Scooter and Motorcycle Safety Certificates

Safety CertificatesScooter Style is an Approved Inspection Station (Authorisation Number 9964) so we can provide a Safety Certificate (RWC) for your motorcycle or scooter. We can carry out minor repairs on the spot to enable your motorcycle or scooter to pass the inspection.

Inspection Guidelines

If your bike is unregistered and you need to ride it here to obtain a RWC, visit the Qld Tranport Department to apply for an unregistered vehicle permit. Daily options available.

Queensland Transport introduced the safety certificate in November 1999 to replace the old roadworthy certificate or RWC, and it became mandatory to obtain and display a current safety certificate on any registered motorcycle from the moment it’s offered for sale.

The only times it’s not required to display current safety certificate on a motorcycle for sale is when the motorcycle’s either unregistered or is traded to or between licensed motor dealers.

Queensland Transport safety certificates can only be issued by Approved Inspection Stations (AIS), service stations, garages or workshops approved by Queensland Transport to conduct inspections.

For private motorcycle sellers, Queensland Transport safety certificates must be issued in the two months or 2000 kilometres prior to sale, whichever comes first.

You are required to display a safety certificate in a conspicuous place and for motorcycles it’s either on the forks or front guard.

Failure to display a Queensland Transport safety certificate on the motorcycle from the time it’s first offered for sale can carry an on-the-spot fine penalty of $375.

Information on this website relating to motorcycle inspection is drawn from the Queensland Transport Code of Practice for Approved Inspection Stations (AIS) and Approved Persons; guidelines followed during safety certificate inspections and vehicle modification certification.

Following the code of practice guidelines below and rectifying faults you uncover should assure your motorcycle will pass on first inspection, avoiding any inconvenient and possible costly re-inspection.

Use the form to the right to book your inspection >>

SEATING INSPECTION GUIDELINES

Vehicle inspection is subjective and the guidelines open to varying interpretation from inspector to inspector. Below is a list of reasons for possible rejection pertaining to the Seating for the issuing of a Queensland Transport safety certificate (formerly roadworthy certificate or RWC).

SEATING

Objective: To ensure that all seating fitted to the motorcycle, including motor tricycle(s), provide a comfortable and secure position for the driver to control the motorcycle and control the deceleration of all motorcycle occupants.

SEATING

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • Seat cushions (including backrests, if fitted) and seat frames are not fitted, not secure, are structurally damaged, have sharp or jagged edges, or protrusions.
  • Any reduction or increase in seating capacity must be certified by an Approved Person (Code LK7).

LIGHT AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENT INSPECTION GUIDELINES

Vehicle inspection is subjective and the guidelines open to varying interpretation from inspector to inspector. Below is a list of reasons for possible rejection pertaining to the Lights and Electrical Components for the issuing of a Queensland Transport safety certificate (formerly roadworthy certificate or RWC).

LIGHTS AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS

Objective: To ensure that all lights, reflectors and other electrical lighting components as required by prescribed standards are operational.

LIGHTING EQUIPMENT (See Note 4)

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • Lights and reflectors fitted to a motorcycle, including motor tricycle(s), are not operational and not located in positions as required by prescribed standards.

HEADLIGHT/S

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • Are not correctly focused.
  • Lenses are not secure and not free of cracks or holes that would permit the entry of dirt or moisture.
  • Reflector surfaces are not free of tarnish or other damage which could reduce the intensity of high or low beam. (See Note 1)
  • Are not clearly visible under all normal conditions and of a consistent intensity, or are affected by dirty lenses or poor electrical contact.
  • A dipping device to change the headlights from the high beam position to the low beam position and operated from the normal driving position is not fitted and operational. (See Note 2)
  • A device to indicate to the driver that the headlights are in the high beam position is not fitted and operational. (See Note 2)

OTHER LIGHTS AND REFLECTORS (See Note 4)

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • Are not clearly visible under all normal conditions and of a consistent intensity, and are affected by dirty lenses or poor electrical contact.
  • Lenses and light reflectors are not securely mounted, are faded or discoloured and are not free from cracks, holes, or other damage which would allow the entry of moisture or dirt to impair the efficiency of the light or reflector.
  • The following lights do not operate correctly and are not fitted with appropriate lenses:
    .. front park lights;
    .. brake lights
    .. tail lights;
    .. turn signal indicator lights;
    .. number plate light;
    .. reversing lights (if fitted);
    .. additional lights (if fitted). (See Note 2)
  • The number plate light/s direct light onto surfaces other than the rear number plate.
  • The turn signal switch is not readily operable by the driver from the driving position.
  • The turn signal operation is not indicated by means of a visible and/or audible telltale.

