FAQ: Car Safety Certificates

If you are planning to sell a car, it is important that it has a valid safety certificate. Even new cars sold via a dealership are required to have a valid certificate. If you are selling a used car, it is your responsibility to acquire a safety certificate before you can legally transfer ownership of the car to someone else. A safety certificate will also be needed so the new owner can register the car in their name and insure it. Below are the answers to some commonly asked questions about car safety certificates.

How can you get a car safety certificate for a car that isn't registered to drive on the road yet?

In this case, you will need to have the car inspected by a mechanic who is qualified to carry out safety inspections on cars. The mechanic will have special insurance and road testing licence plates which will allow them to drive unregistered cars on the public highway. You should let the inspection centre know before you bring the car in and check that the mechanics are licensed to drive unregistered vehicles.

When does a vehicle safety certificate expire?

If you a private owner who is selling their car, the roadworthy certificate will expire after two months or 2000km, whichever comes first. If the certificate expires before you managed to sell your car, you will need to arrange for a new inspection of the car by a mechanic, who will then issue a new safety certificate. If you contact the same auto centre who carried out the first inspection, you may be able to save money on the second inspection, as you are a repeat customer, and they will already have your details on record.

What do you do if your vehicle fails the inspection?

If the mechanic finds any problems with the steering, brakes, suspension, lights or bodywork, they will fail the car. The mechanic should provide you with a report which details the problems. You will then need to arrange to have the problems fixed before having the car re-inspected. If the car passes the second inspection, you will be issued with a safety certificate. Some auto inspection centres will offer you a second safety inspection free of charge if you have the car repaired in their auto repair shop.

If you have any questions about safety certificate inspections, you should contact an auto inspection centre today.