What Happens if My Car Fails a Roadworthy?

If you’re preparing for a roadworthy inspection in Queensland, you might be wondering what happens if your car doesn’t pass. Failing a roadworthy certificate inspection can feel daunting since so much rides on having one. Passing your roadworthy test is a critical step in ensuring your vehicle meets the minimum safety standards required to stay legal and roadworthy.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what happens if your vehicle fails, what steps you need to take next, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re selling your car, transferring registration, or re-registering an unregistered vehicle, this guide will help you stay informed and ready.

Quick Refresher: What Does a Roadworthy Inspection Involve?

If it’s been a while since your last roadworthy test — or if you’re not sure why your car didn’t pass — here’s a quick refresher.

A roadworthy inspection checks whether your vehicle meets Queensland’s minimum safety standards. These inspections are mandatory when selling a car, transferring ownership, re-registering a de-registered vehicle, or registering an unregistered vehicle.

The test is carried out by authorised inspection stations or mobile roadworthy services approved by the Queensland Government — with our company one of the leaders in the industry. 

• If your vehicle passes, you’ll receive a Queensland safety certificate.
• If not — as you may have experienced — repairs are needed before a new inspection can be completed.

What’s Included in a Roadworthy Test?

The inspection covers the vehicle’s key safety components:

• Brakes & Brake Lights – Must be fully functional, including emergency and parking brakes
• Tyres & Wheels – Adequate tread depth, no balding or uneven wear.
• Suspension & Steering – No excessive play, sagging, or damage.
• Seat Belts – Must latch securely and retract properly
• Lights & Indicators – Includes headlights, brake lights, reverse lights, and indicators. Malfunctioning lights are a common failure point
• Windscreen & Wipers – Cracks, chips, and faulty wipers can all lead to a fail
• Exhaust & Oil Leaks – Leaks or emissions issues must be addressed
• Body Rust – Excessive corrosion, especially around structural points or suspension, is not permitted

This process ensures all inspected vehicles contribute to safer roads for all Queensland road users.

Don’t Panic: What Happens After a Failed Roadworthy

If your vehicle’s roadworthy inspection fails, the inspector will issue a report detailing the issues identified. These could range from minor issues like a cracked windscreen or malfunctioning indicator to major problems such as faulty brakes or significant rust.

You won’t receive a safety certificate until the problems are fixed and the vehicle passes a re-inspection. This means the car cannot be legally sold, transferred, or re-registered.

This is what happens if your car fails a roadworthy test:

• You’ll receive a written list of defects
• The vehicle must be repaired within a set timeframe (usually 14 days)
• You’ll need to book a second inspection 
• If too much time passes, the process starts again

Common Reasons Vehicles Fail a Roadworthy Test

Here are the most frequent culprits that prevent vehicles from passing:

• Oil Leaks – Any leak, no matter how small, needs to be repaired.
• Brake Issues – Including uneven braking, worn pads, or leaking brake fluid.
• Damaged Windscreen Lights – Cracks in the driver’s line of vision or lights that don’t meet brightness requirements.
• Seat Belt Malfunctions – Non-retracting, frayed or damaged belts.
• Worn Tyres – Tread below legal minimum or uneven wear patterns.
• Malfunctioning Lights – Indicators, brake lights, or headlights not working properly.
• Suspension/Body Rust – Especially in older cars or vehicles used regularly for heavy loads.

What Should I Do Next?

If your car failed, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:

1. Review the Report – Go through the defects listed in your inspection report.
2. Address the Issues – Have a qualified mechanic perform the necessary repairs.
3. Book a Re-Inspection – Make sure it’s within the allowed timeframe. Mobile roadworthy services may charge a call out fee.
4. Keep Records – Your inspection certificate and certificate number are important. Once your car passes, your certificate may be issued electronically.

Can You Dispute a Failed Inspection?

If you believe your vehicle was unfairly failed, you can:

• Speak with the inspection station or technician who carried out the inspection
• Request clarification in writing
• Contact the Queensland Department of Transport (Queensland Transport) for dispute resolution

Approved inspection stations must follow strict guidelines, so disputes are rare, but the option is there if needed.

How to Avoid Failing a Roadworthy

Want to avoid the hassle of a failed inspection? Here’s how:

• Get a pre-inspection service from your mechanic to address small issues
• Check all lights, indicators and brake lights
• Make sure tyres are inflated and have legal tread
• Inspect your windscreen and wipers
• Check for oil leaks or anything dripping underneath the vehicle
• Test all seat belts for smooth operation

Being proactive can save you time, money, and a second inspection.

Considerations for Different Vehicle Types

The roadworthy inspection process varies slightly depending on the type of vehicle:

• Light Vehicles & Cars – Most common, assessed against general safety criteria.
• Heavy Vehicles – Subject to more detailed safety inspection standards due to their size and gross vehicle mass (GVM).
• Trailers & Caravans – Inspections depend on aggregate trailer mass (ATM) and whether the trailer is braked or unbraked.
• Hire Vehicles – Must meet specific roadworthy and maintenance requirements under Queensland law.

If you’re unsure about your vehicle’s category, speak with an authorised inspection provider before booking your vehicle inspection test. This applies to all motor vehicles regardless of use or age.

What About RWC Cost?

Wondering how much it might cost to get your vehicle back through the roadworthy process? For a detailed breakdown of pricing and contributing factors, check out our full article: How Much Does a Roadworthy Cost in Queensland?

Understanding RWC cost ahead of time can help you budget appropriately and avoid surprises, especially if a second inspection is needed.

How Roadworthies Can Help

Roadworthies offers fast, professional mobile roadworthy inspections across Queensland. Whether you’re on the Brisbane Northside or Brisbane Southside, the Gold Coast, or Queensland regional areas, we come to you — saving you time and hassle.

• Same day service
• Quick service times
• Authorised inspection provider
• Experienced with motor vehicles of all types
• Electronic forms & certificates issued digitally

Our qualified inspectors ensure your vehicle’s safety inspection is thorough, fair, and clearly explained. If your vehicle fails, we’re here to guide you through what happens next and help get your car’s safety back on track.

Roadworthy Setback? Here’s the Real Takeaway

Failing a roadworthy isn’t the end of the road — it’s a chance to improve your vehicle’s safety and protect all road users.

When it comes to what happens if you fail, the process is designed to prioritise Queensland’s road safety. Whether you’re dealing with faulty brakes, windscreen damage, or suspension issues, knowing what to expect helps you handle the process confidently.

And with a reliable partner like Roadworthies, your vehicle is in safe hands — from first inspection to final certificate.

Need A Roadworthy Certificate Or A Re-Inspection? Book with Roadworthies today and let us help you stay safe, compliant, and ready for the road.