At LM Motors in Townsville, we are fully authorised by Queensland Transport as an Approved Inspection Station (AIS). We can perform safety inspections and issue Safety Certificates in accordance with Queensland law.

Here’s what you need to know about Safety Certificates in Queensland, and when your vehicle requires one.

A Safety Certificate (often referred to colloquially as a “roadworthy certificate” in QLD) is a document showing that your vehicle has passed a minimum safety inspection.

The purpose of the Safety Certificate is to provide protection for buyers and ensure that vehicles offered for sale or being re-registered meet basic safety standards—thereby reducing the chance of crashes due to unsafe vehicles.

Important note: A safety inspection is not a comprehensive mechanical check of the engine or full vehicle condition. It covers safety-critical elements, but may not detect all mechanical or performance issues.

The validity period of a Safety Certificate depends on who is selling the vehicle:

Private (non-dealer) sellers - 2 months or 2,000 km (whichever comes first)
Licensed motor dealers - 3 months or 1,000 km (whichever comes first)

The certificate can be used for one transfer of ownership or one registration. Even if the vehicle is sold soon after you acquire it, a new Safety Certificate will usually be needed for that next transaction.

Safety Certificates are required for many classes of light vehicles, unless an exemption applies. Generally, the requirement covers:

Cars (up to 4,500 kg GVM)
Motorcycles
Trailers / caravans whose aggregate trailer mass (ATM) lies between 0.751 tonnes and 3.50 tonnes
Other vehicles up to 4.50 t gross vehicle mass (GVM) under certain registration/transfer scenarios

Which Vehicles Require a Safety Certificate?

If a vehicle is exempt, a Safety Certificate may not be required

As per Queensland’s Safety Certificate requirements, the inspection will assess a wide range of safety-critical components.

Some of the key items include:

Brakes (including park brake)
Steering and suspension
Tyres and wheels
Lights, signals and electrical systems
Windscreen, windows and wipers
Seatbelts and seating
Body, chassis and corrosion / structural integrity
Underbody condition
Emissions / exhaust leaks (if obvious)
Instruments, gauges and identifiers
Road test to check for driveability issues related to safety

The inspection is meant to ensure your vehicle meets minimum safety standards — it doesn’t guarantee everything about the vehicle is fault-free.

Yes, for light vehicles in Queensland, the term “Safety Certificate” has effectively replaced the old “Roadworthy Certificate.” The function is the same: to confirm that the vehicle meets minimum safety standards before sale or registration transfer.

However, some older sources or discussions may still refer to “roadworthy certificate,” so it’s useful to know both terms.

Is the Safety Certificate the Same as a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC)?

If your vehicle does not meet the safety requirements:

- A list of deficiencies will be provided, stating repairs or adjustments needed
- Once those repairs are completed, the vehicle can be re-inspected
- A reinspection must occur within a timeframe determined by the inspector (often within a few weeks)
- If repairs are not made, we cannot legally issue a Safety Certificate, and the vehicle cannot be sold or re-registered until compliance is achieved

Note: there may be a reinspection fee.

What Happens If a Vehicle Fails the Safety Inspection?

Only approved inspection stations (AIS) are licensed to issue valid Safety Certificates in Queensland.

Why Choose an Approved Inspection Station (AIS) Like Us?

At LM Motors in Townsville, we:
- Are certified by Queensland Transport to conduct safety inspections
- Use standardised checklists aligned with government requirements
- Provide a printed or electronic certificate upon passing
- Can walk you through any repair requirements if faults are found

Additionally, given recent concerns about fraudulent certificates, it’s increasingly important to use a reputable, authorised station. Queensland authorities have cracked down on “dodgy” safety certificates issued without proper inspection, with severe fines and even registration cancellation in some cases.

Check your tyres (tread depth, no severe wear or damage)

Ensure lights, indicators, brake lights are working

Look for windscreen cracks or chips, especially in driver’s line of sight

Check seatbelts for fraying or non-functioning latch

Make sure brakes feel solid, and there’s no unusual noise

Address visible rust or body damage, especially near structural areas

Fix any glaring fluid leaks (oil, coolant, brake fluid)

Ensure mirrors, wipers, and instrumentation are working

These pre-checks can help avoid failures or multiple reinspection costs.

