Tasmania roadworthy guide: Vehicle Inspection
In Tasmania the roadworthy is officially called the Vehicle Inspection. It typically costs $80–$140 for a car (average around $110), and is valid 14 days from issue.
Need an inspection in Tasmania?
Pick your vehicle type to see what's required and find a mobile inspector.
What it's called in Tasmania
Tasmania requires inspection on transfer of ownership, re-registration, and after defect notices. Inspection report valid 14 days for transfer purposes.
The official document is the Vehicle Inspection. Both names refer to the same regulatory inspection.
When you need one
- Transferring ownership of a registered vehicle
- Re-registering an unregistered vehicle
- Transferring an interstate vehicle into Tasmania
- After a defect notice
- After a written-off vehicle has been repaired
How long it's valid
A Vehicle Inspection in Tasmania is valid 14 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 Vehicle Inspection in Tasmania costs $80–$140, with an average around $110. 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 Tasmania covers approximately ten major categories. The inspector works through each one and records pass or fail per item.
- Brakes and braking system
- Tyres and wheels
- Steering and suspension
- Body and chassis
- Lights and signalling devices
- Wipers, washers, windscreen
- Seatbelts
- Glazing
- Exhaust
- Vehicle identification
What happens if it fails
- A failed inspection must be rectified before re-inspection.
- You have **14 days** for the inspection to be presented for a transfer once issued.
- Outside the 14-day window, a fresh inspection is required.
- Re-inspection at the same station is usually offered at a reduced rate.
Mobile vs fixed: pros and cons
Mobile pros
- Mobile inspectors cover Hobart, Launceston and the main regional centres
- Useful for unregistered or freshly-imported vehicles that cannot easily be driven
- Same-day options are available in Hobart and Launceston metro areas
Mobile cons
- Smaller mobile pool than mainland states
- Heavy vehicle inspections are limited to specific authorised stations
- Interstate identification checks can require a fixed-station visit
Heavy vehicles, caravans and motorcycles
Heavy vehicles in Tasmania (over 4.5 tonnes GVM) are inspected under a separate framework with HVRAS-authorised examiners. The pool is small.
Caravans and motorhomes under 4.5 tonnes follow the standard framework. LPG installations need a separate Gas Compliance Certificate.
Motorcycles use the standard framework with a motorcycle-authorised inspector.
Government source
For the current authoritative text, fees and forms, see Transport Tasmania, Vehicle inspections.