
NSW boaters slugged with the same fees as trucks on the state’s toll roads just because the boat they’re towing is a bit tall or long will be able to claim back the charges from early next month.
Some of NSW’s boaters are charged the same fees as semi-trailers in the state because their boat sits higher than 2.8 metres on the trailer or measures longer than 12.5 metres long from the tip of the front bumper to the end of the outboard engine.
Because this falls under the toll road operators’ definition of a “Class B” vehicle such as a truck, drivers hauling boats are hit with a toll that can be as much as three times higher than for a “Class A” car towing a trailer.
Related content:
Boat owners can now register for a rebate scheme, called the Large Towed Recreation Vehicle Toll Rebate, via their toll tag provider’s website.
From November 8, boat owners who have paid the higher toll can start claiming it back by logging into their toll road account, clicking on the cashback option to submit a claim online.

For those who prefer a more traditional way of claiming, Transport for NSW also provides a paper-based form that people can fill in and email to the department.
Transport for NSW said the scheme did not apply to tolls charged for the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour Tunnel because they used a single toll fee for all vehicles.
It said the toll rebate scheme would also apply to motorways opening to traffic in coming months, including NorthConnex and the WestConnex M5 East/M8.