Quick Answer: QLD Safety Certificate Requirements
| Scenario | Need Safety Certificate? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Selling registered car privately | ✅ Yes | Required for buyer to transfer rego |
| Selling unregistered car | ❌ No | Buyer purchases as-is |
| Selling to licensed dealer | ❌ No | Dealer handles it |
| Selling for parts/wrecking | ❌ No | Vehicle not being registered |
| Have valid certificate <2 months old | Use existing | Must not have changed hands |
Cost: $80-$120 for inspection | Validity: 2 months or until sold | Common failures: Tyres, lights, brakes, wipers
Selling your car in Queensland? One of the first questions is: "Do I need a roadworthy?" Here's the straightforward answer—and everything else you need to know.
CQ quick take
For Central Queensland (CQ) sellers, the rule is simple: if the car is registered and you're selling privately, you will almost always need a Safety Certificate. The easiest way to avoid delays is to organise it before you list the car.
- Official Queensland guidance: Queensland roadworthy requirements.
- If you want help selling without the paperwork headache, talk to a Central Queensland car broker.
The Simple Answer
Yes, in most cases you need a Safety Certificate (roadworthy) to sell a registered vehicle in Queensland.
The buyer needs a valid Safety Certificate to transfer registration into their name.
Exceptions exist (see below), but for most private sales, you'll need one.
When You DO Need a Safety Certificate
You need a Safety Certificate to sell your car if:
- The vehicle is currently registered
- The buyer wants to transfer registration
- The buyer will register it in Queensland
- It's been more than 2 months since your last Safety Certificate
This covers 95%+ of private sales.
When You DON'T Need One
You can sell WITHOUT a Safety Certificate if:
1. Selling Unregistered
If the car is already unregistered:
- No Safety Certificate required
- Buyer purchases as-is
- Buyer handles registration (and any repairs needed)
- Lower price expected
2. Selling to a Dealer
Licensed dealers:
- Don't need a Safety Certificate to purchase from you
- They'll handle it themselves before resale
- You just sign over the vehicle
3. Selling for Parts/Wrecking
If the vehicle is:
- Being scrapped
- Sold as parts only
- Going to a wrecker
- No Safety Certificate needed
4. Within 2 Months of Last Certificate
If you have a current Safety Certificate that's less than 2 months old (and the car hasn't changed hands since), you can use that.
What Is a Safety Certificate?
Formerly called a "roadworthy," a Queensland Safety Certificate confirms:
- The vehicle is safe to operate on roads
- Essential safety systems are functional
- It meets minimum safety standards
It's NOT a mechanical warranty - it only confirms safety at the time of inspection.
What Gets Checked?
Main Inspection Points
Brakes:
- Brake pads/shoes (minimum 1.5mm)
- Rotors/drums condition
- Brake lines and hoses
- Handbrake operation
- Warning lights
Steering and Suspension:
- Ball joints
- Tie rod ends
- Wheel bearings
- Shock absorbers
- Power steering
Tyres and Wheels:
- Tread depth (minimum 1.5mm)
- Tyre condition (no cracks, bulges)
- Correct size tyres
- Wheel nuts present and tight
Lights and Signals:
- All lights operational
- Correct colour
- Indicators working
- High/low beam
Windscreen and Windows:
- No cracks in driver's vision area
- Wipers functional
- Washers working
Body and Structure:
- No dangerous rust
- Doors close properly
- Seatbelts functional
- Seats secure
Engine and Exhaust:
- No excessive smoke
- Secure mounting
- No major leaks
What It DOESN'T Check
Not included:
- Engine condition (beyond basic function)
- Transmission
- Air conditioning
- Electrical accessories
- Cosmetic issues
- Minor oil leaks
- How long things will last
A car can pass Safety Certificate and still have expensive problems.
How to Get a Safety Certificate
Step 1: Find an Approved Station
Search for "Approved Inspection Stations" near you. In CQ:
- Most mechanics can do them
- Some specialist inspection stations
- Dealership service centres
Step 2: Book an Inspection
Call ahead—inspections need time allocated. Cost: $80-$120 typically (inspection only, no repairs).
