Roadworthy Mackay

What is a Roadworthy Certificate?

A Roadworthy Certificate (RWC), also known as a safety certificate, is an official document issued by a licensed inspector confirming that a vehicle meets the minimum safety standards required for use on public roads in Australia. This inspection assesses critical components such as brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, lights, and the overall structural integrity of the vehicle.

Obtaining a roadworthy certificate is mandatory when selling a registered vehicle, re-registering an unregistered vehicle, or transferring registration from another state. While it doesn’t guarantee the vehicle’s mechanical reliability, it ensures that it is safe to operate during inspection.

Queensland Safety Certificates apply to cars, trailers (between 750kg and 3,500kg ATM) and heavy vehicles (between 4,500kg to 16,000kg). Unlike other states, you don’t need require a safety certificate each year to register your vehicle, however you will need one when:

Voltage Sensing Relay Installation for Safety
Mobile mechanic performing roadworthy check on car

Roadworthy Certificates For All Types Of Vehicles

Are you getting ready to sell your car privately but need to obtain a safety certificate first? 

Moving into Queensland from another state or territory and need transfer your registration over? 

At A.M.D. Automotive Services, our trusted mechanics in Mackay provide roadworthy inspections and issue safety certificates for customers located throughout the region.

We’re licensed to carry out the appropriate inspections for all types of vehicles and trailers including heavy trailers up to 3.5t and heavy vehicles up to 16t, and have been doing so since 2015.

When do I need a Roadworthy Certificate?

Queensland Safety Certificates apply to cars, trailers (between 750kg and 3,500kg ATM) and heavy vehicles (between 4,500kg to 16,000kg). Unlike other states, you don’t need require a safety certificate each year to register your vehicle, however you will need one when:

To get a certificate your vehicle will need to pass a roadworthy test that assesses everything from tyres, brakes and steering to lights, suspension and body condition.

Book in for your next roadworthy with us. If for any reason your vehicle doesn’t pass, we’ll let you know while we still have the car so we can fix anything you need without having to send you elsewhere. 

As we are mobile mechanics in Mackay, we are happy to travel to your location and we will endeavour to accommodate your schedule.

Reception in AMD Automotive Services in South Mackay, QLD
Traveling — AMD Automotive Services in South Mackay, QLD

Common Roadworthy Issues to Watch For

While roadworthy inspections cover a wide range of safety aspects, certain issues commonly arise during vehicle inspections that could cause a vehicle to fail. Here are a few things to keep in mind before booking your roadworthy inspection:

  • Tyres: Worn-out tyres or those with insufficient tread depth are a common failure point. If your tyres are nearing the end of their life, replacing them before your inspection is a good idea to ensure you’re roadworthy in Mackay.
  • Brakes: Faulty or worn-out brake pads, disc rotors, or fluid leaks are serious safety concerns. Make sure your braking system is in good working order before booking your roadworthy inspection.
  • Lights: Non-functional headlights, taillights, or indicator lights can result in a failed inspection. Ensure all exterior lights are operational and free from damage before the roadworthy inspection.
  • Suspension & Steering: Issues like worn suspension components or loose steering can cause a vehicle to fail. If your vehicle feels unstable or makes unusual noises, it’s worth having these checked beforehand.
  • Body Damage: Major rust or body damage, especially on structural components, can cause your vehicle to fail. Pay attention to any areas of the body that may need repair or attention to make sure you’re roadworthy in Mackay.

Being proactive and addressing these issues ahead of time can save you time and money during your inspection to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy in Mackay.

Why Choose Us in Mackay?

At A.M.D. Automotive Services, we are committed to providing thorough and reliable roadworthy inspections to ensure your vehicle is safe and compliant with Queensland’s safety standards. Here’s why we are the preferred choice for roadworthy certificates in Mackay:

  • Experienced Mechanics: Our team has been serving the Mackay community since 2015, offering expert inspections for all vehicle types, including cars, trailers, and heavy vehicles up to 16 tonnes.
  • Mobile Inspection Services: We offer convenient mobile roadworthy inspections. Our services come directly to your location, whether at home or work, minimising disruption to your schedule.
  • Comprehensive Services: In addition to roadworthy inspections, we provide a range of automotive services, including logbook servicing, air conditioning repairs, and general mechanical repairs, ensuring all your vehicle needs are met under one roof.
  • Transparent Communication: If your vehicle doesn’t pass the inspection, we provide clear explanations and work with you to address any issues, aiming to get you back on the road safely and promptly.
  • Customer-Centric Approach: Our commitment to customer satisfaction means we prioritise your convenience and safety, offering flexible scheduling and personalised service tailored to your needs.

Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy in Mackay by booking an inspection with A.M.D. Automotive Services today. Trust us to keep you safe and compliant on the road.

The team of mobile auto mechanics in Mackay - A.M.D Automotive services
Mixing Fuels Valvoline — AMD Automotive Services in South Mackay, QLD

How Our Roadworthy Inspections Work

When you book your inspection with us to ensure you’re roadworthy in Mackay, we follow a comprehensive process to ensure that your vehicle meets Queensland’s safety standards. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect during the inspection:

  • Initial Check: We begin by assessing the overall condition of your vehicle, including an exterior visual check for body damage, rust, and any other obvious issues.
  • Mechanical Inspection: Our team inspects critical mechanical components such as the engine, transmission, suspension, and steering system to ensure they are in good working order.
  • Brake and Tyre Check: Safety is our priority, so we thoroughly check the condition of your tyres, brakes, and other vital safety equipment.
  • Lights and Electrical: We inspect all the lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators, etc.) and the electrical system to ensure they’re functioning properly.
  • Final Report and Certification: After the inspection, we will issue a report detailing the results. If everything passes, you’ll receive your roadworthy certificate. If not, we’ll work with you to get the necessary repairs made to get roadworthy in Mackay today.

At A.M.D. Automotive Services, we’re committed to making the roadworthy certificate process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re selling a vehicle, transferring ownership, or simply ensuring your car, trailer, or heavy vehicle is safe and compliant, our team is here to provide a thorough and reliable inspection. With our mobile service in Mackay, we bring convenience directly to you, ensuring minimal disruption to your schedule.

Our experienced, licensed mechanics are dedicated to delivering quality service and helping you meet Queensland’s safety standards with confidence. If your vehicle needs any repairs, we’ll work with you to address the issues and get you roadworthy in Mackay as soon as possible. Trust A.M.D. Automotive Services to handle your roadworthy certificate needs, so you can drive away knowing your vehicle is safe, legal, and ready for the road. Book your inspection with us today!

When do I need a Roadworthy Certificate?

For licensed motor dealers, the certificate lasts for three months or 1,000km (whichever comes first) from the date of issue. In contrast, for all other sellers, the validity period is two months or 2,000km from the date of issue.

A comprehensive roadworthy inspection is conducted to ensure the vehicle is safe to operate on the roads. This inspection covers a wide variety of the vehicle’s components, including:

  • Tyres and wheels
  • Steering, suspension and braking systems
  • Seats and seat belts
  • Body rust or damage
  • Lights and reflectors
  • Windscreen and windows, including front wipers and washers
  • Vehicle structure
  • Other safety-related items on the body, chassis or engine

Please note that the roadworthy inspection doesn’t serve as a check of the mechanical reliability or general condition of the vehicle.

If your vehicle fails its roadworthy inspection, you will be given a rejection report detailing the areas that didn’t pass. The vehicle then needs to be repaired to meet the standards and undergo another inspection within 14 days from the initial inspection. It’s important to address these issues promptly to ensure your vehicle’s safe operation.

As of now, a roadworthy certificate can’t be obtained online due to the requirement of a comprehensive physical inspection. However, some providers may allow you to book an inspection appointment online for convenience.

Yes, a roadworthy certificate is transferable. If you’re selling your vehicle and it has a valid certificate, the new owner doesn’t need to get a new one unless it expires. This certificate allows the new owner to transfer the registration into their name.

Absolutely. At A.M.D. Automotive Services, we offer roadworthy certificates for commercial vehicles. Commercial vehicles need to adhere to specific safety standards, and a roadworthy certification confirms their compliance with these standards.

