What is a roadworthy certificate (RWC or 'Pit Pass')? Do I need it?

Discover the intricacies of the Pit Pass: Ensure roadworthiness and compliance with ease.

A roadworthy certificate (Pit Pass, or the ‘pit’) in the context of vehicle importation and inspection, especially in places like Australia, is a colloquial term for a pass granted after a vehicle successfully undergoes a detailed inspection.
This inspection checks whether the vehicle meets specific standards of Australian Design Rules and Road Vehicle Standards Rules 2019.
The RWC is the final and the most important step that allows your unique imported vehicle to be driven on Australian roads.

Reasons you may need to get your vehicle inspected

You may need to get your vehicle inspected for the following reasons:

You want to license (register) your vehicle in Western Australia or other states in Australia.
You receive a Defect Notice (often referred to as a yellow sticker or work order).
You have modified your vehicle (for example: change body, engine, dimensions).
Your vehicle is subject to an annual inspection*.
You want to license a repairable written-off vehicle.
Your vehicle passed an inspection, but the inspection certificate has expired.
The RWC Check is mandentory for some states (QLD/VIC/ACT/NSW) in Australia before selling or transfering.

Here is the Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) Process...

1. Booking and Preparation:

Once your vehicle arrives in the Australia and you’ve addressed initial customs and import duties, you’ll need to schedule an inspection.

Certificated Inspection Workshops can be found in following pages, divided by states:

Queensland: TMR Website

New South Wales: NSW Government

Western Australia (does not require a certificate for private vehicles unless imported (from other states/countries) or modified）: WA DOT

Australian Capital Territory: ACT GOV

Victoria: Vic Roads

South Australia (RWC inspection terms and conditions are applied): SA GOV

Tasmania (Defective Vehicle and Random Vehicle Inspection call-in scheme to check vehicles that may be considered un-roadworthy): Service Tasmania

Northern Territory (under three years old and under 4.5 tonnes before it is registered, renewed or transferred from interstate), more info please view: NT GOV

General Guides for things you may need to check on your Vehicle...

Body work.
Brakes.
Chassis and suspension.
Drive Line.
Electrical.
Steering.
Tyres and rims.
Vehicle identification.
Vehicle modifications.

The Check list provided by the Western Australian Department of Transport (DOT) has provided a general advice on how should you check the vehicle by yourself.

2. RWC Inspection Venue (The 'Pit'):

The vehicle is taken to an inspection center for RWC inspection, sometimes colloquially referred to as the “pit” due to the setup, which often allows inspectors to view the vehicle’s underside.
Inspection centers are mostly authorized third-party establishments.
However, the government also operate some inspection centers for some special vehicles (like bus and trailor).

The RWC for imported vehicles...

The RWC for imported vehicles stands out from the rest. Given their rarity on Australian roads and potential non-English panel language, you’ll want an expert specifically skilled in RWCs for imports….

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3. Detailed Inspection:

Safety Checks: The vehicle’s brakes, tires, seat belts, lights, and other crucial safety components are assessed.
Emissions Testing: In regions with strict emissions standards, the vehicle’s exhaust system might be tested to ensure it doesn’t exceed pollutant thresholds.
Structural Integrity: For imported used vehicles, there might be a check to ensure there’s no significant rust or damage to the vehicle’s frame or chassis.
Equipment and Accessories: This ensures all equipment and accessories on the vehicle meet Australian States’ local requirements, from headlights and taillights to mirrors and windshield wipers.
Special Modifications: If the vehicle has modifications that aren’t standard, they will be assessed for safety and appropriateness.

4. Post-Inspection:

Pass: If the vehicle meets all necessary standards, it’s granted a Inspection Pass, signaling that it’s eligible for Australian States’ registration.
Fail: If it doesn’t pass, you’ll typically receive a report outlining the issues. You’ll then have a specific timeframe to address these concerns before reinspection. Some areas might offer a conditional pass that allows you a certain period to make necessary adjustments.

For More information on Local Registration, please view our Car Import Process Page!

5. Registration:

With a Pit Pass in hand, you can then proceed to the local transport department to register your vehicle, making it legal for Australian road use.

6. Periodic Re-inspections:

Even after the initial pass, vehicles might be required to undergo periodic inspections, especially if they’re from an older model year.