A Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) is a crucial part of vehicle ownership in Melbourne. Whether you’re planning to sell your car, transfer ownership, or renew your registration, an RWC is essential to ensure your vehicle meets the minimum safety standards required by law. If you’re a Melbourne driver or a car buyer, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about roadworthy inspections and certificates.
A Roadworthy Certificate is an official document issued after your vehicle passes a roadworthy inspection. The purpose of the inspection is to confirm that your car is safe for use on public roads, and it checks key components that could affect its safety and performance. In Melbourne, as in the rest of Victoria, an RWC is legally required when:
A Roadworthy Certificate ensures that your vehicle meets the basic safety requirements, protecting you, your passengers, and other road users. It gives buyers peace of mind that the car they’re purchasing is safe to drive. Additionally, it helps reduce the number of unsafe vehicles on Melbourne’s roads.
Roadworthy inspections are designed to focus on the key areas that impact your vehicle’s safety. During an inspection, a licensed vehicle tester will assess:
It’s important to note that a roadworthy inspection does not check for the vehicle’s overall condition or its mechanical reliability. The focus is purely on safety. Things like engine health, transmission, and cosmetic issues (e.g., paint quality or upholstery) are not part of the inspection.
To obtain an RWC, you will need to book an inspection with a licensed vehicle tester in Melbourne, such as Punjab Auto and Tyres. If your car passes the inspection, you will be issued the Roadworthy Certificate, which is valid for 30 days. If your vehicle fails, you will need to carry out the necessary repairs and then have the vehicle re-inspected.
Many vehicles in Melbourne fail their first roadworthy inspection due to common issues such as:
Ensuring these areas are addressed before the inspection can save you time and money.
In Melbourne, an RWC is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. After this period, a new inspection will be required.
In Victoria, it is illegal to sell a registered vehicle without a valid roadworthy certificate. However, you can sell a vehicle without registration or provide a "sold as-is" condition, but the buyer must obtain an RWC before registering it.
If your vehicle fails, you’ll be given a list of the required repairs. After completing these repairs, you can return the vehicle for a re-inspection, usually within 7-14 days.
Yes, as long as your vehicle is currently registered and meets all other legal requirements. However, you will need an RWC if you plan to sell the vehicle, transfer ownership, or re-register it.
With so many service providers in Melbourne, it’s important to choose a licensed and experienced provider for your roadworthy inspection. Punjab Auto and Tyres offers high-quality RWC testing, with qualified mechanics who ensure your vehicle meets the necessary safety standards. Our services are fast, reliable, and competitively priced, giving you peace of mind on the road.