Complete guide to roadworthy certificate requirements in South Africa for 2026. Learn when roadworthy is required, what is checked, requirements, validity period, and how to get a roadworthy certificate.
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.
Roadworthy Certificate:
Purpose:
Roadworthy Required For:
License Renewal:
Vehicle Sale:
Inspection Areas:
1. Vehicle Structure:
2. Brakes:
3. Steering:
4. Suspension:
5. Lights:
6. Tires:
7. Windscreen and Windows:
8. Exhaust System:
9. Safety Equipment:
10. Electrical System:
Must Meet Standards:
Common Failures:
Step 1: Choose Testing Station
Step 2: Prepare Vehicle
Step 3: Vehicle Inspection
Step 4: If Passed
Step 5: If Failed
Standard Validity:
Important:
Inspection Fee:
Re-inspection Fee:
Additional Costs:
Types of Stations:
What to Look For:
Before Inspection:
Common Failure Reasons:
Preventing Failures:
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.
Inspection checks: vehicle structure, brakes, steering, suspension, lights, tires, windscreen, exhaust, safety equipment, and electrical system. All systems must meet safety standards.
Roadworthy certificate is typically valid for 60 days from issue date for license renewal and vehicle sale purposes. Check specific validity for your purpose.
Roadworthy inspection costs R300-R500 in 2026, depending on testing station. Re-inspection fee is R150-R250 if vehicle fails first inspection.
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.
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.
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Specializing in South African traffic laws, driver's licenses, vehicle registration, AARTO system, and traffic compliance with extensive knowledge of provincial traffic departments.