When you're ready, bring your vehicle to LM Motors in Townsville, and we’ll handle your inspection and issue a compliant Safety Certificate. Book your inspection online or call us to discuss your vehicle’s specific needs.

Drive safe—and let us help you comply with QLD’s safety rules with confidence.

Get a Queensland Safety Certificate at LM Motors in Townsville. Authorised inspections for cars, motorcycles, trailers & caravans. Book online today.

Safety Certificate QLD | LM Motors Townsville

Do You Need a Queensland Safety Certificate (formerly Roadworthy Certificate)?

At LM Motors, we have profound knowledge and experience in servicing, repairing, and diagnosing a wide range of European and Luxury vehicles, such as Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Citroen, Ferrari, Fiat, Land Rover, Mercedes Benz, Mini Cooper, Peugeot, Lexus, Porsche, Volvo, among others. Our sophisticated and state-of-the-art workshop in Townsville is conveniently located for all your vehicle service needs.

Why is a European car specialist necessary?

European cars are built with precise engineering and feature extraordinary craftsmanship, requiring highly specialised servicing to maintain their top-notch performance. With our advanced understanding of luxury and European car technologies, we ensure that your vehicles get the expertise they deserve.

Being a member of Repco Auto-Tech training programme – the frontrunner in Australian automotive technical training and information – we guarantee that our team at LM Motors is updated with contemporary vehicle servicing methodologies. Thanks to our exclusive access to Auto-Tech encyclopaedia and SmartQuote programmes, we provide accurate service schedules for all Luxury and Euro brands and models.

Our highly skilled technicians ensure the top care and maintenance for all European and Luxury Vehicles. They expertly select top-tier parts and utilise specialised diagnostic software tailored to European cars.

LM Motors provides the expert care your luxury vehicle requires. As an alternative to traditional dealerships, we not only offer specialised attention and up-to-date servicing techniques but also ensure an experience tailored to your specific needs. Experience world-class servicing without the exorbitant dealership costs with LM Motors.

If you're looking for an Audi service, an experienced BMW mechanic or someone to help take care of your Luxury investment with qualified European car expertise contact us or book a service today.

LM Motors have the expertise and knowledge to provide repairs, service and diagnostics on all European and Luxury vehicles...

For all Luxury and Euro brands and models - Servicing & Repairs in Townsville.

LM Motors are the right choice for new car service in Townsville. 

You always have the choice of where your vehicle is serviced, maintained and repaired, at competitive prices, without voiding either the manufacturers warranty or your rights under the Consumer Guarantee.

You do not have to take the car back to the dealership who sold it to you for service or repairs. Provided the work is overseen to the manufacturers specifications by a suitably skilled person and uses tolerable quality parts and fluids, the warranty stands. 

With Repco Authorised Service you can tick all the boxes. Every LM Motors mechanic is fully qualified and Auto-Tech trained, giving them access to Australia's leading provider of automotive technical information and training. This means LM Motors mechanics are kept fully up to date with the latest in automotive service techniques and are able to service your new car without voiding the warranty.

Repco branded parts & products are manufactured to stringent Repco quality standards, and are covered by the Repco Nationwide Warranty, giving you added protection. LM Motors will also only ever use fluids and lubricants that meet the specifications of the original car manufacturer.

If you already own a new car or are thinking of purchasing one, make sure you clearly understand where your statutory rights begin and end

Make sure you are aware of the differences between manufacturer, statutory and extended warranties to avoid making the wrong selection when it comes to servicing your new car. You are automatically covered by a statutory warranty, also known as a Consumer Guarantee, under Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and this statutory protection can never be superseded by manufacturer or express warranties (which are offered by the car maker and car dealer respectively).

A lack of disclosure requirements on car dealers at the point of sale regarding these contracts can easily lead the consumer into making a choice to be bound by a long term contract without access to all of the details needed to make a properly informed decision.

So when purchasing a new vehicle, be on guard for new car dealers who may try to include “express” or “extended” warranties, often for free. As a general rule these ‘extra' warranties may include quite comprehensive restrictions or provisions, and are not always what they are cracked up to be. Many times these promises provide no real additional benefits not already given by the consumer's basic statutory rights and can tie the unwary buyer into a long term agreement with the dealership that sold the car.

Such promises are very unlikely to focus on the potential negative aspects involved with taking a new car back to the dealer for service or repair. This includes how far you will need to go to get your car serviced or longer waiting times due to fewer available service locations or mechanics.

