Safety Certificates

Since November 1999, the safety certificate has replaced the roadworthy certificate in Queensland.  A safety certificate covers basic things that could affect the safe operation of the vehicle, such as:

• tyres / brakes / steering / suspension / body rust or damage / windscreen / lights

In Queensland you must obtain and display a safety certificate on any registered light vehicle from the moment you offer the vehicle for sale. Failure to display a safety certificate on the vehicle from the moment you offer it for sale can result in an on-the-spot fine of $500.

• Vehicles include cars, motorbikes, caravans, trailers (0.75 – 3.50 tonne ATM) and any other vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass).

A vehicle with a safety certificate has undergone a safety inspection before being offered for sale, so buyers can be sure the vehicle is safe to drive. Safety certificates can only be issued by approved inspection stations.

• These are service stations, garages or workshops which have been approved by Queensland Transport to conduct inspections.

For private sellers, safety certificates are valid for two (2) months or 2000 kilometres, whichever comes first. A new safety certificate is required each time you sell the vehicle, even if it is within the two months or 2000 kilometres.

• A safety certificate cannot be used for more than one transfer. Also, the safety certificate cannot contain any alterations.

A Vehicle Registration Transfer Application Form (F3520) is available for downloading from the Queensland Transport website.

Source: Queensland Transport.  Last Updated: 13 October 2009.