In Victoria, a Roadworthy Certificate, also known as a Certificate of Roadworthiness (C.O.R.), is required for certain vehicles. The purpose of this certificate is to ensure that vehicles on the road meet a minimum safety standard and comply with Australian Design Rules.

Australian Design Rules (ADRs) are national standards that set out the minimum requirements for the design, construction, and performance of vehicles in Australia. These rules cover various aspects of vehicle safety, emissions, and environmental impact. When it comes to Roadworthy Certificates in Victoria, ADRs play a significant role in determining whether a vehicle meets the necessary standards for roadworthiness.

In Victoria, it is a legal requirement for certain vehicles to have a valid Roadworthy Certificate when being sold, transferred, or re-registered. This requirement helps in maintaining safety standards and reducing the risk of accidents due to faulty vehicles. Roadworthy Certificates are also necessary to clear a defect notice.

Safety: The primary reason for requiring a Roadworthy Certificate is to ensure that vehicles on the road are safe for drivers, passengers, and other road users. The certificate indicates that the vehicle has been inspected and meets the necessary safety standards.

Vehicle Registration: A Roadworthy Certificate is often required when registering a vehicle for the first time or renewing registration after a certain period. It serves as proof that the vehicle is roadworthy and meets the necessary safety criteria.

Buyer Confidence: When purchasing a used vehicle, buyers often look for a valid Roadworthy Certificate as it provides assurance that the vehicle has been inspected and is safe to drive. It can increase buyer confidence and facilitate smoother transactions.

Environmental Impact: Ensuring that vehicles are roadworthy can also have a positive impact on the environment. Well-maintained vehicles are less likely to emit harmful pollutants and contribute to air pollution.
Overall, the Roadworthy Certificate requirement in Victoria aims to enhance road safety, protect consumers, and promote responsible vehicle ownership.

In Victoria, Australia, only licensed vehicle testers can issue Roadworthy Certificates (Certificates of Roadworthiness). These licensed testers are authorized by the Victorian government’s regulatory body, VicRoads, to conduct inspections and certify vehicles as roadworthy.

Vehicle testers can include licensed mechanics, automotive repair shops, authorized vehicle inspection stations, and registered vehicle testers. These professionals undergo training and certification to become accredited by VicRoads, ensuring that they have the knowledge and expertise to assess vehicles for roadworthiness.

When you need a Roadworthy Certificate for your vehicle in Victoria, you should take it to an authorized vehicle tester. They are not allowed to be done onsite by a mobile mechanic as the premises must be licensed. The tester will conduct a comprehensive inspection of your vehicle’s essential safety components, as outlined in the Victorian VSI 26 guidelines and Australian Design Rules (ADRs). If the vehicle meets the required standards, the tester will issue a Roadworthy Certificate, indicating that the vehicle is safe and roadworthy.

What is VSI 26?

VSI 26 refers to the Victorian VSI (Vic Roads Supplemental Information) document number 26. Vic Roads publishes various documents and guidelines related to road infrastructure, traffic management, and vehicle standards.

VSI 26 specifically relates to the requirements and guidelines for obtaining a Roadworthy Certificate in Victoria. It outlines the inspection criteria, standards, and procedures that vehicles must meet to qualify for a Roadworthy Certificate. This document is essential for vehicle owners, mechanics, and inspectors to ensure compliance with safety standards and legal requirements.

The contents of VSI 26 may include information about:

1. Inspection criteria for various vehicle components such as brakes, steering, lights, tyres, and emissions.
2. Procedures for conducting a thorough inspection to assess the roadworthiness of a vehicle.
3. Standards and specifications that vehicles must meet to pass the inspection and obtain the Roadworthy Certificate.
4. Responsibilities of vehicle owners, inspectors, and mechanics in the certification process.
5. Legal requirements and regulations governing the issuance of Roadworthy Certificates in Victoria.

It’s important for vehicle owners and professionals involved in vehicle inspections to refer to VSI 26 to ensure compliance with the necessary standards and procedures when obtaining a Roadworthy Certificate in Victoria.

When a Roadworthy Certificate is issued for a vehicle in Victoria, it signifies that the vehicle meets certain minimum safety standards required for legal road use. The standards that are typically assessed and met during a Roadworthy inspection include:

Brakes: The braking system of the vehicle is inspected to ensure that it is in good working condition. This includes checking the brake pads, discs, drums, hoses, and the overall functionality of the braking system.
Steering and Suspension: The steering and suspension components are checked to ensure that they are not worn out or damaged. This includes inspecting the steering linkage, shock absorbers, struts, and suspension springs.

Wheels and Tyres: The condition of the wheels and tyres is assessed to ensure they are in good shape, have sufficient tread depth, and are properly inflated. Any damage or wear that could compromise safety is addressed.

Lights and Signals: All lights on the vehicle, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights, are inspected to ensure they are functioning correctly and are properly aligned.

Windscreen and Windows: The windscreen (front windshield) and other windows are checked for cracks, chips, or other damage that could obstruct the driver’s view or compromise structural integrity.

Body and Chassis: The overall condition of the vehicle’s body and chassis is examined for rust, corrosion, structural damage, or other issues that could affect safety or roadworthiness.

Exhaust Emissions: The vehicle’s exhaust system is checked to ensure that it meets emissions standards and is not emitting excessive pollutants into the environment.

Safety Equipment: The presence and functionality of safety equipment such as seat belts, airbags (if applicable), mirrors, wipers, and horn are assessed to ensure they are in proper working order.

It’s important to note that the Roadworthy Certificate primarily focuses on essential safety aspects of the vehicle. It does not guarantee the overall condition or reliability of the vehicle, nor does it cover non-safety-related components or features. Owners are still responsible for maintaining their vehicles in good working condition even after obtaining a Roadworthy Certificate.

Safety Standards: ADRs include safety requirements for vehicles, such as specifications for braking systems, lighting and visibility, seatbelts, crashworthiness, and more. During a Roadworthy inspection, the vehicle is assessed to ensure that it complies with these safety standards as outlined in the relevant ADRs.

Emissions and Environmental Impact: Certain ADRs focus on reducing vehicle emissions and minimizing environmental impact. Roadworthy inspections may include checks related to exhaust emissions to ensure that vehicles meet the emission standards specified in the ADRs.

Vehicle Modifications: If a vehicle has been modified in any way, such as through aftermarket parts or alterations, the modifications must comply with applicable ADRs. During a Roadworthy inspection, modified components are assessed to ensure they meet the relevant standards and do not compromise safety or emissions requirements.

Identification and Compliance Plates: Some ADRs require vehicles to have identification plates or compliance plates that indicate they meet specific standards. These plates may be checked during a Roadworthy inspection to verify the vehicle’s compliance with ADRs.

Imported Vehicles: Imported vehicles must comply with ADRs to be eligible for registration and obtain a Roadworthy Certificate in Australia. This includes ensuring that the vehicle’s design, construction, and equipment meet Australian standards.

Overall, Australian Design Rules play a crucial role in determining the roadworthiness of vehicles in Australia. During Roadworthy inspections, vehicles are assessed based on these standards to ensure they meet the necessary requirements for safe and legal road use. Failure to comply with ADRs can result in a vehicle being deemed unroadworthy and ineligible for a Roadworthy Certificate until the issues are rectified.