Regular car inspections are very important for the vehicle owners. Car is a necessary investment, and it is our responsibility to keep it safe for ourselves and for the people on the roads. Since Australia is a vast place, the inspection rule varies by state. Understanding vehicle inspection in Australia gives owners, sellers, and buyers awareness of the guidelines regarding cars by the states. Non-compliance may result in fines, unregistered vehicles, and safety hazards.
The purpose of vehicle inspections is to ensure that cars are safe, reliable, and eco-friendly. Each state has developed systems reflecting local conditions and legislation. Knowing your state’s vehicle inspection requirements can save time and money when buying, selling, or transferring a vehicle.
A full car inspection frequency varies by region. In some areas, inspections are annual, while others only require them for changes in ownership or registration. If you’re moving a car interstate, you may need a new inspection to comply with the new state’s rules.
Vehicle Inspection in New South Wales (NSW)
In New South Wales (NSW), there are two main inspections: Pink Slip and Blue Slip.
- The Pink Slip (eSafety Check) is required annually for vehicles older than five years. Owners must take their cars to an approved station for a roadworthy inspection.
- The Blue Slip is required for unregistered vehicles (more than three months), those with Police or RMS defect notices, interstate transfers, and vehicles with major modifications.
Vehicle Inspection in Victoria
Vehicles in Victoria don’t require annual inspections.
- However, a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) is needed when selling or transferring ownership. Though not legally required for sellers, obtaining an RWC is advisable as it ensures smooth registration for the buyer.
- The certificate is also essential for removing defect notices and is mandatory for commercial vehicles like taxis and buses, which undergo periodic inspections.
- A Licensed Vehicle Tester checks the vehicle’s tyres, brakes, steering, suspension, and lights to meet VicRoads standards before issuing an RWC. Inspections are also necessary if transferring registration from another state.
Vehicle Inspection in the ACT
No annual inspections are needed in the ACT; you simply renew your registration.
Inspections are required if selling a vehicle older than six years or if a car has been unregistered for more than twelve months. This ensures the vehicle’s safety and roadworthiness.
Vehicle Inspection in South Australia
In South Australia, just keep your registration up to date.
No inspection is required when transferring a vehicle from another state, but third-party insurance is mandatory. While not legally enforced, regular vehicle safety checks in Australia are encouraged to extend the vehicle’s lifespan.
Vehicle Inspection Adelaide just requires Buses and Taxis to be inspected regularly.
Other vehicles are inspected only when being re-registered after receiving a defect notice, or if they have undergone specific modifications, such as:
- Fitted with a non-standard engine
- Construction changes (e.g., from sedan to convertible, left-hand to right-hand drive, or seat capacity change)
- Has received a defect notice
- Seats 13 or more people
- Imported from overseas
- Rebuilt from parts
- A trailer or vehicle over 4.5 tonnes, more than 7 years old, and previously registered in another state
Vehicle Inspection in Western Australia
No annual inspections are required. However, when transferring registration to WA, a standard inspection is necessary to ensure compliance with local safety regulations. An immobilizer must also be fitted. WA Police enforce strict vehicle compliance, especially for older vehicles.
Vehicle Inspection in Tasmania
No annual inspections are required. A Roadworthy Check (RWC) is only necessary when transferring a car from another state or if the registration has lapsed for more than three months. An RWC isn’t needed when selling a car unless clearing a defect notice.
Vehicle Inspection in Queensland
No annual inspections are required in Queensland as long as your registration is up to date. However, if you’re selling a car, it must pass a full inspection called a Safety Certificate (formerly Roadworthy Certificate). This ensures the vehicle is roadworthy and free from major defects. Buyers will expect a Safety Certificate before completing the sale, as it confirms the vehicle’s safety. A safety inspection is also required when transferring registration from another state.
Vehicle Inspection in the Northern Territory
No annual state inspections are required if you keep your registration current. Vehicles under five years old transferred from another territory do not need inspection. Vehicles over five years old require inspections every 10 years, while cars older than 10 years must undergo yearly vehicle checks. Transferring a vehicle from interstate to NT registration requires an inspection, along with proof of ownership documents.
How to Transfer Registration Interstate
Transferring registration can be complicated due to varying state regulations. For example, in New South Wales (NSW), transferring registration is mandatory. Vehicles registered out-of-state but kept in NSW without local registration are considered unregistered, which can lead to penalties.
To transfer your registration, you’ll need:
- Your ID
- Proof of registration entitlement
- Original number plates
- Proof of compulsory third-party insurance
- A report from an Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection Station (no older than 42 days)
- The registration application form
- Payment
Costs are $34 within 14 days of acquiring the car, or $157 after 14 days. Additional fees, including stamp duty, may apply.
How to Buy a Car Interstate
Due to the size of Australia, buying a car from another state often means there could be hundreds or even thousands of kilometers between you and the vehicle you’d like to inspect or test drive. If you find a car you truly want, it might be worth making the long trip to get it. With the rise of online car ads, more Australians are purchasing vehicles from across the country. However, buying from another state or territory comes with several considerations.
Inspection Logistics
If the car is far away, you may want to hire someone nearby to inspect and test drive it for you, and then provide feedback before you make the trip. Be sure to check the Personal Property Securities Register to verify that the car isn’t stolen and doesn’t have outstanding finance. Consider using pre-purchase inspection services offered by major motoring organizations in the state where the car is located.
Transportation Costs
Transporting your new vehicle home varies depending on where you buy it and where you’re taking it. Get quotes in advance, as costs can range from $250 to $1500 depending on the car’s size and the distance it needs to travel. This way, you avoid unexpected fees.
Registration and Insurance
The process of transferring the car’s registration and getting it insured can be more complicated when buying from a different state. Australia has no nationwide laws for vehicle registration, so you’ll need to research the rules for both the state you’re buying from and the state you’re bringing the car to. If you’re driving the vehicle to your home state, you’ll need an Unregistered Vehicle Permit, which can be obtained through your state authority and provides CTP insurance for the journey. If you use a freight service, this permit isn’t required.
Conclusion
Vehicle inspections in Australia can appear difficult, but they follow some easy-to-understand rules. Mobile AutoCare services offer flexibility for safety checks, making compliance easier. If you are using a secondhand car, it’s recommended to get a used car inspection service every year. We have been the top choice for our customers for years, and we continue to receive many referrals and recommendations from happy customers throughout the year.
