Roadworthy Certificates in Australia: A State-by-State Guide
A roadworthy certificate (RWC) — also called a safety certificate or pink slip depending on your state — is a document confirming that a vehicle meets minimum roadworthy standards at the time of inspection. Requirements for private vehicle sales differ across Australia.
New South Wales (NSW)
Called an e-Safety Check or Pink Slip, required for private vehicle sales when the vehicle is 5 years old or more. Completed by a licensed inspection station (authorised by TfNSW). Covers lights, brakes, tyres, windows, and basic safety systems. Valid for 6 months.
Victoria (VIC)
Called a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW), required for all private vehicle sales. Must be completed by a VicRoads-licensed vehicle tester. It covers steering, brakes, tyres, lights, glazing, and body condition. Valid for 30 days for transfer purposes.
Victoria's RWC requirements are among the most comprehensive in Australia.
Queensland (QLD)
Called a Safety Certificate, required for all vehicles being sold privately. Must be completed by a licensed inspection station. Covers brakes, steering, tyres, lights, and basic safety equipment. Valid for 2 months or 2,000km, whichever comes first.
Western Australia (WA)
Called a Licensed Vehicle Inspection (LVI), required for vehicles over a certain age being sold privately. The age threshold and specific requirements should be confirmed with DoT WA as they are subject to change.
South Australia (SA)
SA requires a Vehicle Safety Check from a licensed inspection station for most private sales. The check covers tyres, brakes, lights, and basic safety systems.
Tasmania (TAS)
TAS requires a Vehicle Inspection Certificate for vehicles over 3 years old being sold privately. Completed by an authorised inspection station.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The ACT is unique in that it does not require a roadworthy certificate for private vehicle sales. This makes independent inspection and a National VIN Check even more critical for ACT buyers.
Northern Territory (NT)
NT requires a roadworthy inspection in most circumstances — confirm current requirements with MVR NT.
What a Roadworthy Does NOT Tell You
A roadworthy certificate confirms minimum safety standards at the time of inspection. It does not:
For all of these, run a National VIN Check before purchase. Our Premium report ($19.95) delivers complete history in 60 seconds.