Roadworthy Certificates Townsville
MB Automotive is a licensed Approved Inspection Station in Garbutt. We issue roadworthy certificates (safety certificates) for cars, 4WDs, light trucks and trailers. If the vehicle doesn't pass, we can carry out the repairs on-site and re-inspect — one workshop, no running between places.
In Queensland, you need a roadworthy certificate when you're selling a registered vehicle, transferring registration, or re-registering a vehicle that's been off the road. The certificate is valid for 2 months or 2,000 km from the inspection date, whichever comes first, so timing it close to the sale or transfer makes sense.
What the Inspection Covers
A roadworthy isn't a full mechanical service — it's a safety-focused check to confirm the vehicle is safe for road use. We inspect:
Tyres and wheels
Tread depth, condition, damage, correct size and rating for the vehicle. Vehicles in Townsville often show accelerated sidewall cracking from UV exposure and heat, even when the tread is still legal.
Brakes
Pad and rotor condition, brake line integrity, handbrake function, fluid level. Coastal humidity in NQ corrodes brake lines faster than southern climates, and this is one of the more common failure points we see.
Steering and suspension
Ball joints, tie rod ends, shock absorbers, bushes. Worn suspension components are frequent on vehicles that regularly run on corrugated roads out toward Charters Towers or up to Paluma Range.
Lights and electrical
Headlights, indicators, brake lights, reverse lights, hazard lights. All must be operational and correctly aimed.
Windscreen and wipers
no cracks in the driver's line of sight, wiper blades in working condition.
Body, chassis and engine
Structural rust, exhaust condition, excessive fluid leaks, seatbelts, mirrors, horn, towbar condition if fitted. The inspection confirms the vehicle is safe for road use, not that it's in perfect mechanical condition.
If Your Vehicle Doesn't Pass
Failing a roadworthy isn’t unusual — particularly on older vehicles or anything that’s been sitting unregistered. We’ll tell you exactly what failed and what needs fixing. In Queensland, you have 14 days to complete repairs and return for a re-inspection. Because we’re a full mechanical workshop, we handle the repairs here and re-inspect once they’re done — no need to take the vehicle elsewhere.
We’ll also tell you if a repair is borderline — something that passed today but will need attention soon. That way you’re making an informed decision, not getting surprised a month later.
Book a Roadworthy in Townsville
MB Automotive — 1–3 Hamill Street, Garbutt QLD 4814 Call (07) 4775 5777
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does a roadworthy inspection take?
Most inspections take around 30–45 minutes depending on the vehicle. If it passes, we issue the certificate the same day. If repairs are needed, turnaround depends on the work involved — call (07) 4775 5777 to book a time.
Can I get a roadworthy on a vehicle that's currently unregistered?
Yes. You need a roadworthy certificate to re-register an unregistered vehicle in Queensland. We can inspect it at our Garbutt workshop — just get it to us safely or arrange transport.