If you want to sell your car, motorcycle, or caravan, you must have a current roadworthy safety certificate. Owners are no longer required to have a safety certificate before selling a vehicle though safety certificates must be obtained before transferring ownership. Continue reading for information on obtaining your roadworthy safety certificate and the associated costs.

What Is the Price of a Roadworthy Certificate?

Safety certificates can be issued either handwritten or electronically, and they can be emailed or printed. The fee for the safety certificate is the same whether it is handwritten or electronic, but it varies depending on the vehicle classification. We charge anywhere from $85 for a car.

Approved inspection stations are the only businesses in Queensland that can provide a safety certificate.

Other Fees for a Roadworthy Certificate

It’s important to note that safety certificate fees only cover the certificate and do not include inspection labor costs, which can vary depending on mechanics or inspection stations.

If your vehicle is unregistered and must be driven on the road for inspection, you must also consider the cost of a CTP insurance certificate. Visit the Queensland government website for more information on registering unregistered vehicles.

What Is The Meaning Of A Roadworthy Safety Certificate?

A vehicle must pass an inspection by an approved inspection station and be issued a safety certificate before it can be considered roadworthy. The inspection looks at the basics of vehicle safety, such as brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, body rust or damage, windscreen, and lights.

Vehicle inspections are carried out in accordance with the Vehicle Inspection Manuals, which are the same manuals used by transport inspection officers and police officers to determine whether or not a vehicle is defective. The Queensland Light Vehicle Inspection Manual and the National Vehicle Inspection Manual set consistent guidelines for all approved vehicle inspector stations in the industry.

You can find copies of the manuals on the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads website for more detailed information, including reasons why vehicles may fail an inspection.

Is A Roadworthy Certificate Required?

A safety certificate is required in three situations, according to the Queensland government website:

  • When transferring ownership to a new owner
  • When transferring registration from another state or territory to Queensland
  • When re-registering a previously unregistered vehicle

There are a few exceptions. Unregistered vehicles, as well as those traded to or between licensed motor dealers, are exempt from the requirement for a safety certificate. Vehicle owners in some remote areas, as well as beneficiaries of a deceased estate, may be exempt. A safety certificate is also not required when transferring a vehicle between spouses, including separated married couples or de facto partners, until the divorce or equivalent is finalized. There are four types of vehicles that require safety certificates:

  • Cars
  • Motorcycles
  • Caravans or trailers weighing between 750kg and 3500kg total trailer mass (ATM)
  • Other vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of up to 4500kg

When transferring a vehicle, you must provide the new owner with a current safety certificate. It is your responsibility to provide the certificate, or you may be fined more than $650. You can hand over the original handwritten certificate, a digital copy of an electronically issued safety certificate, or the certificate number for an electronic certificate to the new owner.

How Long Does A Roadworthy Certificate Last?

Roadworthy certificates are valid for up to three months or 1000 kilometers for licensed motor vehicle dealers, whichever comes first. Safety certificates are valid for 2 months or up to 2000km from the date of issue for all other sellers.

Even if the previous certificate is still valid, every vehicle sale necessitates a new safety certificate. However, you can use the same safety certificate that was used to register an unregistered vehicle to sell it.

Totally Mobile Roadworthy is an approved inspection and can provide an official safety certificate if your vehicle meets our requirements.

Source URL: https://totallymobileroadworthy.com.au/blog/blog/how-much-does-a-roadworthy-vehicle-cost-in-queensland/