Australian Capital Territory roadworthy guide: Inspection Report
In Australian Capital Territory the roadworthy is officially called the Inspection Report, commonly called a Roadworthy. It typically costs $90–$150 for a car (average around $120), and is valid 28 days from issue.
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What it's called in Australian Capital Territory
In the ACT a roadworthy is technically called an Inspection Report. Required for vehicles transferring from interstate and certain re-registrations.
The official document is the Inspection Report, in everyday speech the Roadworthy. Both names refer to the same regulatory inspection.
When you need one
- Transferring an interstate vehicle into ACT registration
- Re-registering a vehicle that has been off the road
- After a defect notice
- After repairs to a written-off vehicle
- When directed by Access Canberra
How long it's valid
A Roadworthy in Australian Capital Territory is valid 28 days from the date of issue. Time the inspection close to the sale or registration date, once the certificate expires, you must inspect again at full cost. Mobile inspectors who work weekends are especially useful when a sale is taking longer than expected.
What it costs
A standard car Roadworthy in Australian Capital Territory costs $90–$150, with an average around $120. Mobile inspectors charge a small premium over fixed-station rates to cover travel time, usually $20–$40, and may apply a same-day or weekend loading on top. Heavier vehicles, motorhomes and HVRAS-required jobs cost significantly more because of the time involved and the inspector's specialist authorisation.
What gets checked
The regulator's checklist for a light vehicle in Australian Capital Territory covers approximately ten major categories. The inspector works through each one and records pass or fail per item.
- Brakes
- Tyres and wheels
- Steering and suspension
- Body and chassis
- Lights, indicators, reflectors
- Wipers, washers, windscreen
- Seatbelts
- Glazing
- Exhaust
- Vehicle identification
What happens if it fails
- You typically have **14 days** to rectify and re-present at the same inspector for a discounted re-inspection.
- Outside the 14-day window, the original inspection is treated as void and a fresh inspection is required.
- A failed inspection does not by itself suspend registration, it only prevents the trigger event (transfer, re-registration) being completed.
Mobile vs fixed: pros and cons
Mobile pros
- Mobile inspectors cover Canberra and Queanbeyan
- Useful for unregistered vehicles or interstate arrivals
- Same-day options in Canberra metro
Mobile cons
- Small pool of mobile inspectors compared to neighbouring NSW
- Some inspections benefit from a fixed-station hoist for underbody checks
- Heavy vehicles use a separate framework
Heavy vehicles, caravans and motorcycles
Heavy vehicles in the ACT (over 4.5 tonnes GVM) follow a separate inspection framework administered by Access Canberra. The pool of inspectors is small.
Caravans, motorhomes and motorcycles under 4.5 tonnes use the standard framework. LPG-equipped recreational vehicles need a separate Gas Compliance Certificate.
Government source
For the current authoritative text, fees and forms, see Access Canberra, Vehicle inspections.