Statewide crackdown hits rogue roadworthy certificate inspectors

The state government is cracking down on dodgy roadworthy certificates with fines of more than $220,000 in place amid reports of widespread vehicle safety inspection breaches and online scams.

The state government is cracking down on dodgy roadworthy certificates after new fees for safety certificates came into play this week. Picture: Contributed

The state government is cracking down on dodgy roadworthy certificates with fines of up to $32,600 for individuals or $220,000 for businesses after hundreds of reports of vehicles not undergoing proper safety inspections.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) said the crackdown followed months of surveillance and after cases of certificates being issued for vehicles sight-unseen.

Handwritten certificates would also be banned, except in special circumstances.

It followed the introduction of new fees for roadworthy certificates that came into effect on July 1.

Safety certificates for vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes now cost $96.05 and certificates for trailers weighing from 750kg to 4.5 tonnes now cost $48.10.

Motorcycle certificates were now priced at $61.75.

Replacement certificates and approved examiner’s inspection reports have gone up, to $26.20.

TMR officers reported cases of car buyers seeking out fraudulent certificates to avoid paying for certificates, or for repairs needed to meet minimum safety standards, before selling or registering a vehicle.

An example of a car safety certificate in Queensland. Picture: TMR

There are no fines for people buying a car that is unroadworthy or without a legitimate Safety Certificate.

However, officials can cancel vehicle registrations where there is a reasonable suspicion that a safety certificate has been issued without a complete physical inspection, or they can force the owner to obtain a new safety certificate.

TMR Director-General Sally Stannard said some of the cases officers had uncovered included people buying roadworthies online from scammers.

She warned buyers to ensure certificates were correct.

Ms Stannard said many cars with fake certificates were highly defective, dangerous and would not pass a vehicle safety inspection.

“Buying a safety certificate on social media like Facebook or via text message without a proper physical inspection by an accredited provider could cost dearly,” Ms Stannard said.

“Choosing a used vehicle is a big decision and I urge buyers to research and inspect the vehicle you plan to buy and know your rights when buying it.

“Legal protections are provided when purchasing a used vehicle from a licensed motor dealer.

“Buyers should exercise caution when buying from a private seller.” ​

Officials have also clamped down on approved inspection stations and approved examiners, with possible accreditation cancellation for anyone found to be linked to dodgy certificates.

In cases where vehicles were registered using fraudulent certificates, owners would be forced to obtain valid safety certificates or risk having their vehicle registrations cancelled.

Transport officials, the Office of Fair Trading and police have also targeted third parties offering online roadworthies.

TMR warned buyers and sellers that the department oversaw all safety certificates during the transfer of vehicle ownership or registration of unregistered vehicles.

Certificates were issued electronically through TMR’s Inspection Certificate Online portal, after an approved examiner at an approved inspection station conducted a physical inspection to ensure vehicles met minimum safety requirements.

Originally published as Statewide crackdown hits rogue roadworthy certificate inspectors