisonment.

Driving an unregistered vehicle carries a maximum fine of 20 penalty units, currently $2,200. Police can also seize the vehicle and confiscate number plates.

An unregistered vehicle is also not covered by Compulsory Third Party insurance, meaning the driver is personally liable for any injuries caused to other road users in an accident. This liability can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars and potentially result in bankruptcy.

For vehicles unregistered since 2014, the driver would face additional penalties for the extended period without registration and the lack of valid CTP insurance over that time.

The Road Transport Act 2013 makes it clear that ignorance of the law is not a defence, and drivers cannot claim they were unaware of a vehicle's registration status simply because they are not the owner.

Police use cameras to check number plates for registration and CTP green slip insurance status during routine patrols.