A roadworthy certificate - officially a Certificate of Roadworthiness - proves that a vehicle meets the minimum safety standards required by South African law to be driven on public roads.
When you need one
| Situation | Required? |
|---|---|
| Selling a vehicle to a new owner | Yes - seller must provide it |
| Re-registering a vehicle (new owner) | Yes |
| Registering a new vehicle for the first time | Handled by the manufacturer/dealer |
| Annual licence disc renewal | No |
| After major accident repairs | Often required by traffic authority |
| Importing a vehicle | Yes |
| Public transport vehicles (taxis, buses) | Annually |
You do not need a roadworthy for annual licence renewal of a private car you already own. The disc renewal only requires proof of insurance (where applicable) and the fee.
Where to get one
Only government-authorised Vehicle Testing Stations (VTSs) may issue valid roadworthy certificates. There are two types:
- Government VTSs: run by municipalities, cheaper but often busier and slower
- Private VTSs: accredited by the Department of Transport, faster, more expensive
Find your nearest registered VTS via the NaTIS website or your provincial transport department. Not all roadworthy services advertised online are officially registered - always confirm the VTS appears on the NaTIS register.
What the inspection covers
| Area | What's checked |
|---|---|
| Tyres | Tread depth (min 1 mm per NRTA Reg 223), condition, correct size |
| Brakes | Hydraulic/mechanical efficiency, balance, handbrake hold |
| Lights | Headlights, indicators, brake lights, reverse light, hazards |
| Steering | Play in the wheel, rack condition |
| Suspension | Shock absorbers, ball joints, bushings |
| Windscreen | No cracks in driver's sightline, wipers functional |
| Body structure | No sharp edges, doors close and latch, bonnet closes |
| Exhaust | Emissions within limits, no leaks |
| VIN/chassis | Matches registration documents |
| Seatbelts | Present and functional for all seats |
Cost
| Vehicle type | Approximate cost (2025) |
|---|---|
| Private car (sedan/hatchback) | R300 – R600 |
| Bakkie / SUV | R400 – R700 |
| Motorcycle | R300 – R550 |
| Truck / heavy vehicle | R800 – R1,500 |
Government VTSs charge less. Private VTSs charge a premium for speed and convenience. Retest fees (after repairs) are usually R150–R300.
Validity
For private vehicles sold to a new owner: 60 days from the date of issue. The sale and registration change must be completed within this window.
For public transport and goods vehicles that require annual roadworthy: 12 months.
Tips
- Fix known issues before booking the inspection - lights, wiper blades, and worn tyres are the most common failures and cheapest to fix in advance
- Book a government VTS for the lowest cost; book a private VTS if you need same-day results
- Keep the original certificate - a photocopy is not accepted for registration
Once your car is roadworthy, find a driving school near you to get your licence.
Frequently asked
- Do I need a roadworthy certificate every year?
- No. Private vehicles only need a roadworthy for specific events: selling the car, re-registering after a major change, or when the registration authority requires one. You do not need one for annual licence disc renewal.
- How long is a roadworthy certificate valid?
- For private vehicles, the certificate is typically valid for 60 days from the date of issue - it must be used for the specific transaction (sale, re-registration) within that window.
- What does the inspection check?
- Tyres (tread depth and condition), brakes (efficiency and balance), lights (all operational), steering, suspension, windscreen and wipers, body structure, exhaust emissions, and VIN/chassis number.
- What if my car fails the roadworthy inspection?
- You receive a list of defects to fix. After repairs, you return for a retest (usually at a reduced fee). The certificate is only issued once the vehicle passes.
Just passed your learner's?
Once you pass your driver's test you'll need insurance before you drive off the lot. Naked Insurance gives new drivers a live quote in under two minutes.
Get a quote from Naked Insurance →Affiliate link -- we earn a small commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of May 2026. Road traffic laws, DLTC procedures, and fee schedules can change — verify critical requirements with your DLTC or the RTMC (rtmc.co.za) before your test.