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.
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.
