If you are looking to sell your used vehicle, buy a used vehicle or even re-register your existing vehicle, the Australian government requires that in all the circumstances stated above, your vehicle should be equipped with a Roadworthy certificate (RWC).
Accredited vehicle testers nominate garages where they will carry out the inspection before you can get a RoadWorthy Melbourne certificate. You can check with your garage to understand whether an accredited vehicle tester is attached to the particular garage and then approach them with your specific needs.
When you are using public roads in Melbourne, transport authorities expect you to maintain your vehicle in good repair to ensure your own safety and the safety of other road users.
However, an RWC Melbourne does not certify the mechanical stability or the general condition of your vehicle and therefore is not a substitute for your regular maintenance schedules.
The roadworthy test focuses on components of your vehicle that impact the safety of the vehicle, its occupants as well as other road users. A major objective of the Victorian government in stipulating this certification is to minimise vehicular pollution on public roads and enhance public safety.
So what happens when you go to receive a RWC?
When you present your vehicle for a roadworthy certificate, an authorised vehicle tester will examine aspects of your car including:
- Tyres
- Wheels
- Seatbelts
- Seats
- Steering wheel
- Brake pads
- Suspension
- Windscreen
- Engine
- Overall body
In order to receive a perfect assessment result all of these components must be completely safe and in 100% working condition.
The certificate issued by the authorised vehicle tester is to ensure the fitness of your vehicle for using public roads in Melbourne.
Two-part process
The roadworthy certificate is a two-part process. A licensed vehicle tester will inspect your vehicle to identify potential faults and defects requiring repair or replacement to be compliant with standards stipulated for the purpose of issuing a roadworthy certificate.
This is the first part and if any of the components fail the test, a rejection report is issued.
When a rejection report is issued for your vehicle, you are required to get the replacements or repairs mentioned in the report carried out within 7 days from the date of the rejection report and resubmit your vehicle for a second inspection.
This is the second part of the process. However, if the vehicle is not presented for re-inspection within the stipulated period of 7 days, you will need to start from the first part again with attendant costs. The second part will also need to be carried out by the same vehicle tester who issued the rejection report.
Once a green RWC Melbourne is issued to you, the vehicle becomes officially roadworthy.
Re-registration or transfer of your vehicle
There may be times when your vehicle needs to be transferred to another person or you need a re-registration for your vehicle. In either of these instances, you will need a roadworthy certificate issued for your vehicle within 30 days preceding your application for transfer/re-registration.
However, you should also know that an RWC does not guarantee roadworthiness of your vehicle for 30 days after issuing the certificate. The RWC may also come in handy if you are stopped by law enforcement officials and they seek the certificate.
However, if the officer still notices serious defects in the vehicle, the RWC certificate by itself may not help you avoid penal action. Leaking oil and bald tyres can be very obvious and can present serious trouble for other road users.
When you are selling your vehicle, it is in your own interest to present a valid RWC along with the sale papers, though your vehicle can still be sold without the RWC. In such instances, it is desirable to remove the vehicle’s number plate and turn it over to an appropriate authority so that the registration of the vehicle is cancelled and you remain free from potential future events involving the vehicle you sold.
The cost of getting an RWC will be influenced by its general condition, age, the vehicle tester and the garage carrying out the inspection. You are free to get multiple quotes and work with any accredited vehicle tester/garage to ensure that you get a Cheap Road Worthy certificate.
For an updated guidance on getting an RWC for a vehicle, you can contact your garage or mechanic who can walk you through the whole process.
