Before you sell, transfer, or re-register a vehicle in Victoria, you must complete a roadworthy inspection. The roadworthy inspection confirms that the vehicle aligns with required safety standards for driving on public roads.
Vehicle owners experience stress when their vehicle fails inspection even though the process itself is simple. Vehicle owners can lessen their stress by understanding the necessary steps to take when their vehicle fails inspection.
Read this blog to learn what happens if you fail a roadworthy inspection. It also covers common reasons for failure and how to fix and prevent them.
Understanding Roadworthy Inspections
The RWC is legally required for all vehicles undergoing sale or re-registration and ownership transfer within Victoria. The safety certificate verifies that a vehicle meets the safety standards defined by state regulations.
The roadworthy reinspection rules define the steps needed to have a vehicle roadworthy again following a failed inspection. The rules provide repair instructions and reinspection protocols to maintain safety standard compliance.
What is covered in a Roadworthy Inspection?
The inspection examines multiple vehicle parts to verify they maintain good condition and meet safety regulations. The main aspects of the vehicle that are checked during a roadworthy inspection service include:
Brakes: The functionality and condition of brake pads, discs, and fluid levels.
Tyres: The tread depth and overall condition of the tyres.
Suspension: The condition of shock absorbers, struts, and suspension components.
Steering: Ensures there is no excessive play or damage to steering components.
Lights and Indicators: The working of headlights, brake lights, tail lights, and turn signals.
Windscreen and Windows: Cracks or chips in the windscreen are checked, and the windows should be free of damage.
Seatbelts: They must be intact, functioning, and properly installed.
A vehicle inspection will be failed if any of these parts show defects. You will get a report showing the parts that need fixing when your vehicle fails the inspection.
This procedure keeps the vehicle safe to operate. It also helps prevent dangers for the driver and other road users.
Common Reasons for Failing a Roadworthy Inspection
Several reasons exist for a vehicle to fail a roadworthy inspection in Victoria. Some of the most common issues include vehicle inspection failure because:
- Worn or Bald Tyres
A major reason vehicles fail inspections is because their tyres have tread depths that are too low. Tyres play an essential role in maintaining traction and grip during wet driving conditions.
Worn out or bald tyres will likely fail to meet safety inspection requirements. Victoria requires vehicle tyres to have a minimum tread depth of 1.5mm. This depth must be measured over the central three-quarters of the tread pattern.
A tyre which has a tread depth less than the minimum standard will result in an inspection failure.
- Faulty Brakes
Safe vehicle operation depends heavily on the effectiveness of its brakes. The roadworthy inspection includes assessments of brake pads condition as well as brake discs and brake fluid levels.
The inspection will fail if brake pads show significant wear or brake discs exhibit damage. Brake fluid replacement becomes necessary when it runs low or becomes contaminated.
- Damaged Windscreen
The driver’s visibility becomes impaired when the windscreen is damaged and this situation turns into a safety hazard. During an inspection a windscreen that exhibits significant cracking or chipping will not pass.
If a crack or chip remains small enough not to affect visibility it may be acceptable. But larger cracks can cause the inspection to fail.
4. Non-functional Lights
A frequent cause for roadworthy inspection failure stems from malfunctioning lights. The inspection failure includes problems with the headlights combined with brake light and tail lights and indicators.
You need lights on your vehicle to communicate your driving intentions and maintain visibility to other road users during nighttime. A vehicle inspection will not pass if it has broken or missing lights.
- Suspension Issues
The vehicle’s suspension system maintains both smooth driving conditions and optimal vehicle handling. The vehicle inspection will fail if its suspension elements like shock absorbers and struts show signs of wear or damage.
A faulty suspension system impacts the braking performance of a vehicle. This makes it a vital inspection element.
Steps to Take After Failing the Inspection
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Receive a Rejection Report
A licensed vehicle tester will provide you with a rejection report when your vehicle fails a roadworthy inspection. The official rejection document provides a detailed description of all the problems which prevented your vehicle from passing the inspection. You need to read this report thoroughly to understand the repairs required.
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Address the Identified Issues
You must repair the failed components after receiving the rejection report. Qualified mechanics should complete the necessary repairs to ensure they meet the required standard.
