Roadworthy Certificate Requirements (2026)
A roadworthy certificate confirms your vehicle meets safety standards and is legally fit to be on the road. Understanding when a roadworthy certificate is required, what is checked, and how to obtain one helps you maintain vehicle compliance. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about roadworthy certificate requirements in South Africa.
What Is a Roadworthy Certificate?
Understanding Roadworthy
Roadworthy Certificate:
- Official document certifying vehicle safety
- Issued after vehicle inspection
- Confirms vehicle meets safety standards
- Required for certain transactions
- Valid for specific period
Purpose:
- Ensure vehicle safety
- Protect road users
- Maintain vehicle standards
- Legal requirement for certain situations
- Safety compliance
When Roadworthy Is Required
Required Situations
Roadworthy Required For:
- License Renewal: Vehicles over certain age (typically 5+ years, varies by province)
- Vehicle Sale: When selling vehicle
- Change of Ownership: Transferring vehicle ownership
- Re-registration: Re-registering vehicle
- After Modifications: Significant vehicle modifications
- After Accident: Major accident repairs
- Importing Vehicle: Imported vehicles
License Renewal:
- Required for vehicles 5+ years old (varies by province)
- Must be valid roadworthy
- Submit with license renewal
- Check provincial requirements
Vehicle Sale:
- Required when selling vehicle
- Buyer needs valid roadworthy
- Valid for specific period
- Must be current
Roadworthy Inspection
What Is Checked
Inspection Areas:
1. Vehicle Structure:
- Body condition
- Chassis integrity
- Rust and corrosion
- Structural damage
- Overall condition
2. Brakes:
- Brake functionality
- Brake pads/shoes
- Brake fluid
- Handbrake operation
- Brake balance
3. Steering:
- Steering mechanism
- Steering wheel play
- Power steering (if applicable)
- Steering alignment
- Steering components
4. Suspension:
- Shock absorbers
- Springs
- Suspension components
- Wheel alignment
- Suspension integrity
5. Lights:
- Headlights (high and low beam)
- Taillights
- Brake lights
- Indicators
- Hazard lights
- Reverse lights
- Number plate lights
6. Tires:
- Tread depth (minimum 1.6mm)
- Tire condition
- Tire pressure
- Tire size and matching
- Spare tire (if applicable)
7. Windscreen and Windows:
- Windscreen condition
- No cracks or damage
- Window operation
- Windscreen wipers
- Washer fluid
8. Exhaust System:
- Exhaust condition
- No excessive noise
- Emissions (if tested)
- Exhaust components
- No leaks
9. Safety Equipment:
- Seatbelts (all positions)
- Mirrors (rearview and side)
- Horn
- Speedometer
- Fuel system integrity
10. Electrical System:
- Battery condition
- Electrical connections
- Wiring integrity
- Fuses
- Electrical components
Roadworthy Requirements
Vehicle Standards
Must Meet Standards:
- All systems functioning
- No safety hazards
- Meets minimum requirements
- No major defects
- Safe to drive
Common Failures:
- Brake issues
- Tire tread below minimum
- Lights not working
- Windscreen damage
- Structural problems
- Exhaust issues
- Safety equipment missing
Getting Roadworthy Certificate
Inspection Process
Step 1: Choose Testing Station
- Authorized testing station
- Check accreditation
- Compare prices
- Book appointment (if required)
- Choose convenient location
Step 2: Prepare Vehicle
- Fix obvious issues
- Check lights and indicators
- Check tire tread
- Check brakes
- Ensure vehicle is clean
- Bring required documents
Step 3: Vehicle Inspection
- Present vehicle for inspection
- Inspector checks all areas
- Test drive (if required)
- Inspection takes 30-60 minutes
- Receive results
Step 4: If Passed
- Receive roadworthy certificate
- Certificate valid for specific period
- Keep certificate safe
- Submit for required purpose
Step 5: If Failed
- Receive failure report
- Fix identified issues
- Return for re-inspection
- Pay re-inspection fee
- Get certificate after passing
Roadworthy Validity
Validity Period
Standard Validity:
- License Renewal: Valid for 60 days from issue
- Vehicle Sale: Valid for 60 days
- Change of Ownership: Valid for 60 days
- Other Purposes: Check specific validity
Important:
- Certificate must be valid
- Check expiry date
- Renew before expiry
- Don't use expired certificate
Roadworthy Costs
Current Fees (2026)
Inspection Fee:
- Standard Inspection: R300-R500
- Varies by testing station
- Includes inspection
- Re-inspection fee if failed
Re-inspection Fee:
- Re-inspection: R150-R250
- If vehicle fails first time
- Pay when returning
- Lower than initial fee
Additional Costs:
- Repairs if vehicle fails
- Replacement parts
- Labor costs
- Transport to testing station
Choosing Testing Station
Authorized Stations
Types of Stations:
- Private testing stations
- Government testing stations
- Vehicle dealerships (some)
- Authorized mechanics
What to Look For:
- Valid accreditation
- Good reputation
- Competitive pricing
- Convenient location
- Good service
- Availability
Preparing for Inspection
Pre-Inspection Checklist
Before Inspection:
Common Failures
Why Vehicles Fail
Common Failure Reasons:
- Brake issues (most common)
- Tire tread below minimum
- Lights not working
- Windscreen cracks
- Exhaust problems
- Safety equipment missing
- Structural issues
Preventing Failures:
- Regular vehicle maintenance
- Check vehicle before inspection
- Fix issues beforehand
- Ensure all systems work
- Prepare vehicle properly
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a roadworthy certificate required?
Roadworthy is required for: license renewal (vehicles 5+ years old), vehicle sale, change of ownership, re-registration, after modifications, after major accidents, and importing vehicles.
What is checked during roadworthy inspection?
Inspection checks: vehicle structure, brakes, steering, suspension, lights, tires, windscreen, exhaust, safety equipment, and electrical system. All systems must meet safety standards.
How long is a roadworthy certificate valid?
Roadworthy certificate is typically valid for 60 days from issue date for license renewal and vehicle sale purposes. Check specific validity for your purpose.
How much does a roadworthy certificate cost?
Roadworthy inspection costs R300-R500 in 2026, depending on testing station. Re-inspection fee is R150-R250 if vehicle fails first inspection.
What happens if my vehicle fails roadworthy?
If vehicle fails, you'll receive failure report listing issues. Fix identified problems, return for re-inspection, pay re-inspection fee, and get certificate after passing.
Conclusion
Roadworthy certificate requirements in 2026 include inspection of vehicle structure, brakes, steering, suspension, lights, tires, windscreen, exhaust, safety equipment, and electrical system. Roadworthy is required for license renewal (vehicles 5+ years), vehicle sale, change of ownership, and other situations. Certificate is valid for 60 days. Prepare your vehicle, choose authorized testing station, complete inspection, and get certificate. Understanding requirements helps you maintain vehicle compliance and safety.
