Roadworthy · Vehicle identity inspection
Roadworthy certificates in South Australia
In SA the inspection is the Roadworthy inspection. Here is when a buyer or seller needs one, how long it lasts and who can carry it out.
At a glance
- Official nameRoadworthy inspection
- Needed to sell?Rules differ by vehicle, so check with Department for Infrastructure and Transport (Service SA) before you sell. In SA the inspection is called a roadworthy inspection, and it is issued by department for infrastructure and transport vehicle inspection services.
- Who inspectsDepartment for Infrastructure and Transport vehicle inspection services
- AuthorityDepartment for Infrastructure and Transport (Service SA)
Unregistered and interstate vehicles
A roadworthy inspection is needed for defected, written-off or modified vehicles; a vehicle bought interstate needs a vehicle identity inspection.
An inspection is not a history check
A roadworthy or safety inspection covers the car's condition on the day. It does not show finance owing, or whether the car has been reported stolen or written off. For that, run a PPSR check before you pay.
Rules change. This guide was last checked against Department for Infrastructure and Transport (Service SA) on 22 September 2026; confirm with them before you buy or sell.
SA roadworthy FAQs
Do I need a roadworthy to sell a car in South Australia?
Rules differ by vehicle, so check with Department for Infrastructure and Transport (Service SA) before you sell. In SA the inspection is called a roadworthy inspection, and it is issued by department for infrastructure and transport vehicle inspection services.
What is a roadworthy called in SA?
The official name is Roadworthy inspection. You will also hear: Roadworthy, Vehicle identity inspection.
Does an unregistered or interstate car need an inspection in SA?
A roadworthy inspection is needed for defected, written-off or modified vehicles; a vehicle bought interstate needs a vehicle identity inspection.
Who can carry out the inspection in SA?
Department for Infrastructure and Transport vehicle inspection services.
Does a roadworthy show if a car has finance owing or was written off?
No. An inspection checks the car’s safety on the day it is inspected. Finance owing, stolen and written-off records come from a PPSR check, which is a separate search.
Other states and territories
- New South Wales — Safety inspection report (pink slip)
- Victoria — Certificate of Roadworthiness (RWC)
- Queensland — Safety certificate
- Western Australia — Vehicle inspection (Certificate of Inspection)
- Tasmania — AIS inspection report
- Australian Capital Territory — Roadworthy inspection (Certificate of Inspection)
- Northern Territory — Roadworthy inspection