If you are planning to sell your car in Queensland, you have probably come across the term roadworthy certificate or safety certificate. It is one of the most common questions people have when putting their car up for sale. This guide explains everything you need to know about roadworthy certificates in Queensland in simple, easy-to-understand language.

What Is a Roadworthy Certificate?

A roadworthy certificate, officially called a safety certificate in Queensland, is a document that shows your vehicle has passed a basic inspection. It confirms that your car is safe to drive on the road.

The inspection covers essential safety items such as tyres, brakes, lights, steering, suspension, and seatbelts. It is not a mechanical check of the entire car but a test to ensure it meets the minimum safety standards required by law.

The certificate can only be issued by an approved inspection station (AIS). These are licensed mechanics or workshops authorised by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Do You Need a Roadworthy to Sell a Car?

In most cases, yes. If your vehicle is registered and you are selling it in Queensland, you must have a valid safety certificate before you can advertise or sell it.

The rule applies to all registered vehicles that are being offered for sale, whether you are selling privately through a dealer, or online. The law requires you to display the safety certificate number in your advertisement and have the certificate ready when a buyer inspects the car.

The only exception is if the car is unregistered. In that case, you can sell it without a safety certificate, but the buyer will need one later if they decide to register it.

When You Must Obtain a Safety Certificate

A safety certificate is required when you are transferring ownership of a registered vehicle. This includes selling it to another person, gifting it, or transferring it to a family member.

You also need a safety certificate if you are re-registering a vehicle that has been unregistered for some time, or transferring it from interstate registration to Queensland registration.

If you fail to provide a valid certificate when selling a registered car, you may face fines. Queensland Transport regularly checks advertisements and sales records to make sure sellers are following the rules.

Who Is Responsible for Getting the Roadworthy?

In Queensland, the seller is responsible for obtaining the safety certificate before selling the car. It is your job as the owner to have the car inspected and provide the certificate to the buyer at the time of sale.

If you are selling a car through a dealership, the dealer usually handles this process. However, for private sales, it is up to you to organise the inspection and cover the cost.

If you are selling the car to a wrecking yard or a cash-for-cars company that is buying it for scrap, you usually do not need to provide a certificate. These businesses often buy unregistered or damaged vehicles for recycling, and registration transfer does not take place.

What Happens During a Roadworthy Inspection?

During the inspection, an approved examiner will check your vehicle against Queensland’s safety standards. They will look at essential components such as tyres, brakes, lights, steering, windscreen, mirrors, seatbelts, and body structure.

If the vehicle passes, you will receive a safety certificate on the spot. If it fails, you will be given a list of problems that need to be fixed. You then have 14 days to repair the issues and return for a re-inspection.

Once issued, a safety certificate is valid for two months or up to 2,000 kilometres for private sellers, whichever comes first. For licensed motor dealers, the certificate lasts for three months or 1,000 kilometres.

Can You Sell a Car Without a Roadworthy Certificate?

You cannot legally sell a registered vehicle without a safety certificate in Queensland. However, there are a few exceptions where a roadworthy is not required.

You do not need a certificate if the car is unregistered, if it is being sold to a licensed dealer, or if it is a vehicle that will not be used on public roads (for example, a farm or off-road vehicle).

If you decide to sell your car unregistered, make sure the buyer understands that they cannot drive it until they have arranged a permit or registration. Always remove the plates and cancel the registration to protect yourself from future fines.

What If You Sell a Car Without One?

If you advertise or sell a registered vehicle without a safety certificate, you can be fined by the Department of Transport and Main Roads. The fine applies even if the car is in good condition.

In addition to penalties, failing to provide a certificate can cause problems for the buyer. They will not be able to transfer the registration into their name until they get a valid roadworthy. This can delay the sale and lead to disputes.

It is always safer to arrange the inspection before listing your car for sale. It protects you from fines and makes the sale smoother.

How Much Does a Roadworthy Cost in Queensland?

The cost of a roadworthy certificate depends on the type of vehicle. For a standard car, the inspection fee is usually between $85 and $100. Motorbikes are slightly cheaper, while larger vehicles such as trailers and trucks can cost more.

Prices can vary between inspection stations, so it is a good idea to compare a few before booking. Remember that the inspection fee must be paid even if your car does not pass the first time.

Where Can You Get a Roadworthy?

You can get a safety certificate from any approved inspection station in Queensland. These stations are marked with an official blue and white sign that says “Approved Inspection Station”.

You can find one near you by searching online or checking the Department of Transport and Main Roads website. Most local mechanics are authorised to perform these inspections.

What Happens After You Get the Certificate?

Once you have the safety certificate, you can advertise your car for sale. You will need to display the certificate number in your listing, whether you post it online or on the car itself.

When you sell the car, give the buyer a copy of the certificate. They will need it when transferring registration. You should also keep a copy for your records.

If you are selling multiple vehicles or if the car is not sold within two months, you may need to get a new certificate before you can legally advertise again.

Can You Transfer Registration Without a Roadworthy?

No, you cannot transfer registration in Queensland without a valid safety certificate. The Department of Transport and Main Roads requires the certificate to process the ownership transfer.

If you try to transfer without it, the request will be rejected, and the car will remain under your name. That means you could still be held responsible for any fines, tolls, or offences linked to the vehicle.

Final Thoughts

A roadworthy certificate is an important part of selling a car in Queensland. It shows that your vehicle is safe and meets the state’s legal standards. While it might seem like an extra step, it protects both you and the buyer from future problems.

If your car is registered, always get a safety certificate before you advertise or sell it. It keeps the process legal, builds trust with buyers, and makes the sale smoother.

If the car is unregistered or being sold for scrap, you can sell it without one, but make sure to remove the plates and cancel the registration properly.

Selling your car with the right paperwork in place will save you time and avoid unnecessary stress. It is the easiest way to make sure your sale is legal, safe, and hassle-free.