Defected, written-off, and modified vehicles require a roadworthy inspection before they can be registered.
When an inspection is required
A roadworthy inspection is required if the vehicle:
- has been fitted with a non-standard engine - phone Vehicle Standards on 1300 882 248 to ask about your vehicle or email vehiclestandards@sa.gov.au
- has been structurally changed - eg change the length of the wheelbase
- has been issued with a defect notice
- is a dedicated rally car, street rod, or an individually constructed vehicle
- has had modifications made to the brakes, steering, or suspension systems
- has been imported from overseas and requires an exemption from the fitting of a compliance plate (cars manufactured after 1971 and for motorcycles manufactured after 1977)
- was originally manufactured as a left-hand drive
- has had a change in the vehicle's seating capacity
- was registered in another state, is more than three years old, and has an unladen mass of 4.5 tonnes or more
- is a repaired, economically written-off vehicle
- has a seating capacity of 12 or less and is used to carry passengers for hire, fare, or reward (except self-drive)
- is a bus with seating for 13 or more
- is a heavy vehicle or trailer with a gross vehicles mass (GVM) or Aggregate Trailer mass (ATM) of more than 4.5 tonnes and three years of age or over from the date of manufacture, being transferred to a new owner for registration in South Australia.
Before you begin
You'll need a client number or driver's licence number.
An inspection fee plus pre-paid booking fee will be charged for each appointment.
Book an inspection
Phone 13 10 84 to make a vehicle inspection booking
Payments can be made over the phone by MasterCard or Visa (debit or credit cards).
For rural inspections, the bookings officer will advise you about locations.
Office opening hours
The vehicle roadworthy inspection office hours are from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Closed public holidays.
Disputing a decision
If you dispute a decision made during the inspection, you may request a second opinion by a supervisor.
If you wish the decision to be reviewed further, you may request a review of the decision, in writing, within 72 hours of the inspection.
Email the Manager, Vehicle Operations at dit.mavoadmin@sa.gov.au and include:
- details of the dispute
- your contact details
- vehicle details (registration and VIN or chassis number)
- inspection booking number
- date and time of the inspection.
A response will be provided within five working days of receipt of the written notification.
Need help?
Contact Service SA
Online
Only send general enquiries online. Service SA will respond within 3 working days.
If the matter is urgent or is specifically about your current licence or registration, phone or visit a Service SA centre instead.
Phone
Call Service SA between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays:
- 13 10 84
- +61 8 8226 0206 (overseas callers).
In person
Service SA centre locations and opening hours.