ADDITIONAL LIGHTING

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • Additional lighting (fitted as accessories) is fitted in such a way that their operation will impair the operation of statutory lighting, and contravene prescribed standards.

ADDITIONAL HEADLIGHTS (Driving Light/s)

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • Additional driving lights do not operate in conjunction with the high beam circuit, and are not fitted with an independent on/off switch.

WIRING HARNESS

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • Electrical wiring is not securely mounted and insulated, is exposed to excessive heat or chafing or located in such a way that would cause danger to the operation of the motorcycle.
  • Electrical wiring hinders driver or passenger movement.

BATTERY

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • A battery is not secured in a cradle or carrier using hold down clamps and is cracked, leaking or has missing caps.

WARNING DEVICE (Horn)

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • A warning device is not fitted and operational and the tone is not of a single pitch. (See Note 3)
  • A warning device is not clearly audible and the actuating mechanism is not located within the reach of the driver in the normal seated position.

NOTES:

[1] Fitted clear headlight covers are acceptable provided the intensity of high or low beam is not affected.

Tinted headlight covers are acceptable but must be removed when high or low beam headlights are operated.

Lens repairs are acceptable but must not reduce the effectiveness of the light when the light is lit.

[2] White coloured lights or reflectors are only permitted for front facing lights, number plate and reversing lights. Amber lights are only permitted for indicators on motorcycles, including motor tricycle(s).

Flashing lights are not permitted on a motorcycle, including motor tricycle(s), except as indicators and for use on special use vehicles i.e. vehicles fitted or built for use in hazardous situations on a road or emergency vehicles.

Turn signal indicator lights must be fitted to all motorcycles, including motor tricycle(s), manufactured on or after 1 July 1975.

A motor vehicle built after 1934 that can travel at over 60 km/h must be fitted with a dual beam headlight system.

A motor vehicle built after 1953 must be fitted with a device to indicate to the driver that the headlights are in the high beam position.

[3] Dual air or electrical horns are acceptable but must be of a single note.

[4] Further information on location and colour of lights is contained in AIS Information Sheet 8 – Motor Vehicle Lighting and the brochure “All About Modifications to Motor Vehicles”.

BODY AND CHASSIS INSPECTION GUIDELINES

Vehicle inspection is subjective and the guidelines open to varying interpretation from inspector to inspector. Below are a list of reasons for possible rejection pertaining to Body and Chassis for the issuing of a Queensland Transport safety certificate (formerly roadworthy certificate or RWC).

BODY AND CHASSIS

Objective: To ensure the vehicle body is free of protrusions, structurally sound and free from any defects or additional fittings that are likely to increase the risk of bodily injury to any occupant and other road users.

HATCHES, HINGES AND CATCHES

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • All hatches, catches, removable covers and fastenings fitted to a motorcycle, including motor tricycle(s), and also including a side-car (if fitted), are not securely fitted, mounted and do not operate in the manner for which they were designed.

BODY AND CHASSIS FRAME

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • The body or chassis frame are cracked, broken, distorted or corroded to the point where a component is weakened or failure of a component is likely to occur.
  • Any fastenings between frame members, including welds, are not secured or are cracked or distorted.
  • Any repairs carried out do not retain the original strength of the component/section.

BODY FITTINGS

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • Fairings and any attachments are not free of protrusions or fittings likely to cause injury to any person with whom the motorcycle, including motor tricycle(s), may come into contact. (See Note 3)
  • Motorcycles, including motor tricycle(s), are not fitted with adequate protection (for rider and passenger) from any moving part (i.e. chain, road wheels, tyres, exhaust) or any area which would constitute a safety hazard and are not of the same curvature.
  • A side-car (if fitted), is not securely attached and mounted to the left hand side of the motorcycle.
  • Any part of a motorcycle (without a side-car), including motor tricycle(s), projects more than 150 mm ahead of the front wheel or 300 mm behind the rear wheel.

