A Certificate of Roadworthiness is generally required when a vehicle is sold, or if a used vehicle is to be re-registered. This helps minimise the number of poorly maintained vehicles on the road. In some cases, a Certificate of Roadworthiness (or roadworthy certificate ) is also required to clear a Vehicle Defect Notice or a Notice of Unroadworthiness.

As a way of enhancing the public’s safety, the Roadworthy Certificate protects not only the seller or buyer of then the vehicle in question, but also the safety of the general public at large from shabby vehicles travelling on Australian roads.

The inspection is a check of the vehicle to ensure that key components have not worn or deteriorated and that the vehicle is safe for normal road use.

A roadworthy inspection only covers the major safety related items, including:

• wheels and tyres
• steering, suspension and braking systems
• seats and seat belts
• lamps and reflectors
• windscreen, and windows including front windscreen wipers and washers
• the structure of the vehicle itself
• other safety related items on the body, chassis or engine.

The roadworthiness test is not a check of the mechanical reliability or general condition of the vehicle. If you require a comprehensive check on the overall condition and reliability of the vehicle then you should arrange for a separate independent report such as those offered by the RACV or VACC.

A Certificate of Roadworthiness can only be issued by a licensed vehicle tester, operating from a nominated garage or service station.

Having a Roadworthiness Certificate verifies that a vehicle is in sound operating condition.We hope that helps answer the question ‘What is What is a Roadworthy Certificate?’!

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