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Roadworthy Certificates

When it comes to Roadworthy Certificates, we got you covered.

If there is an issue that needs attention before your vehicle can be considered roadworthy, we have a fully equipped shop filled with qualified mechanics able to fix the problem.

What do we check?

Vehicle inspections are performed according to the Vehicle Inspection Manuals, which are the same manuals used by transport inspection officers and police officers when determining if a vehicle is defective.

 The Queensland Light Vehicle Inspection Manual and the National Vehicle Inspection Manual provide the industry with consistent guidelines for all approved vehicle inspector stations. 

A roadworthy certificate proves your vehicle has passed a roadworthy test completed by an authorised roadworthy inspector. The test is comprised of various criteria points that the vehicle must pass to qualify. These areas include:

  • Tyres
  • Brakes
  • Steering
  • Suspension
  • Body (For Rust or Damage)
  • Windscreen
  • Lights

How Much Does it cost?

The only businesses in Queensland that can provide a safety certificate are approved inspection stations, such as us at CDS

  • For motor vehicles of up to 4500kg GVM the fee is $89.85

Safety certificates can be either handwritten or electronically issued, which can be either emailed or printed. The fee for the safety certificate is the same whether handwritten or electronic, however, it does vary between vehicle classifications.

when do i need a roadworthy?

According to the Queensland government website, a safety certificate is required in three situations:

  • When transfering the registration to a new owner
  • When transfering to Queensland registration from another state or territoy
  • When re-registering an unregistered vehicle

There are some exemptions. Unregistered vehicles, or those traded to or between licensed motor dealers, do not require a safety certificate. Vehicle owners in some remote areas may be exempt, as are beneficiaries of a deceased estate. You also do not need a safety certificate to transfer a vehicle between spouses, including separated married couples or de facto partners until the divorce or equivalent is finalised. There are four categories of vehicles requiring safety certificates:

  • Cars
  • Motorcycles
  • Caravans or Trailers between 750kg and 3500kg aggregate trailer mass (ATM)
  • All other vehicles with a GVM (gross vehicle mass) of up to 4500kg

When you transfer a vehicle, you must give a current safety certificate to the new owner. It is your responsibility to ensure the certificate is provided, or you could be fined over $650. You can give the new owner the original version of the handwritten certificate, a digital copy of an electronically issued safety certificate or the certificate number for an electronic certificate.

How long is a roadworthy valid?

For licensed motor vehicle dealers, roadworthy certificates are valid for up to 3 months or 1000km, whichever is passed first. For all other sellers, safety certificates are valid for 2 months or up to 2000km from the date of issue.

Every vehicle sale requires a new safety certificate, even if the previous certificate is still valid. You can, however, use the same safety certificate that was used to register an unregistered vehicle to put it up for sale.