MUDGUARDS

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • The wheels of a motorcycle, including motor tricycle(s), are not fitted with mudguards of a width not less than the maximum width of the tyre.
  • The front mudguard does not shield that portion of the wheel extending rearward from a point vertically above and horizontally behind the centre of the front wheel. (See Note 1)
  • The rear wheel(s) or side-car wheel mudguard does not shield that portion of the wheel between points vertically above the foremost and rearmost parts of the wheel.

MOTORCYCLE (including Motor Tricycle) RIDING CONTROLS

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • Riding controls are not securely fastened and not in the correct location as per the relevant ADR for date of manufacture.
  • The correct number of footrests as per the seating capacity of the motorcycle, including motor tricycle(s), are not fitted in a manner applicable to the frame manufacturer’s technique.

REAR VISION MIRRORS

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • Rear vision mirrors are not fitted in accordance with prescribed standards. (See Note 2)
  • Rear vision mirror(s) fitted to any motorcycle, including motor tricycle(s), do not provide a clear view of the road to the rear of the motorcycle, including motor tricycle(s), when the rider is in a natural riding position, and are not of the same curvature.
  • Mirror(s) are not securely mounted and free from damage, blemishes or tarnishing which would reduce the view to the rear of the vehicle.
  • If convex mirrors are fitted, the mirrors do not have a radius of curvature of not less than 1.2 metres.

NOTES:

[1] If the frame or body of the motorcycle, including motor tricycle(s), provides adequate protection in any part of this area, then only the unprotected part of the region requires mudguard protection

[2] At least 1 rear vision mirror must be fitted to a motorcycle or motor trike with 1 front wheel built before July 1975.

At least 1 rear vision mirror must be fitted to each side of a motorcycle or motor trike with 1 front wheel built after June 1975.

TOW COUPLING INSPECTION GUIDELINES

Vehicle inspection is subjective and the guidelines open to varying interpretation from inspector to inspector. Below is a list of reasons for possible rejection pertaining to the Tow Couplings for the issuing of a Queensland Transport safety certificate (formerly roadworthy certificate or RWC).

TOW COUPLINGS

Objective: To ensure that all tow couplings and associated components are in a serviceable condition and that they provide the necessary load carrying capacity.

TOW COUPLINGS, WIRING HARNESSES, HOSES AND SAFETY CHAINS

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • Tow bars, tow coupling componentry and their attachments, if fitted to a motorcycle, including motor tricycle(s), are not operational, not secure, or are cracked, excessively worn, deformed or damaged in a way likely to cause failure.
  • All electrical wiring, connectors, etc. associated with a device for coupling a trailer to a motorcycle, including motor tricycle(s), are not securely mounted and operational.
  • Tow coupling tongue assemblies are repaired by heating or welding.
  • Tow coupling tongue assemblies are not securely mounted to the tow bar assembly.
  • The tow ball (if fitted) is not secure, is cracked or is excessively worn.
  • The tow ball assembly (50 mm type) is not legibly and indelibly marked with the mark “50” in characters not less than 5 mm high.
  • Safety chain/s or cables are not able to be connected or affixed in such a way that the safety chains/ cables are not liable to accidental disconnection and are not readily detachable from the towing vehicle.
  • A trailer coupling affixed to a motorcycle does not allow for angular movement of the combination about the vertical or horizontal axis.

TOWING CAPACITY

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • The tow coupling capacity does not equal or exceed the Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) of any trailer being towed (if applicable).

NOTES:

[1] Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) is the total mass of the laden trailer when carrying the maximum load recommended by the manufacturer. This includes any mass imposed onto the drawing vehicle when the combination vehicle is resting on a horizontal supporting plane.

At least 1 rear vision mirror must be fitted to each side of a motorcycle or motortrike with 1 front wheel built after June 1975.

STEERING AND SUSPENSION INSPECTION GUIDELINES

Vehicle inspection is subjective and the guidelines open to varying interpretation from inspector to inspector. Below is a list of reasons for possible rejection pertaining to the Steering and Suspension for the issuing of a Queensland Transport safety certificate (formerly roadworthy certificate or RWC).

STEERING AND SUSPENSION

Objective: To ensure that the steering and suspension is in good working order and allows the driver effective control of the vehicle.

