In Queensland, a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) is required in order to sell your vehicle, transfer its registration from another state or re-register an unregistered vehicle. A Certificate of Inspection (COI) is required for commercial vehicles such as heavy vehicles, licenced tow trucks, buses, taxis, limousines and ride-on services such as Uber. Vehicles weighing up to 4.5 tonnes Gross Vehicle Mass (GMV) can obtain their COI at an Approved Inspection Station (such as us at Sunshine Coast European Vehicle Centre). Anything weighing more than 4.5 tonnes must be inspected at a TMR (Transport Main Roads) inspection site.

Here is the difference between a Roadworthy Certificate and a Certificate of Inspection.

What is a Roadworthy Certificate?

A Roadworthy Certificate (RWC), also known as a pink slip or a car safety certificate, certifies that a vehicle meets minimum safety standards and is roadworthy, showing that it is safe to drive on public roads. It is required when transferring the registration to a new owner, when transferring to a Queensland registration from another state or territory or when re-registering an unregistered vehicle. Keep in mind that a safety certificate inspection is not a comprehensive mechanical inspection on the quality or life expectancy of a vehicle.

How do I obtain a Roadworthy Certificate?

To obtain a Roadworthy Certificate, your vehicle must be inspected by an authorised person, such as a licenced mechanic. The inspection will look over the vehicle’s safety features and systems, such as the brakes, tyres, suspension and steering. If any repairs or modifications are required to make the vehicle roadworthy, they must be completed before the certificate can be issued.

When the inspection is finished and the vehicle is deemed roadworthy, the authorised person will issue you with a Roadworthy Certificate. This certificate is valid for 3 months or 1,000 km from the date of issue (from licenced motor dealers) or for 2 months or 2,000 km from the date of issue (from other sources).

So, what is a Certificate of Inspection?

In Queensland, commercial vehicles must undergo a regular inspection to be able to operate for commercial purposes on public roads. These vehicles are typically inspected every 12 months and a Certificate of Inspection is issued to confirm that the vehicle is safe and compliant with all relevant legislation. 

What is the difference between the two?

A Certificate of Inspection covers a comprehensive range of safety features on a commercial vehicle, whereas a Roadworthy Certificate only assesses those items which are likely to cause immediate danger if they are not in good working order. It is important to note that both types of certification are required to operate a commercial vehicle on a public road.

How do you obtain a Certificate of Inspection?

To obtain a Certificate of Inspection, the owner of the commercial vehicle must take it to an authorised inspection station. The vehicle will undergo a range of safety tests and, if it is found to be compliant with all relevant legislation, a QLD Inspection Certificate will be issued. A regular Roadworthy Certificate can be obtained from any licensed mechanic.

What is an authorised inspection station?

In Queensland, an authorised inspection station is a business that has been authorised by the Department of Transport and Main Roads to issue a Certificate of Inspection for a vehicle.

Sunshine Coast European Vehicle Centre is a family-owned and operated Sunshine Coast mechanic in Kunda Park that has been servicing the community since 2010. We provide a wide range of services, including logbook servicing, brakes and clutch repairs, suspension and steering repairs and much more. Our team of qualified car mechanics are passionate about providing quality service and workmanship, and we only use the best parts and products available. Contact us today to book a service or repair or for more information about our services.