In Victoria, you usually have 14 days to fix your vehicle’s problems. After that, you can submit it for another inspection. Common vehicle repairs include changing worn-out brake pads, fixing damaged tires, and repairing or replacing broken lights. Immediate action on identified problems prevents extended delays and expensive full re-inspections.
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Undergo Re-inspection
Your vehicle needs to return to a licensed tester for re-inspection after all repairs are finished. The tester will check the failed parts only if the team completes the repairs within 14 days of the first inspection.
You only need to pay for a re-examination of the parts that failed. You do not have to pay for another full vehicle inspection.
The tester will give the roadworthy certificate (RWC) for the vehicle. This happens after a re-inspection shows that repairs were successful. This certificate allows for the vehicle’s registration or sale.
Consequences of Not Addressing the Failures
Neglecting to resolve the faults listed in the rejection report before the 14-day deadline will make your vehicle unroadworthy. This prohibits legal driving on highways.
The vehicle may receive a defect notice when serious issues present immediate risks. A defect notice prohibits operators from using the vehicle until they complete the required repairs.
The vehicle may be taken away or need a full check-up before you can use it again in some cases. The condition of the vehicle is very important. It helps decide if it is safe to drive or needs more inspection.
Fixing problems quickly helps avoid extra costs from required re-inspections or fines if repairs are not done on time.
Vehicle Defect Notices
VicRoads issues a legal notice called a vehicle defect notice. They do this when a vehicle is not safe for the road.
The tester can give a defect notice if your vehicle fails a roadworthy inspection. This is important because it shows a serious safety risk. The defect notice will provide a list of defects which require correction.
After completing the repairs, the mechanic needs to ensure the vehicle passes another inspection to verify that all problems have been resolved. The defect notice will be taken away. The vehicle can operate legally again after it passes the inspection. This follows VicRoads rules.
Options If Repairs Are Not Feasible
In some cases, the cost of repairs may exceed the value of the vehicle, especially if multiple components have failed the roadworthy inspection. If repairs are not feasible, you have a few options:
Sell the Vehicle As-Is: You can sell the vehicle without a roadworthy certificate, but the buyer will be responsible for obtaining a roadworthy inspection and fixing any issues.
De-register the Vehicle: If the repairs are not worth the investment, you can de-register the vehicle and sell it for parts or scrap it. De-registering the vehicle removes the legal requirement for a roadworthy certificate Victoria.
Preventing Roadworthy Failures
Regular maintenance and timely repairs serve as the most effective strategy to ensure your vehicle passes a roadworthy inspection. Routine inspections of your car help prevent typical problems including damaged tyres and defective brakes.
Think about getting a mechanic to conduct a pre-inspection before you schedule your roadworthy test to detect any possible issues. Early resolution of these issues will confirm your vehicle’s roadworthiness while preventing delays and additional expenses.
This approach can also help address roadworthy failure causes before they result in an inspection failure.
Get Your Roadworthy Inspection in Victoria
While failing a roadworthy inspection creates frustration this does not signal the end of your vehicle’s journey. Your vehicle will be roadworthy again once you understand the inspection process. Resolve the rejection report issues and complete the required re-inspection steps.
By regularly maintaining your vehicle and fixing problems quickly, you can avoid inspection failures. This helps keep your vehicle safe and roadworthy. Book an appointment with Safebuy and make the sale of car smoother.
FAQs
1. What happens if my vehicle fails a roadworthy inspection in Victoria?
We will issue a rejection report that details the problems to you if your vehicle fails the roadworthy inspection. Provided the vehicle passes the inspection then the owner receives a roadworthy certificate.
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What is my repair deadline after failing a roadworthy inspection?
The repair period for your vehicle starts at the initial inspection and lasts for 14 days. After that, it must be re-inspected. The inspection after vehicle repair within 14 days will focus solely on the components that failed initially.
3. Can I still sell my vehicle if it fails the roadworthy inspection?
The vehicle can be sold “as-is” but the purchaser must secure a roadworthy certificate and fix all problems. You have the option to de-register your vehicle when carrying out repairs becomes impossible.
