The roadworthy certificate goes by different names in different states but covers the same idea: a licensed inspector confirms that the vehicle meets minimum on-road safety standards. Most states require one at the point of ownership transfer for any second-hand vehicle.
What each state calls it
| State | Name | Required for transfer? | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | e-Safety Check (pink slip) | Cars > 5 yrs old | $45 |
| VIC | Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) | Yes (every transfer) | $170-$240 |
| QLD | Safety Certificate (SC) | Yes (every transfer) | $78-$95 |
| WA | Vehicle inspection | Yes | $80 |
| SA | No transfer inspection (most cases) | No | - |
| TAS | No transfer inspection | No | - |
| ACT | No transfer inspection (most cases) | No | - |
| NT | Vehicle inspection | Yes | $78 |
What a roadworthy actually checks
Each state's inspector follows a state-specific checklist, but all of them cover:
- Brake performance + pad/disc condition
- Tyre tread depth (minimum 1.5 mm across the central three-quarters of each tyre)
- Steering free-play and suspension condition
- Light operation (head, brake, indicator, reverse, fog)
- Windscreen cracks (any chip in the driver's sight line is an automatic fail)
- Seatbelt webbing condition + retractor operation
- Exhaust system integrity (no leaks before the catalytic converter)
- Window tint (VLT% must meet state-specific minimums - this is the most-failed item in VIC RWC inspections on imported cars)
- Steering wheel and pedal pad wear
VIC RWC is the strictest
VIC's Roadworthy Certificate has noticeably tighter pass criteria than other states - particularly on tint percentages, headlight alignment, brake pad minimum thickness, and seatbelt webbing fray. A car that just passed a NSW pink slip can fail a VIC RWC for items the NSW inspector waved through. If you're transferring interstate into VIC, budget $150-$300 for likely delta items between inspections.
Roadworthy is independent of statutory warranty - a car can pass a roadworthy and still have major mechanical issues (the test covers safety, not reliability). For pre-purchase confidence the 30-point walkaround + a mechanic's pre-purchase inspection complements the roadworthy.