Queensland safety certificates: when you need one and what's checked

In Queensland you need a safety certificate (the old "roadworthy") when a registered light vehicle is transferred to a new owner, when you re-register an unregistered vehicle, and when you bring interstate registration across to Queensland. The rules changed so you no longer need one just to advertise the car for sale, but the buyer can't complete the transfer without it, and the Queensland Government lists a fine of over $700 for disposing of a vehicle without one.

Always check the current rules on qld.gov.au before you sell, because they do change.

When you need one

• Selling or giving away a registered car, ute, van or motorcycle (up to 4,500 kg GVM) to anyone other than a licensed dealer.
• Re-registering a vehicle whose registration has lapsed or been cancelled.
• Transferring interstate registration to Queensland.

You don't need one to sell to a dealer, and some vehicle types and situations are exempt. The Queensland Government page on safety certificates lists them.

How long is it valid?

A certificate has a limited life in both time and kilometres from the day it's issued, and it can only be used for one transfer. The limits differ for private sellers and dealers, and they're set by the Queensland Government, so check the current figures. The practical advice: get the inspection done when you're ready to hand the car over, not months ahead.

What the inspection checks

A safety certificate is a safety check, not a full mechanical inspection. The inspector looks at:

• Tyres: tread depth, damage, matching sizes
• Brakes: operation, pads and discs where visible, handbrake
• Steering and suspension: play, leaks, worn bushes and joints
• Lights and indicators, horn, wipers and washers
• Windscreen: cracks or chips in the driver's view
• Seat belts: condition and operation
• Body and chassis: rust in structural areas, sharp edges, loose panels
• Fluid leaks, exhaust condition and noise
• Mirrors, seats, doors and bonnet latches

It doesn't tell you whether the engine is healthy or the gearbox is about to fail. If you're buying, a separate pre-purchase inspection covers that.

What happens if it fails

You get a list of what needs fixing. You then have a set period to have the repairs done and bring the car back for re-inspection. If you miss the window, it's a new inspection. Common fails: tyres, worn wiper blades, a blown globe, a cracked windscreen, and rust.

Panel and rust on a safety certificate

Rust matters when it's structural or leaves sharp edges. A rusted sill, a rusted chassis rail or a rust hole in a floor will fail. Surface rust on a bonnet won't, though it looks terrible to a buyer. Because we do panel beating and rust repair in the same workshop, a car that fails on rust can be fixed and re-inspected here.

Selling? Fix the cosmetic damage too

The safety certificate doesn't care about a scuffed bumper, but buyers do. A bumper respray or a dent repair often returns more than it costs in the sale price, and it makes the car look looked-after. We've written about whether to fix damage before selling.

Getting a safety certificate in Slacks Creek

Book an inspection at H&H Smash Repairs, 77 Moss St. Bring the car with the registration details. If it passes, you get the certificate on the spot. If it needs work, we'll quote it and can do most repairs here. Details on the roadworthy certificates page, or call us on 0402 106 456.