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What Fails a Roadworthy Test?

Complete guide to roadworthy test failures in South Africa. Learn common reasons vehicles fail, what inspectors check, how to prevent failures, and what to fix before your roadworthy test.

Traffic Law Expert
April 2, 2026
12 min read
What Fails a Roadworthy Test?

What Fails a Roadworthy Test?

Understanding what causes roadworthy test failures helps you prepare your vehicle and avoid common issues. Knowing what inspectors check and common failure points enables you to fix problems before inspection. This comprehensive guide covers everything that can cause a roadworthy test failure in South Africa.

Common Failure Reasons

Most Common Failures

Top Failure Reasons:

  1. Brake Issues (Most Common)
  2. Tire Problems
  3. Light Failures
  4. Windscreen Damage
  5. Exhaust Problems
  6. Safety Equipment Missing
  7. Structural Issues

Brake Failures

Brake-Related Failures

Common Brake Issues:

  • Brakes not functioning properly
  • Brake pads/shoes worn
  • Brake fluid leaks
  • Handbrake not working
  • Brake imbalance
  • Brake system defects

What Inspectors Check:

  • Brake functionality
  • Brake pad/shoe condition
  • Brake fluid level
  • Handbrake operation
  • Brake balance
  • No leaks

How to Prevent:

  • Regular brake maintenance
  • Check brake pads before inspection
  • Test brakes before inspection
  • Fix brake issues immediately
  • Ensure handbrake works

Tire Failures

Tire-Related Failures

Common Tire Issues:

  • Tread depth below minimum (1.6mm)
  • Tire damage (cuts, bulges)
  • Uneven tire wear
  • Tire pressure incorrect
  • Tire size mismatch
  • Spare tire missing or damaged

What Inspectors Check:

  • Tread depth (minimum 1.6mm)
  • Tire condition
  • Tire pressure
  • Tire matching
  • Spare tire (if applicable)
  • No damage

How to Prevent:

  • Check tread depth before inspection
  • Replace tires if below minimum
  • Check tire condition
  • Ensure correct tire pressure
  • Match tire sizes
  • Check spare tire

Light Failures

Light-Related Failures

Common Light Issues:

  • Headlights not working
  • Taillights not working
  • Brake lights not working
  • Indicators not working
  • Hazard lights not working
  • Reverse lights not working
  • Number plate lights not working

What Inspectors Check:

  • All lights functioning
  • High and low beam
  • All indicators
  • Brake lights
  • Reverse lights
  • Number plate lights

How to Prevent:

  • Test all lights before inspection
  • Replace bulbs if needed
  • Check all light functions
  • Fix any non-working lights
  • Ensure all lights work

Windscreen Failures

Windscreen-Related Failures

Common Windscreen Issues:

  • Cracks in windscreen
  • Chips in windscreen
  • Windscreen damage
  • Wipers not working
  • Washer fluid empty
  • Windscreen visibility issues

What Inspectors Check:

  • Windscreen condition
  • No cracks or major chips
  • Wipers functioning
  • Washer fluid available
  • Clear visibility
  • No obstruction

How to Prevent:

  • Check windscreen for damage
  • Fix cracks before inspection
  • Ensure wipers work
  • Fill washer fluid
  • Clean windscreen
  • Remove obstructions

Exhaust Failures

Exhaust-Related Failures

Common Exhaust Issues:

  • Excessive noise
  • Exhaust leaks
  • Exhaust damage
  • Emissions issues
  • Exhaust components missing
  • Rust or corrosion

What Inspectors Check:

  • Exhaust condition
  • Noise levels
  • No leaks
  • Proper installation
  • Emissions (if tested)
  • No damage

How to Prevent:

  • Check exhaust condition
  • Fix leaks
  • Repair damage
  • Ensure proper installation
  • Check noise levels
  • Maintain exhaust system

Safety Equipment Failures

Safety Equipment Issues

Common Safety Equipment Issues:

  • Seatbelts not working
  • Mirrors missing or damaged
  • Horn not working
  • Speedometer not working
  • Safety equipment missing
  • Equipment not functioning

What Inspectors Check:

  • All seatbelts functioning
  • Mirrors (rearview and side)
  • Horn working
  • Speedometer working
  • All safety equipment present
  • Equipment functionality

How to Prevent:

  • Test all seatbelts
  • Check mirrors
  • Test horn
  • Verify speedometer
  • Ensure all equipment works
  • Replace missing equipment

Structural Failures

Structural Issues

Common Structural Issues:

  • Body damage
  • Chassis problems
  • Rust and corrosion
  • Structural integrity issues
  • Frame damage
  • Body condition

What Inspectors Check:

  • Body condition
  • Chassis integrity
  • No excessive rust
  • Structural soundness
  • No major damage
  • Overall condition

How to Prevent:

  • Maintain vehicle body
  • Address rust issues
  • Repair structural damage
  • Ensure structural integrity
  • Regular maintenance
  • Fix body issues

Steering and Suspension Failures

Steering/Suspension Issues

Common Issues:

  • Steering problems
  • Suspension issues
  • Wheel alignment problems
  • Shock absorber problems
  • Steering wheel play
  • Suspension components worn

What Inspectors Check:

  • Steering functionality
  • Suspension condition
  • Wheel alignment
  • Shock absorbers
  • Steering components
  • Suspension integrity

How to Prevent:

  • Check steering before inspection
  • Test suspension
  • Fix alignment issues
  • Replace worn components
  • Maintain steering system
  • Maintain suspension

Pre-Inspection Checklist

Before Roadworthy Test

Checklist:

  • All lights work (headlights, taillights, indicators, brake lights)
  • Tire tread depth above 1.6mm
  • Brakes function properly
  • Windscreen has no cracks
  • All seatbelts work
  • Mirrors are present and functional
  • Horn works
  • Exhaust is in good condition
  • No obvious structural damage
  • Vehicle is clean
  • All safety equipment present

How to Prevent Failures

Prevention Strategies

To Prevent Failures:

  1. Regular Maintenance: Maintain vehicle regularly
  2. Pre-Inspection Check: Check vehicle before inspection
  3. Fix Issues First: Fix obvious problems before test
  4. Test Systems: Test all systems before inspection
  5. Professional Check: Get professional pre-inspection
  6. Prepare Vehicle: Ensure vehicle is ready

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common reasons vehicles fail roadworthy?

Most common failures are: brake issues, tire problems (tread below 1.6mm), light failures, windscreen damage, exhaust problems, missing safety equipment, and structural issues.

How can I prevent my vehicle from failing roadworthy?

Maintain vehicle regularly, check all systems before inspection (lights, brakes, tires, windscreen), fix obvious issues first, test all equipment, and ensure vehicle is in good condition.

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 R150-R250), and get certificate after passing.

Can I check my vehicle before roadworthy test?

Yes, check all lights, tire tread, brakes, windscreen, seatbelts, mirrors, horn, exhaust, and safety equipment before inspection to identify and fix issues.

What is the minimum tire tread depth for roadworthy?

Minimum tire tread depth is 1.6mm for roadworthy test. Tires below this depth will fail inspection and must be replaced.

Conclusion

Common roadworthy test failures include brake issues, tire problems (tread below 1.6mm), light failures, windscreen damage, exhaust problems, missing safety equipment, and structural issues. Prevent failures by maintaining your vehicle, checking all systems before inspection, fixing obvious issues first, testing equipment, and ensuring vehicle is in good condition. Use pre-inspection checklist, address common failure points, and prepare vehicle properly. Understanding failure reasons helps you pass roadworthy test on first attempt.

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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.