A vehicle inspection report, often referred to as a safety check or safety certificate, is an official document that outlines the condition of a vehicle. Prepared by a licensed vehicle inspector, this comprehensive report assesses various aspects of your car to ensure it meets road safety standards.

In Australia, a vehicle inspection report is mandatory in certain states for processes such as buying, selling, or transferring ownership of a vehicle. It’s also required when registering or re-registering a vehicle or when periodic inspections are due. Depending on the state, the inspection will verify whether your vehicle is roadworthy and complies with safety regulations. Ensuring your car passes the inspection can help prevent costly repairs and ensure it is safe for the road.

What is involved in a vehicle inspection?

A comprehensive vehicle inspection covers several critical areas to ensure your car meets safety and roadworthiness standards. Your qualified inspector will examine key components such as the engine, transmission, brakes, tyres, underbody, and more. Additionally, the inspection includes a road test, where the inspector evaluates the vehicle’s performance on the road. Any issues, defects, or areas of concern will be noted in the report to ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition.

How to get a vehicle inspection report

Obtaining a vehicle inspection report is a simple process. To start, contact a reputable vehicle inspector via phone or book an appointment online through trusted services like Yellow Pages. You can either drop off your vehicle at the inspection site or opt for a mobile inspector who can come to your location. After the inspection, your vehicle inspector will document any issues, take necessary photos, and provide you with a detailed report on your vehicle’s condition.

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Vehicle inspection requirements by state

Each state and territory in Australia has specific laws and requirements when it comes to vehicle inspections or automotive checks. Below is an overview of the inspection and safety check requirements in each region.

ACT Car Rego Check

In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), certain situations require a vehicle inspection. These include:

• Vehicles over 6 years old requiring a transfer of ownership

• Interstate vehicles transferring registration, regardless of age

• Vehicles whose registration expired or was cancelled over 12 months ago

• Vehicles issued with a defect notice

• Brand new vehicles needing registration

• Vehicles running on LPG or CNG, which require annual inspections

Additionally, the ACT implements a random vehicle inspection system, meaning any vehicle can be randomly inspected in car parks or other road-related areas, regardless of whether it is occupied. If issued a defect notice, the vehicle must be inspected and cleared within 14 days.

New South Wales (NSW) Rego Check

In New South Wales, a vehicle safety check is required if your car is more than five years old and you need to renew its registration. Once the inspection is completed, you’ll receive an e-Safety Check, which allows you to renew your registration online or by phone.

Northern Territory (NT) Rego Renewal Requirements

In the Northern Territory, a vehicle inspection is required if your car is over three years old and you are renewing, issuing, or transferring registration from interstate.

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Car Safety Certificate in Queensland (QLD)

In Queensland, a Car Safety Certificate confirms that a vehicle has passed a minimum safety standard inspection. This certificate must be displayed when selling any light vehicle. It applies to both unregistered second-hand vehicles and registered interstate vehicles.

There are some exemptions for certain situations. For example, if selling to or between licensed motor dealers, or if the vehicle is unregistered, a safety certificate is not required. Additionally, if the vehicle transfer meets one of the following exemption criteria, a QLD car safety certificate is not necessary:

• The vehicle is located in an exempt area
• The transfer is from a beneficiary of a deceased estate
• The transfer occurs between spouses
• The vehicle is in a remote location

For further details, contact the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Vehicle Inspection in South Australia (SA)

In South Australia, privately owned vehicles typically do not require an inspection, even when transferring registration. However, there are certain situations where a roadworthy inspection is mandatory, such as:

• The vehicle has a non-standard engine
• The construction of the vehicle has been modified
• The vehicle is a bus with a capacity of 13 or more passengers
• The vehicle has been issued a defect notice
• The vehicle is imported, originally right-hand drive, and requires exemption from compliance plate fitting
• The vehicle was originally left-hand drive and needs conversion
• The vehicle is brand new and needs a compliance plate
• The vehicle has been registered in another state, is seven years old, and weighs 4.5 tonnes or more
• The vehicle has been written off and subsequently repaired
• The vehicle is used in country regions or for carrying 12 or fewer passengers for hire or reward
• The vehicle is a rally car or street rod
• The vehicle has modifications to its brakes, steering, or suspension

For these cases, a roadworthy inspection must be conducted before the vehicle can be registered.

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TAS Rego Check

In Tasmania, a safety inspection is required if you’re registering or re-registering your vehicle. The following situations require a vehicle inspection:

• Transferring registration from interstate

• The vehicle’s previous registration expired or was cancelled more than three months ago

• The vehicle was written off and has been repaired

• The vehicle was converted from left-hand drive to right-hand drive

Once the inspection is complete and your vehicle meets the required standards, you can proceed with registration.

VIC Rego Check: Certificate of Roadworthiness

In Victoria, a Certificate of Roadworthiness (VIC rego check) is mandatory when selling or re-registering a vehicle, whether it’s from interstate or another source. A safety inspection is required to obtain this certificate. Additionally, the certificate will be required if a defect notice or notice of unroadworthiness has been issued. This ensures the vehicle complies with road safety standards before it can be sold or re-registered.

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