Roadworthy Certificate QLD | Your Complete Guide

If you're selling a car in Queensland, you'll almost certainly need a roadworthy certificate, also known as a safety certificate or RWC. This guide covers everything: what gets inspected, how much it costs, how long it lasts, and the scenarios where you can skip it entirely.

December 3, 2025

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What Is a Roadworthy Certificate? (RWC Meaning)

RWC stands for Roadworthy Certificate. In Queensland, it's officially called a Safety Certificate, though most people use the terms interchangeably.


A roadworthy certificate is a document issued by an Approved Inspection Station (AIS) confirming your vehicle meets Queensland's minimum safety standards for road use. It's not a full mechanical inspection. It only checks safety critical components.

Think of it as a pass/fail test for road safety, not a health check for your engine.


Key facts:

  • Issued by: Licensed Approved Inspection Stations (AIS) only
  • Official name: Safety Certificate (QLD Government terminology)
  • Purpose: Confirms vehicle meets minimum safety standards
  • Required for: Most registration transfers in Queensland

When Do You Need a Roadworthy Certificate in QLD?

In Queensland, you need a valid roadworthy certificate when:


You must have an RWC if you're:


You don't need an RWC if you're:

  • Selling directly to a licensed motor dealer (like Sell Any Car Fast)
  • Selling an unregistered vehicle
  • Transferring between spouses or de facto partners
  • Receiving a vehicle as part of a deceased estate
  • Located in an exempt remote area

Important change from 2024: You no longer need a roadworthy certificate to advertise or offer a registered vehicle for sale. However, you must have one before the actual transfer of ownership. Otherwise, you face fines over $700.

What Does a Roadworthy Inspection Check?

A roadworthy inspection focuses exclusively on safety components. Here's exactly what gets checked:

Category What's Inspected
Tyres Tread depth (min 1.5mm), condition (no cracks/bulges), correct size, spare tyre, valve caps
Brakes Pad thickness, disc/drum condition, fluid level, handbrake, brake lines, warning lights
Steering & Suspension Power steering, steering play, tie rods, ball joints, shocks, springs, wheel bearings
Lights & Electrical Headlights, tail/brake lights, indicators, hazards, number plate lights, reflectors, dash lights
Body & Structure Structural rust, door/bonnet/boot latches, mudguards, towbar (if fitted)
Windscreen & Glass Cracks/chips in driver view, wipers, washers, demister, window operation, mirrors
Interior Safety Seatbelts, seat mounting, airbag light, horn, speedometer, pedal rubbers
Exhaust & Emissions Exhaust leaks, catalytic converter present, excessive smoke or noise

What's NOT Checked in a Roadworthy

A common misconception is that an RWC means the car is mechanically sound. It doesn't. These items are not inspected:

Category Not Inspected
Comfort & Convenience Air conditioning, stereo/speakers, power windows, sunroof
Mechanical Engine performance, transmission, clutch wear, cooling system
Cosmetic Dents, scratches, paint condition, interior wear
Tip: If you're buying a used car, don't rely on the RWC alone. Consider a full pre-purchase inspection through a qualified mechanic.

How Much Does a Roadworthy Certificate Cost in QLD?

A roadworthy certificate typically costs between $120 and $200 in Queensland. The exact price depends on:

Factor Impact on Price
Vehicle type Cars cheaper than trucks/trailers
Location Metro areas slightly higher
Workshop vs mobile Mobile services often $10 to $30 more
Time of year Peak demand (EOFY) can increase prices

What's included in the fee:

  • Initial inspection
  • Safety certificate if passed
  • Documentation


What's NOT included:

  • Any repairs needed to pass
  • Re-inspection fee (though many workshops offer one free recheck)
  • Parts and labour for fixes

Find an Approved Inspection Station in QLD

Need a roadworthy certificate but not sure where to start? Use Queensland’s official tool to locate an approved inspection station near you. Whether you're selling your car or just making sure it's safe to drive, this is the fastest way to find a licensed mechanic in your area. Skip the guesswork - click here to find a RWC near you.

