How Long Does It Take To Get A Roadworthy Certificates?
Before you know how long does it take to get a Roadworthy Certificate, it is necessary for you to understand what exactly is a Roadworthy Certificate.
So……
What Is A Roadworthy Certificate?
If you are really interested in buying a used car, then you must be wondering as to how long does it take to get a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC). However, do you fully understand the meaning and importance of a roadworthy or RWC Certificate?
If you don’t, then you must remember that a Roadworthy Certificate RWC is a legal document that is a must-have if you are purchasing a used car or selling a used car. You cannot and should not drive on the streets of Sunshine Coast or anywhere else in Queensland without this document. The RWC vehicle is an authentication paper that proves that a vehicle is fit to be on the streets, thereby ensuring the prevention of accidents by non-roadworthy vehicles.
what is a roadworthy certificate
To define what is a Roadworthy Certificate, you can briefly say that it is a mandatory document to possess by law before offering any registered vehicle for sale.
An RWC Roadworthy certifies that a vehicle meets the minimum and requisite safety standards for the streets of Queensland.
Therefore, if you want to sell your used car or transfer a registered vehicle anytime soon in Queensland, you should definitely look up “where can I get a Roadworthy Certificate near me.”
Here’s when you need a Roadworthy Certificate:
- When a registered and light vehicle is put up for sale, or
- Transferring registration to a buyer, or
- Transferring registration from another state or territory, or
- Re-registering a vehicle that is unregistered.
Vehicles That Require A Roadworthy Certificate Include:
- Cars
- Motorbikes
- Trailers and caravans with an ATM or Aggregate Trailer Mass ranging between 750kg and 3,500kg; and
- Any other vehicle that is up to 4,500kg GVM or Gross Vehicle Mass
Given below are circumstances when a roadworthy certificate might not be necessary:
- The disposer is in an exempt area.
- The individual receiving the vehicle is a beneficiary of a deceased estate.
- The transfer of a vehicle between spouses. This includes separated couples and registered partners until a divorce or an application to end the registered relationship is concluded.)
Is There A Difference Between A Roadworthy Certificate And A Safety Certificate?
When it comes to light vehicles like cars, there is no difference between Safety Certificate and Roadworthy Certificate. In Queensland, the name got changed from Roadworthy to Safety Certificate in the year 1999.
It is worth mentioning here that trucks over 4.5t still receive their certifications that are referred to as Roadworthy Certificates. What Is A Roadworthy Inspection & How Long Does It Take To Get A Roadworthy?
A Roadworthy Inspection is one that covers the basic safety standards of a vehicle. However, it is not a detailed mechanical inspection of the quality or the life expectancy of a vehicle.
And if you ask – how long does a Roadworthy Inspection take? Well, more often than not, it takes less than an hour.
(NOTE: In order to get a Roadworthy Certificate, you must allow a comprehensive inspection of your vehicle. We are highly recommend to take our Mobile Roadworthy Sunshine Coast certificates to get your vehicles roadworthy)
What Gets Checked In A Roadworthy Inspection?
Given below is a Car Roadworthy Checklist or a Roadworthy vehicle checklist consisting of the components that are inspected:
- Steering
- Tyres
- Suspension
- Brakes
- Damage to the body
- Lights
- Windscreen
What If My Vehicle Fails The Inspection?
A Roadworthy Inspection consists of a full report as to whether or not your vehicle has passed the RWC check or inspection.
In case your vehicle doesn’t pass the inspection, there is no need to worry, as you will get up to 14 days to fix every fault and get a re-inspection done.
How Can You Get A Roadworthy Certificate?
Before you offer a registered vehicle for sale or dispose of a registered vehicle (other than or unless it to a dealer), you must possess a car Roadworthy or vehicle Roadworthy Certificate.
The question here is – how to get Roadworthy Certificate?
In Queensland, only AIS or Approved inspection stations that have licensed operators and testers can carry out vehicle inspections and are the only ones who can issue Roadworthy or Safety Certificates. The AIS will either provide you with a handwritten or an electrically issued certificate.
How Long Do These Certificates Last?
If you want to know how long does a Roadworthy Certificate or RWC last, you should know that in Queensland, it largely depends on who is responsible for selling the vehicle.
- In the case of licensed motor dealers –
A certificate is valid for 1,000km or 3 months, whichever comes first from the issue date. - For all other sellers –
A certificate is valid for 2,000km or 2 months, whichever comes first from the issue date.
How Much Does A Roadworthy Certificate Cost?
While discussing how much is a roadworthy?, one needs to remember that there is no separate cost for the certificate. After inspection, the certificate is issued. The cost of the inspection is decided and set by the government and cannot be changed.
However, certain mobile service providers can charge a bit more, which includes the call-out fee.
And Finally… How Long Does It Take In Order To Get A Roadworthy Certificate (RWC)?
Now that you have got a clear picture of Roadworthy Certificates, it is now time that you get an answer to the question – how long does a roadworthy inspection take?
The answer is that it takes a maximum of 40-50 minutes. After the inspection is completed, you will be provided with a comprehensive report. And as you have seen earlier, if your vehicle fails the inspection, you will get 14 days to rectify every fault and go for a re-inspection.
Thus, it can be concluded that a safety certificate, formerly known as a Roadworthy Certificate, is a clear mandate that you require to drive any used vehicle on the roads of Queensland. It not only ascertains your safety but also of the others as well. Book your vehicle’s roadworthy inspection today and align with road safety.
