Roadworthy Certificate – What Is It Required For? - Car xpression

Have you ever spotted traffic polices and other forces catching vehicles in the middle of nowhere? If yes then you should know that these checks are vital for making the roadways safe for other drivers and pedestrians too. However, if the process scares you or grow you skeptical of the entire automobile management on the roads then you should have the least idea on the significance of roadworthy certificates.

Most of the vehicles that you see on the roads might look absolutely fine from the exterior. But if you do a thorough check, it would become clear to you that a huge percentage of automobiles rolling down the street roam without proper pollution certificate updates or insurance covers which might lead to higher risks of accidents.

Thus, it is high time for everyone to understand the importance of these roadworthy certificates and the roles that they play in the process.

All about roadworthy certificate

A roadworthy certificate is a proof that your vehicle has passed the roadworthiness test and is authorized as roadworthy by an approved vehicle inspector (usually RTO). It is an official document that shows that your vehicle is safe enough to be used on a public road. RWC, or road safety certificate, is particularly required for private vehicles and is issued by approved inspection stations. Usually, roadworthiness involves testing a vehicle's brakes, steering, suspension, body, windscreen, lights, and tires to use on the road.

Cost of roadworthy certificate in Australia: around $79

Roadworthy certificate validity: A road safety certificate in Australia is valid for 2 months or if the vehicle travels 2,000 km. The first one to expire from these two will be considered the validity term for the RWC. Licensed motor dealers can provide RWC for their vehicles for 3 months.

What is the need for a roadworthy certificate?

A roadworthiness certificate is primarily required to use a private vehicle on public roads. Apart from that, it is necessary for several other requirements.

While buying or selling a registered vehicle:

A roadworthy certificate is necessary if you plan to sell your registered vehicle to another person or try to buy a vehicle from a seller. The RWC guarantees the vehicle's condition is good and mechanically reliable for the buyer.

To transfer the ownership of the vehicle:

Transferring ownership is a process where you register it with the name of any other person or your family members. It is also an ownership-changing process essential during buying or selling of a vehicle.

For transferring the registration of a vehicle from one state to another in Australia:

RWC is a necessary document or certificate if you plan to transfer a vehicle's registration from one state to another in Australia. It is because a roadworthy certificate approves vehicle safety for a particular state.

Re-registering or unregistering a vehicle:

Re-registering your vehicle every year is necessary for several security reasons and is a mandatory requirement. On the other hand, it is also necessary to ensure that the vehicle is safe for use regularly. Thus, there comes the need for a roadworthy certificate during the re-registration process.

Some of the vehicles require a road safety inspection certificate.

Cars
Motorbike
Scooters
Trailers
Caravans
Other vehicles (with a gross mass of around 4,500 kg)

How can you get a road safety certificate in Australia?

The roadworthy certificate is issued by a licensed vehicle tester operating from a nominated service station. They will issue the certificate only after their approved inspector completes the vehicle inspection.

The first thing you have to do to get an RWC for your vehicle is to visit a licensed vehicle testing station. You will have to submit your vehicle registration certificate, identity document, and a prescribed fee (around $79) to get your vehicle tested.

Complete your application for a roadworthy certificate via the form provided by them.

The vehicle inspector will inspect your vehicle's parts and working conditions, like braking, body, etc. They will issue the certificate if they confirm that your vehicle is roadworthy.

In most cases, they will process the application on the same day, and you will receive the certificate. If your vehicle fails this test, you will be given around 14 days to replace or repair certain parts of your vehicle. But if you fail to do it within their specified date, a full vehicle inspection has to be conducted again.

Conclusion

Everyone who owns a vehicle is likely to know about road safety or roadworthy certificates. It is a mandatory document that stays as proof of your vehicle's safety in using it on public roads. Apart from that, this document is also necessary for many other purposes in Australia, like during re-registering, selling or buying a vehicle, etc. If you are looking forward to related information, the details provided here will be beneficial.