While a roadworthy certificate is a solid indicator of a vehicle’s basic safety, it does not cover the mechanical condition of the engine or transmission. For a complete evaluation of these aspects, it’s advisable to invest in a comprehensive vehicle inspection.

New vehicles do not usually require a roadworthy certificate for registration or transfer of ownership. However, regulations may vary, so it’s always a good idea to check local laws.

Unfortunately, we are unable to carry out safety inspections or issue roadworthy certificates for motorcycles as this requires a motorcycle mechanic. We do not currently hold this licence. We are only able to provide these services for Cars, Commercial Vehicles, Trailers & Heavy Vehicles.

A Roadworthy Certificate is crucial in maintaining public road safety by ensuring that vehicles meet essential legal standards before being used or transferred. It acts as a formal assurance that vital components like brakes, tyres, steering, and lights are in good condition and not likely to endanger the driver, passengers, or other road users. Without this certification, there would be a greater risk of driving unsafe vehicles, potentially leading to accidents or breakdowns. By mandating this requirement during key events like sales or re-registrations, authorities help keep unroadworthy vehicles off the roads.

A Roadworthy Certificate inspection is focused solely on determining whether a vehicle meets the minimum safety standards set by law, whereas regular servicing is a routine maintenance process that aims to improve vehicle performance and longevity. Servicing often includes oil changes, engine checks, filter replacements, and general diagnostics that go far beyond the scope of a safety certificate. Roadworthy inspections do not delve into long-term wear or potential future issues unless they pose an immediate safety concern. As a result, passing a roadworthiness test does not guarantee mechanical reliability; it only guarantees immediate road safety.

No, Queensland does not accept roadworthy certificates issued in other states or territories. If you are moving a vehicle into Queensland from another region, you are required to obtain a new Roadworthy Certificate from an Approved Inspection Station (AIS) licensed under Queensland’s transport regulations. This requirement ensures that all vehicles registered in Queensland comply with state-specific safety standards and inspection procedures. Even if your vehicle recently passed an inspection in another state, it will still need to undergo a new assessment to satisfy Queensland registration laws before it can be used legally on local roads.

Yes, trailers and caravans must undergo a roadworthy inspection and obtain a safety certificate when being registered or transferred to a new owner. The same basic safety principles apply—braking systems, tyres, lights, suspension, and structural integrity must be checked to ensure safe towing. However, the specific requirements can vary based on the trailer’s weight and type. For example, trailers under 750kg have simpler requirements than those over 3.5 tonnes, which may also need additional compliance checks. Ensuring trailers and caravans are roadworthy helps prevent towing accidents and improves safety for all road users.

When presenting your vehicle for a roadworthy inspection, you must provide identification, proof of vehicle ownership, and the vehicle registration details. If the vehicle is unregistered or being transferred interstate, additional paperwork may be needed, such as a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) confirmation or import documentation. Clear and accurate paperwork can speed up the inspection process and help avoid administrative delays. Some inspection stations may also request payment in advance or booking confirmation for mobile services. It’s best to check the specific requirements of the service provider beforehand.

Different classes of vehicles often have different roadworthy inspection requirements depending on their use, size, and risk profile. For instance, light passenger vehicles follow standard safety checks, while heavy goods vehicles may require more detailed inspections due to their load-bearing roles. Buses, taxis, and rideshare vehicles are also subject to more frequent and detailed inspections to account for their higher road use and passenger risk. Some vehicle categories, such as LPG-powered cars, may require additional compliance certificates. Understanding these distinctions helps ensure the correct certification is obtained for legal road use and vehicle registration.

Vehicles often fail roadworthy inspections due to worn tyres, faulty lights, ineffective brakes, cracked windscreens, or damaged suspension components. Other frequent issues include rust in critical areas, fluid leaks, loose steering mechanisms, or non-functioning safety features like seatbelts and mirrors. Even minor items like an inoperative horn or worn-out wiper blades can result in a failed inspection. These failures don’t necessarily indicate a vehicle is beyond repair but highlight areas that must be addressed to meet legal safety standards. Ensuring your vehicle is regularly maintained and serviced can significantly reduce the risk of inspection failure.