How Long Is a Roadworthy Certificate Valid in QLD?

The validity period depends on who's selling the vehicle:
Private seller: 2 months OR 2,000 km (whichever comes first)

Licensed dealer: 3 months OR 1,000 km (whichever comes first)

Important Rules:

  • A single RWC can only be used for one registration transfer
  • If it expires before transfer, you need a new certificate
  • There are no extensions or grace periods
  • The clock starts from the date of issue, not purchase


Example:

You get an RWC on January 1st.

You drive 2,000 km by January 20th.

The certificate expires on January 20th, even though only 20 days have passed.

(Source: Queensland Government Department of Transport and Main Roads, 2025)

Can You Sell a Car Without a Roadworthy Certificate in QLD?

Private Sale

If you’re selling a registered car privately, yes you need an RWC. You must provide it at the time of sale, and the buyer can’t transfer the rego without it. If you don’t provide one, the car has to be sold unregistered.

Selling to a Dealer

No RWC is needed if you sell directly to a licensed motor dealer (like us). We handle everything from the paperwork to the safety checks.

Selling Unregistered

You can sell a car without a roadworthy if it’s unregistered. But the buyer will have to arrange their own RWC before they can register or drive it. Often, they’ll need to tow it or use an unregistered vehicle permit.

Scenario RWC Needed? Notes
Private sale (rego transfer) Yes Buyer can’t transfer without it
Selling unregistered No Buyer must tow or get temp permit
Selling to dealer No Dealer arranges it, not the seller

What Happens If Your Car Fails the Roadworthy?

If your vehicle fails the inspection, the AIS will issue a rejection notice listing every item that needs repair.



The process:

  1. You receive a detailed list of failed items
  2. You have 14 days to complete repairs
  3. Return to the same AIS for a recheck
  4. Rechecks on failed items are typically free (confirm with your AIS)
  5. If you pass, the certificate is issued


Common reasons for failure:

  • Worn tyre tread (under 1.5mm)
  • Cracked windscreen in driver's view
  • Faulty brake lights or indicators
  • Worn brake pads
  • Structural rust
  • Damaged seatbelts
  • Oil leaks onto exhaust

Frequently Asked Questions About RWCs in QLD

  • How much does a roadworthy cost?

    Between $120 and $200, depending on your vehicle type and location. This doesn't include any repairs if your car fails.

  • What if my car fails the roadworthy inspection?

    You'll receive a rejection notice listing failed items. You have 14 days to fix the issues and return for a free recheck at the same inspection station.

  • Do I need an RWC if my registration is still valid?

    Yes. Registration and roadworthy certificates are separate. Even with current rego, you need a valid RWC to transfer ownership to a new buyer.

  • Who can issue a roadworthy certificate in QLD?

    Only Approved Inspection Stations (AIS) licensed by Queensland Transport and Main Roads. Check the official AIS finder to confirm a business is licensed.

    Find an AIS

  • Is a roadworthy the same as a safety certificate?

    Yes. In Queensland, "roadworthy certificate" and "safety certificate" mean the same thing. The official government term is safety certificate, but most people call it a roadworthy or RWC.

  • Can I sell my car without a roadworthy?

    Only if you sell unregistered, sell to a licensed dealer, or qualify for an exemption (spouse transfer, deceased estate, remote area). Private sales of registered vehicles require an RWC.

  • How long does a roadworthy inspection take?

    Typically 30-60 minutes if no repairs are needed. Complex issues or busy workshops may take longer.

Skip the RWC: Sell Your Car to Us

Don't want to deal with inspections, repairs, or safety certificates? We buy cars in any condition with no roadworthy needed.

How It Works:

  1. Tell us about your car (make, model, year, condition)
  2. Get an instant offer
  3. We handle pickup, paperwork, and payment
  4. You're done, no RWC required

Whether your car would pass a roadworthy or not, we'll make you an offer. Selling a registered car? We'll handle the safety certificate. Selling without rego? No problem.

Sell My Car Brisbane

That’s one part of the process - here’s the full guide for selling your car in QLD.