Roadworthy Certificate QLD Explained (RWC Meaning, Cost & Validity)
RWC meaning in QLD is simple: a roadworthy certificate also called a safety certificate confirms your car meets Queensland’s minimum safety standards before it can be sold. In this guide, I explain what’s checked, the typical RWC cost, how long a roadworthy lasts in Queensland, and when you can legally sell a car without one.
December 3, 2025
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:
- Selling a registered vehicle to a private buyer
- Transferring registration to a new owner
- Bringing a vehicle into QLD from another state or territory
- Re-registering a vehicle that's been unregistered
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
Not sure if getting a roadworthy is worth the effort? It helps to understand how long a roadworthy certificate lasts in Queensland before booking an inspection.
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 |
What is the Cost of a Safety Certificate
A roadworthy certificate typically costs between $120 and $180 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.
Can You Sell a Car Without a Roadworthy Certificate in Brisbane?
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:
- You receive a detailed list of failed items
- You have 14 days to complete repairs
- Return to the same AIS for a recheck
- Rechecks on failed items are typically free (confirm with your AIS)
- 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
How Long Is a Roadworthy Certificate Valid in QLD?
In Queensland, how long a roadworthy certificate lasts depends on who is 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 RWC 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)
Frequently Asked Questions About RWCs in QLD
How much does a roadworthy cost?
A roadworthy certificate in Queensland usually costs between $120 and $180. The price depends on vehicle type, location, and whether the inspection is mobile or workshop based. This fee covers the inspection and certificate only. Repairs are extra if the vehicle 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?
Find an AISOnly Approved Inspection Stations (AIS) licensed by Queensland Transport and Main Roads. Check the official AIS finder to confirm a business is licensed.
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 last in QLD?
In Queensland, a roadworthy certificate is valid for 2 months or 2,000 km for private sellers, whichever comes first. Licensed dealers get 3 months or 1,000 km. See the full validity rules and examples above.
Skip the RWC: Sell Your Car to Us
If you don’t want to deal with inspections, repairs, or arranging a safety certificate, there are situations where you can legally sell a car in Queensland without an RWC. For example, licensed motor dealers can purchase vehicles without a roadworthy and handle the process themselves.
How It Works:
- Tell us about your car (make, model, year, condition)
- Get an instant offer
- We handle pickup, paperwork, and payment
- 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.
That’s one part of the process - here’s the full guide for selling your car in QLD.
