Queensland roadworthy guide: Safety Certificate
In Queensland the roadworthy is officially called the Safety Certificate, commonly called a Roadworthy. It typically costs $90–$150 for a car (average around $120), and is valid 60 days from issue.
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What it's called in Queensland
In Queensland a roadworthy is officially called a Safety Certificate. Required when transferring registration of a light vehicle (under 4.5 tonnes GVM). Issued by Approved Inspection Stations (AIS).
The official document is the Safety Certificate, in everyday speech the Roadworthy. Both names refer to the same regulatory inspection.
When you need one
- Selling a registered light vehicle (under 4.5 tonnes GVM)
- Transferring registration to a new owner, required by the seller
- Re-registering an unregistered vehicle
- Transferring registration of an interstate vehicle into Queensland
- Following a defect notice that requires safety re-certification
How long it's valid
A Roadworthy in Queensland is valid 60 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 Queensland 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 Queensland covers approximately ten major categories. The inspector works through each one and records pass or fail per item.
- Tyres, tread depth, condition, sidewall integrity
- Brakes, pedal feel, parking brake hold, hydraulic lines
- Steering and suspension, play, bushes, shock dampers
- Body and chassis, structural rust, mounting points
- Lights, headlamps, brake, indicator, reverse, plate light
- Wipers, washers and windscreen, cracks, smearing, jets
- Seatbelts, webbing, retractors, anchorage
- Glazing and mirrors, security and field of view
- Exhaust, leaks, mountings, noise
- Identification, engine and VIN against the certificate
What happens if it fails
- You have **14 days** to rectify defects and present for re-inspection at the same Approved Inspection Station.
- Re-inspection within the window is typically charged at half rate, usually $30–$50 for a car.
- Miss the 14-day window and the inspection is treated as fresh, full fee, full inspection.
- You can keep driving the car if registration is still current and there is no concurrent defect notice.
Mobile vs fixed: pros and cons
Mobile pros
- No need to drive an unregistered or freshly-fixed vehicle to a workshop
- Same-day availability is realistic in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Townsville
- Inspector arrives at home or workplace, convenient for sellers preparing the car for handover
- Most mobile operators are owner-run, so the same person handles the booking, the inspection and the certificate
Mobile cons
- A small travel fee usually applies, typically $20–$40 in metro Brisbane
- Some mobile inspectors will not handle wet-weather inspections without an undercover area
- Heavy vehicles (>4.5 tonnes GVM) are not handled by light-vehicle mobile operators
Heavy vehicles, caravans and motorcycles
Vehicles over 4.5 tonnes GVM in Queensland require a Certificate of Inspection (COI) instead of a Safety Certificate. COIs are issued by HVRAS-approved examiners and most mobile car operators are not authorised to issue them.
Caravans are inspected as trailers, same Safety Certificate framework, but if the van has LPG appliances, a separate Gas Compliance Certificate is also required at sale. Some operators in QLD hold both authorities and can do them in one visit.
Motorcycles need the same Safety Certificate but the inspector must be authorised for motorcycles specifically. Filter for motorcycle-capable providers when booking.
Government source
For the current authoritative text, fees and forms, see Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.