Check out our frequently asked questions below for more information on New Car Service and warranties. If you need to know more, the AAAA website and ACCC website have some great information too.

New Car Service Frequently asked questions

Did you know that you get to choose where your vehicle is serviced, maintained and repaired, at competitive prices. LM Motors can service your new car using quality parts and fluids, preserving your warranty…

New car service in Townsville

The right choice for new car service in Townsville

Townsville's most experienced auto repair workshop LM Motors is also your trusted air conditioning service (ARC licence AU09008) and car service provider in northeastern Queensland.

We are a complete auto repair workshop and our fully qualified mechanics can perform any type of automotive service and tune-up. Locally owned and operated for more than 20 years, LM Motors specialises in all types of new and used car repairs, servicing and maintenance.

As an Approved Inspection Station we perform motor vehicle inspection and testing with the latest diagnostic test equipment. LM Motors will happily give you a consultation and quote you on the price when estimating repairs and advising you on matters of fuel consumption, air pollution, greenhouse rating and car safety. LM Motors can analyse and optimise the fuel consumption of vehicles with any fuel type - Biofuel, Diesel, Dual Fuel, Electric, Hybrid, Hydrogen, LP Gas, Petrol, Unleaded Petrol. 

LM Motors care about the environment and have Arctick Authorisation to reliably and responsibly conduct automotive air conditioning service (AU09008). ARC Approved Car Air Conditioning Servicing reduces Fuel Costs and protects your health.

LM Motors pride themselves in giving their customers the best log book service and auto electrical repair in the Townsville area, with customers frequently coming from Castle Hill, North Ward, West End, Hyde Park, Pirmlico, Mysterton, Hermit Park, Railway Estate and surrounding suburbs.

While your car is being serviced, you can use our comfy waiting lounge with tea, coffee and cold drinks available and TV. It is also possible to monitor the repairs from a designated vehicle repair viewing area. Car vacuum can be arranged with every service. Our workshop stocks a range of car products and accessories for sale, as well as a great selection of car parts, including that hard to find part. We are located close to public transport, and free parking is available in front of workshop with a key drop off box for your convenience. Towing service is available for those roadside breakdowns. Our mechanics can pick up your car for service and deliver it back to you when the repairs are complete.

We service all makes and models of cars, including diesels, AWDs, 4WDs, caravans, campervans, trailers, buses, minibuses, light trucks, motorhomes, hybrids, racing cars, tractors, earthmovers, forklifts, ATVs, boats, horse floats, motorbikes, scooters, off-roads, utes, vans and your car!

Local car service with Nationwide Warranty

2023, marks 25yrs of being a Repco Authorised Service centre. As a Repco Authorised Service centre LM Motors is backed by the Repco Authorised Service Nationwide Warranty, available at over 500 Repco Authorised Service centres - Giving you peace of mind wherever you travel. LM Motors are happy to provide a consultation or quote you on repair estimate. 

Why Trust Your Family Safety With Anyone Else?

Get professional car service from LM Motors- Townsville's most trusted and experienced mechanic workshop.

Locally owned and operated for more than 20 years, LM Motors specialises in all types of new and used car repairs, servicing and maintenance.

Automotive Servicing and Repairs in Townsville

LM Motors in Townsville is a licensed roadworthy inspection station and can issue roadworthy certificates for vehicles that pass the roadworthy assessment test.  				

A roadworthy inspection includes checking:

A roadworthy inspection is not a comprehensive full vehicle inspection. Talk to us today about the different types of inspections available at LM Motors and which one will best suit your needs. 

Book a roadworthy inspection at LM Motors today.

Roadworthy Inspections in Townsville

Roadworthy Inspections

AAAA

IAME

Townsville's most experienced car service centre L M Motors  is your trusted air conditioning service (ARC licence AU09008) and car service provider in the Far North Queensland area. 

We are a full auto repair workshop and our fully qualified mechanics can perform any type of automotive service and tune-up. 

L M Motors can analyse and optimise fuel consumption of vehicles with any fuel type - Biofuel, Diesel, Dual Fuel, Electric, Hybrid, Hydrogen, LP Gas & Petrol.

LM Motors

Roadworthy Inspections

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The right choice for new car service in Townsville

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