If you’re considering selling your car, transferring ownership, or even re-registering a vehicle in Queensland, you’re probably familiar with the term “Roadworthy Safety Certificate”. But what exactly is it? And what do you need to get one?
Below, we will explain everything you need to know about Roadworthy Safety Certificates in an easy-to-understand way.
What is a Roadworthy Safety Certificate?
In a nutshell, a Roadworthy Safety Certificate (often referred to as just a “Safety Certificate”) is your golden ticket that says, “My car is safe to drive on Queensland roads”. It’s a mandatory requirement if you’re selling a vehicle, looking to transfer registration to someone else, or re-registering an unregistered vehicle (one that’s been off the road for a while – 90 days). Without it, you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads.
In Queensland, a Safety Certificate isn’t just for cars. You’ll also need one if you want to sell or register a motorcycle, a trailer with an aggregate trailer mass between 750kg and 3.5 tonnes, or any other vehicle with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) up to 4.5 tonnes.
So, how do you get your hands on one of these? It’s pretty straightforward, and we’ll take a closer look at the details of what’s checked next.
What do inspectors check for?
During a safety certificate inspection, a qualified inspector will look at several different parts of your car and file a detailed report. The goal in doing this is to make sure your vehicle is safe for you and everyone else on the road. Here’s what they’ll look at:
Tyres
Sufficient tread depth and uneven wear will be looked for, so if you’re hoping to get a Safety Certificate, make sure you aren’t driving around on bald tyres!
Brakes
Brakes are, obviously, one of the most important parts when it comes to vehicle safety. The inspector will look to make sure they’re functioning properly, and this will include both the brake pads and rotors as well as the park brake.
Steering & Suspension
Does your car handle well? Or does it feel more like you’re trying to steer a boat? Inspectors will check the steering and suspension to make sure everything is tight and responsive during their safety inspection test drive.
Lights
All lights (headlights, brake lights, and indicators) need to be in working order to get a Roadworthy Safety Certificate.
Windscreen
A damaged windscreen is considered a big safety hazard, and the inspector will be checking for cracks and chips to make sure everything is in good condition.
Seats & Seatbelts
If your seatbelts are frayed or don’t lock properly, or the seats are wobbly and unsafe, they’ll need to be fixed before you can be awarded a Safety Certificate.
Body & Chassis
The overall condition of the car’s body and undercarriage will also be inspected. Rust, damage, or anything that could compromise safety will need swift attention before a Safety Certificate can be issued.
Road Test
The inspection will also involve taking your car for a quick spin to make sure everything is working as it should when driving in real conditions. If it handles well, and all the other points above pass, there shouldn’t be any problems with issuing a Safety Certificate.
Why is a Safety Certificate Important?
Besides the fact that you need a safety certificate because the Queensland government legally requires it, the whole point of safety certificates is to make sure and prove that your car isn’t a danger on the road. Not only is it protecting you and your passengers, but it is also making sure you aren’t putting other road users at risk.
Think of it this way: if you’re selling your car, wouldn’t you want the next owner to know it’s in good shape? It’s all about peace of mind. So, whether you’re buying, selling, or just making sure your ride is safe to drive, a Safety Certificate is all the proof you need.
How Long is a Safety Certificate Valid?
In Queensland, a Safety Certificate is valid for 2 months or 2,000km (whichever comes first) if you’re selling a registered vehicle independently. For licensed motor dealers, it lasts 3 months or 1,000km. So, keep these timings in mind when you’re getting yours.
What Happens if My Vehicle Fails the Inspection?
If your vehicle doesn’t pass the inspection, it’s not the end of the world. You’ll be given time to make the necessary repairs. Once everything is fixed, you can have it reinspected. Remember, though, that there’s usually a fee for the reinspection, so the best thing to do is take your vehicle in for car servicing before the inspection.
This will give you the opportunity to address any issues found by a fully qualified mechanic, get them fixed, and hopefully breeze through the inspection with no worries.
It’s also important to note that only Approved Inspection Stations (AIS) in Queensland can perform these inspections and issue Safety Certificates. These stations are specially authorised to conduct thorough vehicle inspections. After the inspection, if your vehicle passes, they’ll provide you with either a handwritten certificate or an electronically issued one.
For electronic Safety Certificates, the AIS can either email you a digital copy, or you can ask for a printed version, whichever is most convenient for you.
Final Thoughts
Getting a Safety Certificate inspection isn’t just about ticking off a legal requirement – it’s about ensuring your vehicle is safe for you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road. Everything needs to meet specific safety standards, from tyres to brakes and overall bodywork. And remember, it’s not just cars that need Safety Certificates. Motorcycles, trailers, and other vehicles with a GVM up to 4.5 tonnes do, too. So, whether you’re selling or making sure it’s still roadworthy, you’ll need a Safety Certificate.
