Rules may differ in each state and territory, but a safety is usually required when a car is being sold, is a certain age or older, or has been written-off but can be repaired and made usable. Only approved garages and workshops may carry out inspections. They must be authorised by the state or territory transport department in which they reside.
The basic factors considered in an inspection are:
- Exhaust and emissions
- Tyres
- Brakes
- Lights
- Seat belts
- Suspension
- Body damage
- Windscreen
- Steering
Links to requirements by state and territory:
Australian Capital Territory
A vehicle must be inspected if:
- It is changing owner and is more than six years old.
- The registration is from another state.
- The registration has expired by more than twelve months.
- The registration needs to be established.
- There are defects that need clearance.
New South Wales
A vehicle must be inspected if:
- The owner is informed on the registration renewal notice.
- The registration renewal is for a vehicle older than five years.
- The registration is from another state.
Northern Territory
A vehicle must be inspected if:
- The registration is from another state.
- The registration renewal is for a vehicle older than three years.
Queensland
A vehicle must be inspected if:
- It is going to be sold in Queensland.
- If the certificate has expired before sale (two months or 2,000 miles from the issue date – whichever comes first).
South Australia
A vehicle must be inspected if:
- It was registered in a different state under a different name.
- It is more than seven years old.
- It has been written-off but since repaired.
- It has been modified in one of the following manners:
- Fitted with a non-standard engine
- Converted from left-hand drive to right
- Has rebuilt or modified brakes
- Has been given a defect notice by the police
Tasmania
A vehicle must be inspected if:
- It is being sold.
- It has not been registered for more than three months.
- It has been given a defect notice.
- The registration is from another state or country.
Victoria
A vehicle must be inspected if:
- It is being sold.
- It is a used vehicle to be re-registered.
- It has been given a defect notice.
- It has failed an inspection. The owner has seven days to have the vehicle repaired and retested.
Western Australia
A vehicle must be inspected if:
- It has been modified with a new body or engine.
- It is being registered in the state for the first time.
- It has been written-off but since repaired.
- It has been given a compliance notice.
- It is a left-hand drive vehicle or taxi (subject to yearly inspections).
- The owners receive an inspection notice.