Defect notice clearance: yellow, blue, canary, what they mean and what to do
A defect notice is a formal direction to repair specific faults on your vehicle. Here is what each colour means, the deadlines, and how to clear the notice.
What a defect notice is
A defect notice (sometimes called a defect sticker) is a written direction from a police officer or transport inspector requiring you to fix specific faults on your vehicle within a stated period. The notice will list every defect, the rectification deadline, and the conditions under which you can drive in the meantime.
Notices come in three colours nationally, yellow, blue, and canary, though the exact meaning varies by state. The colour signals the severity of the issue and the level of restriction placed on the vehicle.
Yellow, blue and canary stickers
Yellow (minor defect). The most common notice. The vehicle is still legal to drive in normal conditions, but the listed defects must be rectified and cleared by the deadline (typically 14 to 28 days). Yellow notices are issued for items like worn tyres, blown bulbs, oil leaks, exhaust noise.
Blue (major defect). The vehicle is restricted, usually it can only be driven directly to a workshop, an inspection station, or to a place of safekeeping. Blue notices are issued for items like brake faults, structural rust, severe suspension damage. Driving outside the permitted route can result in a substantial fine.
Canary (grounded). The vehicle cannot be driven on the road at all. It must be towed or transported. Canary notices are issued for serious safety defects, unregistered or unroadworthy vehicles caught in operation, or after a written-off-vehicle assessment.
How to clear a defect notice
First, read the notice carefully. Every defect listed must be repaired before the inspection, there is no partial clearance. Take the notice to a workshop and have them quote on rectifying every item.
Second, complete the repairs. Keep all receipts and parts where practical, some inspectors and registry staff will ask to see them.
Third, book a clearance inspection. In Queensland this is performed by an Approved Inspection Station (AIS); in NSW by an Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection Station (for major defects) or Authorised Inspection Station (for minor); in Victoria by a Licensed Vehicle Tester (LVT). Mobile inspectors who do roadworthies will usually clear a defect notice as well, confirm when booking.
Fourth, present the cleared notice (or whatever document the inspector issues) to the relevant transport authority within the deadline. Some states automate this; others require you to submit the paperwork.
What happens if you miss the deadline
Missing a defect-clearance deadline triggers escalation. The vehicle can be re-inspected by police, the notice can be upgraded (yellow becomes blue, blue becomes canary), and registration can be suspended.
Once registration is suspended, you cannot legally drive the vehicle at all, even to an inspection. You will need an unregistered vehicle permit or a tow.
If you genuinely cannot meet the deadline because parts are on backorder, contact the transport authority before the deadline expires. Extensions are sometimes granted with documentation; they are rarely granted retrospectively.