Car Roadworthy Certificates in Queensland – Complete 2025 Guide

Rivercity Roadworthys
Dec 4, 2025
3 min read

Eye-level view of a vehicle undergoing a roadworthy inspection at a Queensland garage — Vehicle undergoing roadworthy inspection in Queensland

When you plan to sell your car, re-register it, or transfer ownership in Queensland, obtaining a roadworthy certificate is a crucial step. This certificate confirms that your vehicle meets the minimum safety standards required by law. Understanding when you need this certificate, what the inspection covers, and how to avoid common pitfalls can save you time and money.

This guide covers everything you need to know about car roadworthy certificates in Queensland for 2025.

When You Need a Roadworthy Certificate

Queensland law requires a roadworthy certificate in several key situations:

Selling a vehicle: Before transferring ownership, the seller must provide a current roadworthy certificate to the buyer.
Re-registration: If your vehicle registration has expired or been cancelled, you need a certificate to renew it.
Ownership transfer: When transferring a vehicle’s registration to a new owner, a certificate is mandatory to ensure the car is safe to drive.

Failing to provide a valid roadworthy certificate can delay the sale or registration process and may result in fines.

What Inspectors Check During the Roadworthy Inspection

The inspection covers essential safety components to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy. Here’s what inspectors typically examine:

Tyres: Condition, tread depth, and any visible damage.
Brakes: Functionality and wear of brake pads and discs.
Lights: Headlights, brake lights, indicators, and hazard lights must all work properly.
Mirrors: Must be intact and correctly positioned.
Seatbelts: Check for wear, damage, and proper operation.
Dashboard warnings: Any active warning lights indicating mechanical or safety issues.
Suspension: Condition of shocks and springs to ensure vehicle stability.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Verified to match registration details.

Inspectors follow a strict checklist to ensure no critical safety issues are overlooked.

Common Reasons Vehicles Fail the Roadworthy Inspection

Knowing common failure points helps you prepare your vehicle before the inspection:

Bald tyres: Worn tyres with insufficient tread depth are a frequent cause of failure.
Oil leaks: Visible leaks can indicate engine or transmission problems.
Cracked windscreens: Even small cracks can impair driver visibility and lead to failure.
Warning lights: Active dashboard alerts for engine, brakes, or airbags must be resolved.

Addressing these issues before the inspection increases your chances of passing on the first try.

Close-up view of a cracked windscreen and worn tyre on a car — Cracked windscreen and worn tyre causing roadworthy failure

Benefits of Mobile Roadworthy Inspections in Brisbane and Redlands

Mobile inspections offer convenience and flexibility, especially in busy areas like Brisbane and Redlands. Here’s why many vehicle owners prefer mobile services:

Time-saving: Inspectors come to your home or workplace, eliminating travel and waiting times.
Flexible scheduling: Appointments can be booked outside regular business hours.
Comfort: Stay in your own environment while the inspection takes place.
Immediate feedback: Inspectors can explain any issues on the spot and advise on repairs.

Mobile inspections are particularly useful for sellers who want to prepare their vehicle quickly or buyers who want a pre-purchase check.

Preparing for Your Roadworthy Inspection

To improve your chances of passing, consider these tips:

Check tyre tread depth and replace if below the legal minimum (1.5mm).
Test all lights and replace any faulty bulbs.
Inspect seatbelts for fraying or damage.
Clear any dashboard warning lights by addressing underlying issues.
Fix visible oil leaks and clean the engine bay.
Repair or replace cracked windscreens.

Taking these steps can prevent costly repairs after a failed inspection.

High angle view of a mechanic performing a vehicle safety check before roadworthy certification — Rodney from Rivercity Roadworthy's and Mechanical conducting vehicle safety check for roadworthy certificate on an early Holden

Next Steps After Receiving Your Roadworthy Certificate

Once you have a valid roadworthy certificate, you can proceed with:

Selling your vehicle: Provide the certificate to the buyer to complete the sale.
Re-registering your car: Submit the certificate with your registration application.
Transferring ownership: Include the certificate in the transfer paperwork.

Keep the certificate safe, as you may need to present it again if requested by authorities.

For a more detailed overview, see our Complete Guide to Roadworthy Certificates in QLD.