Let's talk about Safety Certificates

A Safety Certificate test is not a mechanics opinion of the vehicle for sale, it is a test to report whether or not the vehicle meets the Queensland Government Department of Transport Safety certificateand Main Roads set of standards required to issue a Safety Certificate.

The process consists of 3 parts.

  • The Test itself (The inspection of the vehicle by a qualified Inspector)
  • The Inspection report (To advise the Seller of a pass or fail)
  • The Certificate of approval (issued only when the car passes)

So, what is the purpose of the Safety Certificate?

The Safety Certificate has two main roles.

  1. Notifies Queensland Department of Transport that the vehicle has been tested and passed the Queensland Government Department of Transport and Main Roads set of standards https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Vehicle-standards-and-modifications/Vehicle-modifications/Vehicle-Inspection-Guidelines.aspx

               Indicating the vehicle can be safely operated on Queensland roads

  1. Provides the purchaser proof that the vehicle has met the Queensland Government Department of Transport and Main Roads prescribed safety standards, so they can register and safely operate the vehicle on Queensland roads.

There are four parties involved in procuring a Queensland Government Department of Transport and Main Roads Safety Certificate for the sale of a vehicle,

So, where do the responsibilities lie?

  1. The Seller of the vehicle,

Responsible for ensuring the vehicle is presented to the inspection station in a condition that meets the Queensland Government Department of Transport and Main Roads standards.

  1. The Approved Inspection Station,

Responsible for accurately and honestly carrying out the inspection as required by the Queensland Government Department of Transport and Main Roads Safety inspection rules.

  1. The Queensland Government Department of Transport and Main Roads,

Setting the rules and guidelines to assess if the vehicle meets the minimum safety standard.

  1. The purchaser,

Who,  when transferring the registration must provide Queensland Government Department of Transport and Main Roads proof that the vehicle has undergone and passed a Safety inspection.

As you can see, the importance is the safety of the vehicle, not the sale of the vehicle.

Ensuring both the purchaser and Queensland Government Department of Transport and Main Roads, that the vehicle meets the prescribed standards..

 

The safety certificate for Private sales is valid for 2 months or 2000 Klms from the inspection date.

A safety certificate only ensures the vehicle is compliant with the minimum standards set out by the Queensland Transport Department,

"Safety certificates do not ensure the vehicle is without problems."

Future Auto Service Centres recommend you have a pre-purchase inspection carried out before purchasing any vehicle.

Vehicles sold unregistered must have a current safety certificate before they can be re-registered for normal road use.