Defected, written-off vehicles and modified vehicles require a roadworthy inspection before they can be registered.
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When is a roadworthy vehicle inspection required? Organising a roadworthy inspection Light vehicle roadworthy inspection team When is a roadworthy vehicle inspection required?
A roadworthy inspection is required if the vehicle:
- has been fitted with a non standard engine that does not appear on the category 1 engine change list - contact vehicle standards to ask about your vehicle on phone 1300 882 248 or email Vehicle Standards
- construction has been changed - eg change to length of wheelbase, change in number of tyres, or the vehicle has been converted from a sedan to a convertible)\
- is a bus with seating for 13 or more
- has been issued with a defect notice
- has been imported from overseas is originally right hand drive and requires an exemption from the fitting of a compliance plate (post 1970 for cars and 1976 for motorcycles)
- was originally manufactured as left hand drive
- has been rebuilt from parts
- has been changed and the seating capacity is different
- is new and is not fitted with a compliance plate
- (including trailers) was registered in another state, is more than seven years old and has an unladen mass of 4.5 tonnes or more
- is a repaired written-off vehicle
- is used in country regions and has a seating capacity of 12 or less and is used to carry passengers for hire, fare or reward (except self-drive)
- is a dedicated rally car or street rod type vehicle
- has had modifications made to the brakes, steering or suspension systems.
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Organising a roadworthy inspection
To book an inspection phone 1300 882 247, or go to:
Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure
Vehicle Services
Kateena Street
Regency Park SA 5010
In some circumstances, it may be necessary to have more than one type of vehicle inspection. For more information:
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Light vehicle roadworthy inspection team
An on-road roadworthy inspection team undertakes random on road vehicle inspections of light vehicle (vehicles up to 4.5 tonne) helping to improve safety for all road users.
Transport safety compliance officers and vehicle inspectors, who are trained vehicle mechanics dedicated to identifying unroadworthy vehicles, will undertake these inspections. The inspection vehicle is clearly marked with roof mounted magenta coloured warning lights.
Theses authorised officers can direct a vehicle to pull over if they suspect that the vehicle is unroadworthy. The main focus is on brakes, steering and suspension because these are the major areas that contribute to an unsafe vehicle.
The team may also issue a notice where a minor defect is identified.
The team has the authority to issue defect notices, expiation fines or both where required. These include a formal warning, a minor defect notice (where the vehicle must be cleared at a police station) or a major defect in the case of very serious and immediate safety risk (where the vehicle must be inspected at a Vehicle Inspection Station, such as Regency Park inspection centre).
This team complements the work of the South Australia Police by identifying unroadworthy vehicles. South Australia Police will continue to have discretion when determining whether to issue defect notices or expiation notices.
On road safety assessment trailer
The inspection team may also use their on road safety assessment trailer to inspect vehicles. This trailer will be placed adjacent a road and inspection officers will direct vehicles to the trailer, which has the facilities to test major defect areas such as brakes, steering and suspension.
Drivers of light vehicles are required to stop when directed to do so by the inspection team, who will direct the driver to pull over and stop once the flashing roof mounted light has been activated. Drivers of light vehicles may be directed to enter a roadside inspection area when the random on road safety assessment trailer is present.
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