Do I Need a Roadworthy to Sell My Car in QLD?

Queensland Roadworthy Requirements: Seller's Guide

If you're selling a car in Queensland, you'll hear the term "roadworthy" a lot. But do you actually need one? The short answer: it depends on who's buying. Let's clear up the confusion.

What Is a "Roadworthy" in QLD?

First, let's get the terminology right. In Queensland, the official term is Safety Certificate (not roadworthy or RWC, though everyone still says it).

A Safety Certificate confirms that your vehicle meets minimum safety standards at the time of inspection. It covers:

• Brakes
• Steering
• Suspension
• Tyres
• Lights
• Seatbelts
• Windscreen and wipers
• Exhaust system
• General structural integrity

It does NOT guarantee:

• Mechanical reliability
• Engine condition
• Transmission health
• How long the car will last

When Do You Need One?

Yes, you need a Safety Certificate when:

1. Selling to a private buyer – Required in most cases
2. Registering an unregistered vehicle – Mandatory
3. Re-registering after lapsed rego – Required
4. Transferring from interstate – Needed for QLD registration
5. Major modification approval – Often required

No, you don't need one when:

1. Selling to a licensed dealer – They handle it themselves
2. Trading in at a dealership – Same as above
3. The car is already unregistered and sold "as is" – Buyer takes responsibility
4. Selling within family – Exemptions may apply (check with TMR)

Getting a Safety Certificate

Who can issue one: Only Approved Inspection Stations (AIS) can issue Safety Certificates. These are licensed mechanics, not just any garage. Look for the AIS sign.

What it costs:

• Inspection fee: $80-$150 (varies by mechanic)
• This is JUST the inspection—repairs are extra

How long it's valid:

• 2 months (or 2,000km, whichever comes first)
• After that, you need a new one

What happens if it fails: The mechanic gives you a list of items that need fixing. Once repaired (anywhere you like), you return for a re-inspection.

Common Safety Certificate Failures

Based on our experience helping sellers in SEQ, here are the most common failures:

Issue	Typical Repair Cost
Worn brake pads/rotors	$200-$600
Bald or damaged tyres	$100-$300 each
Worn suspension components	$300-$800
Faulty lights/indicators	$20-$200
Windscreen chips in driver's view	$100-$300
Worn seatbelts	$50-$150 each
Steering wear	$200-$500
Exhaust leaks	$100-$400

Pro tip: Get an inspection BEFORE listing your car. Know what's needed and factor repair costs into your pricing decision.

Strategic Decision: Sell With or Without Safety Certificate?

Option 1: Get the Safety Certificate

Pros:

• Attracts more buyers (less hassle for them)
• Commands higher price
• Shows you've maintained the car
• Faster sale

Cons:

• Upfront cost
• May reveal expensive repairs needed
• Time to get work done

Best for: Cars under 10 years old, well-maintained vehicles, when maximising price matters.

Option 2: Sell Without (To Dealer or As-Is)

Pros:

• No upfront cost
• No dealing with repairs
• Quick transaction

Cons:

• Lower price (dealers factor in their costs)
• Limited buyer pool
• May signal problems to buyers

Best for: Older cars, cars with known issues, when convenience matters more than price.

The Numbers: Is It Worth Fixing?

Example calculation:

Car value with Safety Certificate: $12,000 Car value without: $9,500

Repairs needed to pass: $800 Inspection fee: $120

Total cost: $920 Value gained: $2,500 Net benefit: $1,580

In this case, absolutely worth it.

But watch out: If repairs exceed ~50% of the value difference, selling as-is to a dealer might make more sense.

Selling to a Dealer: No Safety Certificate Needed

When you sell to a licensed motor dealer:

• They take responsibility for the Safety Certificate
• They'll factor repair costs into their offer
• This is why dealer trade-in/buy prices are lower
• But it's instant and hassle-free

Good option if:

• Car has expensive issues to fix
• You don't have time for private sale
• Convenience is your priority

How Transfers Work in QLD

When you sell with a Safety Certificate:

1. You and buyer complete transfer forms
2. Buyer takes Safety Certificate + transfer form to TMR
3. Registration transfers to their name
4. You're no longer responsible for the vehicle

Without Safety Certificate (to dealer):

1. Complete dealer paperwork
2. Dealer handles registration transfer
3. You receive payment
4. Done

Common Questions

Q: Can I sell a car with expired registration? A: Yes, but:

• Private buyers need a Safety Certificate to register
• You might get better price from dealer (less hassle)
• Disclose expired rego clearly in listing

Q: What if my car fails and I can't afford repairs? A: Options include:

• Sell to a dealer as-is
• Sell privately as "unregistered, no RWC"
• Part out valuable components
• Sell to wreckers

Q: Can the buyer get the Safety Certificate instead? A: Technically yes, but:

• It's your responsibility to provide one for registration transfer
• Buyers are reluctant to take this risk
• You'll get a lower price

Q: Do motorcycles/trailers need Safety Certificates? A: Yes, trailers over 750kg and motorcycles require them for sale/transfer too.

Our Process at SEQ Car Brokers

When selling through us, here's how we handle it:

1. We assess your car first – Is a Safety Certificate worth it?
2. We recommend a strategy – Fix and certify vs sell as-is
3. We can organise inspections – Our network of trusted mechanics
4. We handle the paperwork – Transfer forms, rego, the lot
5. You get paid – Without the hassle

Thinking about selling? Let us give you an honest assessment of what your car is worth and the best way to sell it. No obligation, no pressure.