Step 3: Prepare Your Car
Before inspection:
- Check all lights work
- Ensure tyres are road-legal
- Top up washer fluid
- Remove excessive personal items
- Make sure horn works
Step 4: Attend Inspection
The inspector will:
- Complete a 30-60 minute inspection
- Tell you the result immediately
- Provide pass certificate OR failure list
Step 5: If You Pass
You receive a Safety Certificate valid for:
- 2 months (or until sold, whichever first)
- One sale only
Step 6: If You Fail
You receive a list of items requiring attention:
- Fix the issues
- Return within 14 days for re-inspection (reduced fee)
- Or start again after 14 days (full fee)
Common Failure Points
Most likely to fail for:
- Tyres - Worn below 1.5mm, perished, damaged
- Lights - Burnt globes, wrong colour (often number plate lights)
- Brakes - Worn pads, scored rotors
- Wipers - Not clearing properly
- Suspension - Worn bushes, leaking shocks
- Rust - Structural rust (floor pans, chassis)
Quick wins before inspection:
- Replace any burnt bulbs ($5-$20 each)
- Replace worn wiper blades ($15-$30)
- Check tyre tread with a gauge ($10 from auto store)
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Safety inspection | $80-$120 |
| Re-inspection (within 14 days) | $40-$60 |
| Common repairs (if failed): | |
| - Brake pads | $150-$300 |
| - Tyres (each) | $100-$250 |
| - Wiper blades | $20-$50 |
| - Light globes | $10-$30 each |
| - Ball joint | $200-$400 |
Selling Strategy Tips
Get Certificate Before Advertising
Buyers want cars with valid Safety Certificates:
- Faster sale
- Higher price
- Fewer negotiations
Don't Over-Invest
If repairs exceed the car's value difference, consider:
- Selling without registration (as-is)
- Selling to a wrecker
- Reducing asking price and selling with certificate
Be Honest
If something's borderline:
- Don't hide it
- Let the buyer know
- Price accordingly
How We Handle It
At CQ Car Brokers, when selling your car:
- We assess if Safety Certificate is needed
- We arrange inspection
- We advise on worthwhile repairs vs selling as-is
- We handle the paperwork
No running around for you.
Quick Checklist
Before selling in QLD:
- Is the car registered? (Usually need Safety Certificate)
- Got a valid certificate less than 2 months old? (Can use it)
- Selling to dealer? (They don't need it from you)
- Selling unregistered? (Buyer takes as-is)
Need Help Selling?
Not sure what's needed for your situation? Get in touch and we'll walk you through the process—including whether a Safety Certificate makes sense for your car.
Next steps (free help)
- Get help selling your car
- Contact us for a quick plan
- Buying your next car?
- Need car finance?
- Queensland car broker
- Rockhampton car broker
- Mackay car broker
- Gladstone car broker
Frequently Asked Questions About QLD Safety Certificates
How much does a roadworthy cost in Queensland in 2025?
A Safety Certificate inspection costs $80-$120 at most approved inspection stations in Queensland. If you fail and return within 14 days for re-inspection, the fee drops to $40-$60. This cost is just for the inspection itself—any repairs needed to pass are additional. Shopping around can save money, but don't sacrifice quality for a few dollars.
How long is a QLD Safety Certificate valid for?
A Safety Certificate is valid for 2 months from the date of issue OR until the vehicle is sold, whichever comes first. It can only be used for one sale—once you've transferred the vehicle, that certificate is no longer valid even if still within 2 months. If you don't sell within 2 months, you'll need a new inspection.
What are the most common reasons cars fail a roadworthy?
The top failure points are: 1) Tyres below 1.5mm tread or damaged, 2) Burnt out bulbs (especially number plate lights people forget), 3) Worn brake pads or scored rotors, 4) Wiper blades not clearing properly, 5) Structural rust on floor pans or chassis. Most of these are cheap fixes—do a pre-check before your inspection to avoid re-inspection fees.
Can I sell a car without a roadworthy in Queensland?
Yes, in specific situations: selling an unregistered vehicle (as-is sale), selling to a licensed dealer (they handle it themselves), selling for parts or wrecking, or selling interstate where the buyer will register in another state. For unregistered sales, expect a lower price as buyers factor in potential repair costs and the inconvenience.
What doesn't a Safety Certificate check?
A Safety Certificate only confirms minimum safety standards at the time of inspection. It does NOT check: engine condition beyond basic function, transmission, air conditioning, electrical accessories, cosmetic issues, or how long components will last. A car can pass with a dying transmission or failing air conditioning—it's not a mechanical warranty. Always get a separate pre-purchase inspection when buying.
