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Roadworthy Costs (2026)

Complete guide to roadworthy certificate costs in South Africa for 2026. Learn inspection fees, re-inspection costs, additional expenses, cost factors, and how to budget for roadworthy certificate.

Traffic Law Expert
April 1, 2026
10 min read
Roadworthy Costs (2026)

Roadworthy Costs (2026)

Understanding roadworthy certificate costs helps you budget for vehicle inspection and related expenses. Costs include inspection fees, potential re-inspection costs, and any necessary repairs. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers all roadworthy-related costs in South Africa.

Standard Inspection Fees

Current Fees (2026)

Inspection Fees:

  • Standard Inspection: R300-R500
  • Varies by testing station
  • Includes full vehicle inspection
  • Certificate issued if passed

Fee Variations:

  • Private testing stations: R300-R500
  • Government stations: R250-R400
  • Vehicle dealerships: R350-R550
  • Location affects pricing

Re-Inspection Costs

If Vehicle Fails

Re-Inspection Fees:

  • Re-Inspection: R150-R250
  • Lower than initial inspection
  • Pay when returning for re-inspection
  • Required if vehicle failed first time

When Re-Inspection Needed:

  • Vehicle failed initial inspection
  • Issues identified and fixed
  • Return for re-inspection
  • Pay re-inspection fee
  • Get certificate after passing

Additional Costs

Potential Additional Expenses

Repair Costs:

  • Fixing identified issues
  • Replacement parts
  • Labor costs
  • Varies by required repairs
  • Can range from R500-R5,000+

Common Repair Costs:

  • Brake repairs: R500-R2,000
  • Tire replacement: R800-R2,500 per tire
  • Light repairs: R200-R800
  • Windscreen replacement: R1,500-R3,500
  • Exhaust repairs: R500-R1,500

Other Costs:

  • Transport to testing station
  • Time off work (if applicable)
  • Multiple visits (if fails)
  • Certificate collection

Cost Factors

What Affects Costs

Factors Affecting Costs:

  • Testing station type (private vs government)
  • Location (urban vs rural)
  • Vehicle type (car vs truck)
  • Vehicle condition
  • Required repairs
  • Number of inspections needed

Testing Station Type:

  • Private stations: Higher fees, better service
  • Government stations: Lower fees, longer queues
  • Dealerships: Higher fees, convenience

Location:

  • Urban areas: Higher fees
  • Rural areas: Lower fees
  • Accessibility affects pricing

Budgeting for Roadworthy

Total Cost Planning

Minimum Cost (If Passes First Time):

  • Inspection fee: R300-R500
  • Transport: R50-R200
  • Total: R350-R700

Average Cost (With Minor Repairs):

  • Inspection fee: R300-R500
  • Repairs: R500-R1,500
  • Re-inspection: R150-R250
  • Transport: R50-R200
  • Total: R1,000-R2,450

Maximum Cost (With Major Repairs):

  • Inspection fee: R300-R500
  • Major repairs: R2,000-R5,000+
  • Re-inspection: R150-R250
  • Transport: R50-R200
  • Total: R2,500-R5,950+

Cost-Saving Tips

Reducing Costs

To Reduce Costs:

  1. Maintain Vehicle: Regular maintenance prevents failures
  2. Pre-Inspection Check: Check vehicle before inspection
  3. Fix Issues First: Fix obvious issues before inspection
  4. Compare Prices: Compare testing station fees
  5. Choose Government Station: Lower fees at government stations
  6. Prepare Vehicle: Ensure vehicle is ready

Pre-Inspection Preparation:

  • Check all lights
  • Check tire tread
  • Check brakes
  • Check windscreen
  • Fix obvious issues
  • Clean vehicle

Payment Methods

How to Pay

Accepted Payment Methods:

  • Cash
  • Debit cards
  • Credit cards
  • EFT (some stations)
  • Check with testing station

Payment Timing:

  • Pay before inspection
  • Pay after inspection (some stations)
  • Pay re-inspection when returning
  • Check payment policy

Cost Comparison

Comparing Options

Private Testing Stations:

  • Fees: R350-R500
  • Service: Usually better
  • Convenience: Often better
  • Availability: More flexible

Government Testing Stations:

  • Fees: R250-R400
  • Service: Standard
  • Convenience: May have queues
  • Availability: Standard hours

Vehicle Dealerships:

  • Fees: R400-R550
  • Service: Good
  • Convenience: Very convenient
  • Availability: Flexible

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a roadworthy certificate cost?

Roadworthy inspection costs R300-R500 in 2026, depending on testing station. Re-inspection costs R150-R250 if vehicle fails first time.

Are there additional costs besides the inspection fee?

Yes, additional costs may include: repair costs if vehicle fails (R500-R5,000+), re-inspection fee (R150-R250), and transport costs.

How can I reduce roadworthy costs?

Maintain your vehicle regularly, check vehicle before inspection, fix obvious issues first, compare testing station prices, choose government stations for lower fees, and prepare vehicle properly.

Do I pay before or after inspection?

Payment timing varies by testing station. Some require payment before inspection, others after. Check with your chosen testing station for their payment policy.

What if my vehicle fails inspection?

If vehicle fails, you'll receive failure report. Fix identified issues, return for re-inspection (pay R150-R250 re-inspection fee), and get certificate after passing.

Conclusion

Roadworthy certificate costs in 2026 range from R300-R500 for standard inspection, with re-inspection costing R150-R250 if vehicle fails. Additional costs may include repairs (R500-R5,000+), transport, and time. Budget R350-R700 minimum (if passes first time), or R1,000-R2,500+ if repairs needed. Maintain your vehicle, prepare before inspection, compare prices, and fix issues first to reduce costs. Understanding costs helps you budget for roadworthy certificate requirements.

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About the Author
Traffic Law Expert

Traffic Law Expert

Specializing in South African traffic laws, driver's licenses, vehicle registration, AARTO system, and traffic compliance with extensive knowledge of provincial traffic departments.