STEERING COMPONENTS

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • All steering components are not in good condition, securely mounted and free from damage or distortion. (See Note 1)
  • Steering components are removed, heated, welded (modified) or bent without approval from Queensland Transport. (See Note 2)

STEERING MECHANISM / DESIGN

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • The handlebar of a motorcycle, including motor tricycle(s), is not secure and free play in the steering head exceeds manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Where steering linkages are fitted, any rotational free play exceeds 10 mm at the end of the handlebar.
  • Steering gear and steering gear connections are not so designed so as to eliminate accidental detachment or overlocking.
  • Steering components are misaligned with the frame and not free from damage, fatigue, corrosion or distortion.
  • Repairs carried out to fork assemblies and handle bar assemblies indicate heating or welding.
  • Operation of the handlebar is not smooth from lock to lock and equipment fitted to the motorcycle, including motor tricycle(s), prevents free movement (e.g. the handlebar must not come into contact with the fuel tank).
  • Nuts, bolts or other fasteners used on steering components are not secure.
  • The handlebar assembly is not constructed of suitable material, adequately mounted and free of sharp edges and protrusions.
  • The handlebar is not symmetrical on either side of the front wheel and steering head assembly.
  • The handlebar is not of the same shape and length on both sides of the front wheel and steering head assembly.
  • If the forks are raked (i.e. modified wheelbase), the horizontal distance between the mid-point of the steering yoke bearings and a point vertically above the centre of the front wheel exceeds 550 mm.
  • Motorcycles, including motor tricycle(s), fitted with offset triple clamps have a trail measurement of less than 75 mm. (See Note 3)
  • Handlebar grips are not secure and excessively damaged or unduly worn. (See Note 4)

HANDLEBAR DIMENSIONS

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • The distance between the extreme ends of the handlebar assembly is greater than 900 mm and less than 500 mm.
  • The height of the lowest part of the handgrip is higher than 380 mm above the attachment point of the handlebar to the motorcycle.

SUSPENSION SYSTEM

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • Suspension components are not securely mounted and aligned with no distortion, cracks, corrosion, fractures or other damage likely to cause failure.
  • Wheel bearings and swing arm bushes/bearings are excessively worn.
  • Link ends are not secured with fasteners suitably locked (e.g. split pins, lockwire, tabs or selflocking nuts).
  • Suspension components are missing, or repaired or modified by heating or welding unless specifically approved by Queensland Transport.
  • Suspension components are worn beyond manufacturer’s specifications.

WHEEL BEARINGS

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • Are incorrectly adjusted, rough, noisy, loose on stub axle, do not rotate freely or are leaking.
  • Movement between disc brake rotor/brake drum and backing plate exceeds manufacturer’s specifications.

SHOCK ABSORBERS

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • Shock absorbers are not fitted, not securely mounted and brackets and rubbers are missing, worn, or damaged.
  • Shock absorbers do not effectively dampen or show signs of leakage.
  • When forced against the suspension and released, the motorcycle, including motor tricycle(s), rebounds past its normal height more than once.

NOTES:

[1] Must be inspected through the full range of steering movement, steering stops must prevent wheels or tyres from fouling motorcycle, including motor tricycle(s), frame or suspension components on full lock.

[2] Steering components that are modified or repaired by heating or welding without approval from Queensland Transport are not acceptable.

[3] If offset triple clamps are fitted to the front fork assembly (i.e. the clamps are machined such that the angle of the fork stanchions is at an angle to the steering head axis), then the trail measurement should be checked to ensure that the centre of the front axle is at least 75 mm behind the point where the steering head axis line intersects the ground.

[4] Handlebar grips, knobs, levers and other devices which have deteriorated to an extent that they are hazardous are unacceptable.

WHEEL AND TYRE INSPECTION GUIDELINES

Vehicle inspection is subjective and the guidelines open to varying interpretation from inspector to inspector. Below is a list of reasons for possible rejection pertaining to the Wheels and Tyres for the issuing of a Queensland Transport safety certificate (formerly roadworthy certificate or RWC).

WHEELS AND TYRES

Objective: To ensure that road wheels and tyres are of a suitable type and condition and that they provide the necessary load carrying capacity, speed rating and control of the vehicle.

WHEELS

Possible reasons for inspection rejection:

  • Wheels/rims are not of an approved type and construction.
  • Wheels/rims fitted to an axle or axle group of a motortrike are not of the same size unless otherwise specified by the motortrike manufacturer.

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