Roadworthy Mackay

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.