What’s Included in a Roadworthy Certificate? Full Breakdown for Buyers (2025 Australia Guide)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. What Is a Roadworthy Certificate?

3. When Do You Need a Roadworthy Certificate in Australia?

4. Who Issues Roadworthy Certificates?

5. Roadworthy vs. Safety Certificate – Any Difference?

6. The Full Roadworthy Checklist

   • Wheels & Tyres

   • Steering & Suspension

   • Brakes

   • Lights & Electrical

   • Windscreen, Wipers & Mirrors

   • Body & Chassis

   • Seats & Seatbelts

   • Engine & Emissions

   • LPG Systems (if fitted)

   • Speedometer & Odometer

7. What’s Not Included in a Roadworthy Certificate?

8. How Much Does a Roadworthy Certificate Cost in 2025?

9. How Long Is a Roadworthy Certificate Valid For?

10. Common Reasons Cars Fail Roadworthy Checks

11. Tips to Pass a Roadworthy Inspection

12. Roadworthy Certificates by State – Differences Explained

13. Roadworthy and Buying a Used Car – What Buyers Must Know

14. Conclusion

1. Introduction

Whether you're buying a used car, selling your old vehicle, or transferring registration in Australia, you'll encounter one term repeatedly: Roadworthy Certificate (often shortened to RWC). But what exactly does it include? And why is it so important for buyers?

This in-depth guide explores every component checked during a roadworthy inspection, plus extra insights that can help you make an informed car purchase in 2025.

2. What Is a Roadworthy Certificate?

A roadworthy certificate is an official document that certifies a vehicle is safe to drive on public roads. It doesn't guarantee the vehicle is in perfect mechanical condition—but it does ensure the minimum safety standards are met, as set by state or territory legislation.

It’s not a mechanical warranty. Think of it more like a pass/fail checklist for road safety compliance.

3. When Do You Need a Roadworthy Certificate in Australia?

You generally need a roadworthy certificate in the following situations:

• Selling a used car

• Re-registering a vehicle

• Transferring registration to a new owner

• Registering a vehicle from interstate or overseas

Each state has specific rules. For instance, in Victoria, sellers must provide an RWC at the time of sale. In NSW, inspections fall under the eSafety Check system, commonly known as a pink slip.

4. Who Issues Roadworthy Certificates?

Roadworthy certificates must be issued by a licensed vehicle tester or authorised inspection station, depending on your state:

• VIC: Licensed Vehicle Tester

• NSW: Authorised Inspection Station (AIS)

• QLD: Approved Inspection Station (AIS)

• WA: Transport inspection centres or authorised agents

• SA, TAS, NT: Varies – often not mandatory for private sales

5. Roadworthy vs. Safety Certificate – Any Difference?

Terminology varies:

• QLD calls it a Safety Certificate

• VIC calls it a Roadworthy Certificate

• NSW refers to an eSafety Check

Functionally, all serve the same purpose: ensuring a car is safe for road use before transferring registration.

6. The Full Roadworthy Checklist

Let’s break down the key components inspected during a roadworthy evaluation in 2025:

a) Wheels & Tyres

• Legal tread depth: 1.5mm minimum

• No cracks, bulges, or exposed cords

• Rims free of major dents or cracks

• All tyres must match in size & type on each axle

b) Steering & Suspension

• No excessive play or looseness

• Bushings, tie rods, springs in good condition

• Shock absorbers functional and leak-free

• Power steering fluid level & belt condition

c) Brakes

• Front and rear brakes must be effective

• Parking brake (handbrake) must work

• Brake fluid reservoir full and uncontaminated

• Discs, drums, pads, and hoses inspected for wear

d) Lights & Electrical

• Headlights, brake lights, reverse lights working

• Indicators and hazard lights functional

• Dash lights and instrument cluster checked

• Battery secure and terminals clean

e) Windscreen, Wipers & Mirrors

• No major cracks obstructing vision

• Windscreen wipers effective and washers working

• Rear-view and side mirrors correctly mounted

f) Body & Chassis

• No rust holes or major damage

• Doors, boot, and bonnet must latch securely

• Underbody checked for structural damage or leaks

g) Seats & Seatbelts

• Seats firmly attached and adjustable

• Seatbelts retract properly, not frayed or cut

• Seatbelt buckles must engage and release securely

h) Engine & Emissions

• No excessive oil leaks

• Engine runs smoothly without excessive smoke

• Exhaust system securely fitted and not leaking

• Emission levels within limits (in emission-controlled zones)

i) LPG Systems (If Fitted)

• LPG system must be certified and up to date

• Tank must not be expired

• No gas leaks or irregular fittings

j) Speedometer & Odometer

• Must function correctly

• Odometer tampering is illegal

7. What’s Not Included in a Roadworthy Certificate?

A roadworthy certificate doesn’t cover:

• Engine health or performance

• Transmission operation

• Air conditioning

• Vehicle service history

• Cosmetic damage

• Infotainment or navigation systems

It’s purely about safety-related components.

8. How Much Does a Roadworthy Certificate Cost in 2025?

Costs vary depending on your state and inspection station:

• VIC: $180–$250

• NSW: ~$45 for a pink slip

• QLD: ~$90–$120 for a safety certificate

• WA: ~$80–$150 depending on where you go

You’ll pay more if repairs are needed before the certificate can be issued.

9. How Long Is a Roadworthy Certificate Valid For?

Certificate validity periods in 2025:

• VIC: 30 days from issue

• NSW: Valid for 42 days or 1000 km

• QLD: 2 months (private), 1 month (dealers)

• WA/SA/TAS/NT: Varies or not mandatory

Always check the issue date and expiry rules in your state.

10. Common Reasons Cars Fail Roadworthy Checks

Top reasons include:

• Worn brake pads or uneven braking

• Tyres below legal tread limit

• Faulty lights or electrical wiring

• Worn suspension bushings

• Oil leaks or cracked hoses

• Windscreen chips or cracks

• Seatbelts not retracting properly

11. Tips to Pass a Roadworthy Inspection

If you’re selling or prepping your car:

• Check tyres and inflate to proper pressure

• Top off fluids (brake, coolant, washer, oil)

• Replace blown bulbs and check dash lights

• Clean the car and underbody

• Fix minor issues like wipers, horn, or mirrors

• Consider a pre-inspection check from a mechanic

12. Roadworthy Certificates by State – Quick Breakdown

13. Roadworthy and Buying a Used Car – What Buyers Must Know

When buying a used vehicle, a current roadworthy certificate is vital if you plan to register the vehicle in your name.

Buyer's checklist:

• Ask for a current RWC before final payment

• Verify certificate date and issuing station

• Get an independent pre-purchase inspection

• Don’t rely solely on a roadworthy—it’s not a full mechanical report

• Confirm odometer matches advertised mileage

14. Conclusion

Understanding what’s included in a roadworthy certificate helps buyers make smarter decisions when purchasing a used car. While the certificate focuses on basic safety compliance, it’s not a substitute for a comprehensive mechanical inspection.

If you’re serious about getting the best value—and avoiding future repair bills—use this checklist to assess vehicle condition, even before a formal inspection. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or just renewing rego, knowing what’s checked keeps you road-legal and safe in 2025.