Roadworthy and Safety Inspections

A Roadworthy Check, or Vehicle Examination in some states, will help keep you and drivers around you safe. By ensuring that all vehicles on our roads are in line with state guidelines, road safety authorities can make informed assumptions of what vehicle classes will be using the roads under their jurisdiction. These checks ensure that there is a standard of quality present across all vehicles on the roads, which could become relevant for a variety of reasons including car sales, insurance claims and traffic stops.

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Roadworthiness Requirements State to State

A roadworthy check is a general condition check for your vehicle. There are a variety of reasons why one might be needed, with states differing on what will trigger the need for an inspection. Be aware that a roadworthy check is not a complete summary of a vehicle’s mechanical health and quality. The requirements for a vehicle to pass a roadworthy inspection also differ between states. To help you in working with your chosen mechanic we have done our best to summarise the differing requirements below, but we recommend accessing data from your state’s transport authority to ensure you have all the required information for your state. In some states a roadworthy certificate is a requirement before the car can be sold or re-registered. Where possible we have also included this information below.

Victoria

A Roadworthy Certificate is required in Victoria before a car can be sold or re-registered.

Roadworthy requirements in Victoria are dictated by VicRoads. When checking for roadworthiness a licensed mechanic will ensure that the vehicle is in a generally good condition, an assessment made on the judgement of the chosen qualified professional.

After assessing the general condition the mechanic then needs to specifically confirm that the braking systems are functioning correctly, not worn down, able to keep the vehicle stationary on any grade of hill, free of leaks and that corresponding brake lights are connected and working properly.

The chassis and vehicle body are also required to be in a condition that is not indicative of future structural failure. They need to ensure that the mechanisms of the car, such as doors and boots, are fully functional. Chassis and body requirements will vary depending on the type of vehicle, for example vehicles with a type of tray will be required to have suitable mudflaps to pass a roadworthy inspection.

New South Wales

Vehicles in New South Wales do not need to pass a roadworthy check in order to be sold. However vehicles older then 5 years do need a roadworthy check before they can be re-registered.

Roadworthiness in New South Wales is ascertained as per guidelines set down by the New South Wales government transport department. When being checked, your chosen professional will ensure that the windscreen wipers, headlights, horns and seatbelts are all working correctly. They’ll check the vehicle tyres, including spare tyres, to confirm they are in good condition and inflated to the recommended pressure.

Roadworthiness in NSW can also be affected if your vehicle has had significant modification from the original construction, so your chosen professional will also assess any modifications that have been made to your vehicle. Defects in your car, such as unusual/loud noises, dripping oil or too much smoke being generated, can also lead to a defect notice being issued. Defects that are not repaired by the due date on the notice can also affect the roadworthiness of your car.

Queensland

A vehicle needs a Roadworthy Certificate in Queensland to be sold and to be re-registered.

Roadworthiness in Queensland requires a comprehensive confirmation that the vehicle meets safety standards set down by the Queensland Transport Code of Practice. Your chosen professional will check your vehicles lights, tyres, steering systems, windscreen, suspension, seatbelts and airbags. They’ll ensure that there is not evidence of damaging rust or problems with oil leaks. Systems such as your brakes and battery will need to be in working order and your radiator hose will need to be in good condition.

Western Australia

In Western Australia a roadworthy inspection is known as a Vehicle Examination and are performed to confirm that the vehicle meets the “Vehicle Standards Rules (VSRs)”

You do not need a Vehicle Examination for a car to be sold in Western Australia.

VSRs are set down by the Road Traffic Act from the Western Australia Department of Transport. The most recent update was published in 2002 and your mechanic will follow those rules when inspecting your vehicle.

South Australia

You do not need a Roadworthy Certificate for a car to be sold in South Australia.

Your car may need a roadworthy test in South Australia if it has been modified or fitted with an engine that differs from the standard for its model. Other instances requiring roadworthy assessment include, but are not limited to, having been issued a major defect notice, your car being imported from overseas or is a vehicle that was previously written off but that you are wanting to repair.

In South Australia a roadworthy check will ensure that the vehicle complies with standard vehicle requirements. They will check and confirm the quality of the wheels and tyres, the brakes and steering systems, that the lamps and reflectors are operational and that the exhaust and emission controls are in line with requirements. They’ll also confirm the integrity of the chassis and windows, as well as safety devices such as seatbelts and airbags.

Australian Capital Territory

Selling a car in the Australian Capital Territory does not require a roadworthy certificate. However it is worth noting that all cars older then 6 years do require a roadworthy certificate, so if you are selling a car over 6 years old it will need a roadworthy check before being sold.

You can expect that the person conducting your inspection will confirm that your vehicle identification numbers are registered and up to date. They’ll then be able to run through the basic once overs required for roadworthiness. These include; wheels and tyres, functional lights and reflectors, functional seatbelts and airbags, steering checks, suspension and braking systems in working order, windscreens and windows unbroken and washing accessories still functional, and any other safety concerns regarding the general vehicle structure.

Something worth nothing in the Australian Capital Territory’s roadworthiness requirements, is that if your car is a public vehicle, a modified vehicle, an imported vehicle or a vehicle lacking compliance plates then the roadworthiness inspection must be performed by Access Canberra Motor Vehicle Inspection Station at Hume. Always check the Access Canberra website to ensure you’re getting the correct inspection for your vehicle.

Northern Territory

A Roadworthy Certificate is not required in the Northern Territory in order to sell your car. Roadworthy inspections also aren’t required for vehicle registration for vehicles under 5 years old. However you will need to get a roadworthy inspection once your vehicle is more then 5 years old and then again when it is older then 10 years. Following that 10 year period, vehicles are required to get a roadworthy assessment annually.

As per guidelines set down by the Northern Territory state government, vehicles must comply with standard vehicle requirements including wheels and tyres, steering, brakes, seatbelts, lamps and reflectors, exhaust and emission controls, windscreens and wipers and vehicle body and chassis. You can find an authorised vehicle inspector for Northern Territory through Enji.

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