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Guide · updated 02/11/2026

Queensland safety certificate rules

When you need a roadworthy (safety certificate) in Queensland, how long it lasts, who's exempt and what the inspection checks: the 2026 rules in plain English.

When you need a safety certificate

For cars, utes, vans and 4WDs, the Queensland Government says you need a current safety certificate when you:

• transfer the registration to a new owner (selling a registered vehicle privately)
• transfer a vehicle to Queensland registration from another state or territory
• re-register a vehicle that has been unregistered.

You no longer need the certificate before you advertise a registered vehicle for sale, but you need it before you hand it over to the buyer (unless you're selling to a licensed dealer).

How long it lasts

• Private sellers: 2 months or 2,000 km from the date it's issued, whichever comes first.
• Licensed motor dealers: 3 months or 1,000 km, whichever comes first.

A certificate covers one transfer only: each sale needs a new one.

When you don't need one

The government lists exemptions, including:

• vehicles garaged in an exempt area at the time of sale
• a transfer to a beneficiary of a deceased estate
• a transfer between spouses or registered partners
• unregistered vehicles, and vehicles traded to or between licensed dealers.

If you're not sure whether yours is exempt, call Transport and Main Roads on 13 23 80, or ask us.

What the inspection checks

A safety certificate inspection checks that the vehicle meets minimum safety standards on the day: brakes, steering and suspension, tyres and wheels, lights, seatbelts, windscreen and wipers, body and structural rust, exhaust and leaks, and the vehicle's identification. It isn't a full mechanical check of the engine or gearbox. If you're buying, a pre-purchase inspection tells you far more.

Where to get one on the Gold Coast

Only an Approved Inspection Station can issue a safety certificate. PJFC Automotive is one, at Unit 4, 219 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters, open 7 days, 8am–6pm, and we also come to you anywhere on the Gold Coast with a mobile roadworthy. Prices are in our roadworthy cost guide.

Source: Queensland Government, Safety certificates (updated 1 July 2026). Rules change: check the government page or call 13 23 80 for your situation.