Heavy vehicle inspections at change of ownership

The requirement for an inspection upon change of ownership was introduced to identify, monitor and mitigate un-roadworthiness as a causative factor in crashes on South Australian roads and improving safety for all road users.

All vehicles and trailers with a Gross Vehicle Mass or Aggregate Trailer Mass over 4.5 tonnes that are three (3) years of age and over from date of manufacture must pass a roadworthy inspection prior to the vehicle being registered in the new owner’s name.

This includes vehicles in the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Maintenance Accreditation Scheme, but excludes buses that already undergo an annual inspection and special purpose vehicles such as tractors, agricultural and road making equipment.

From 1 July 2020, change of vehicle ownership inspection services are provided by the Department of Infrastructure and Transport at metropolitan and regional locations.

Additional information on these matters can be found at the department’s website for heavy vehicles and at the Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 63 KB) page.

Restricted Access Vehicles

From 1 August 2020 the requirement for RAVs, such as road trains and B-doubles, to undergo an annual inspection, or to be in the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme, will be removed. This also removes the need for an inspection label.

This is consistent with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) national notice harmonisation program, and is expected to create efficiencies for RAVs travelling across different States and Territories. The need to ensure you operate a roadworthy vehicle has not changed, nor has the requirement for an inspection at change of vehicle ownership.

To continue to improve road safety and heavy vehicle roadworthiness compliance, additional options will be investigated in consultation with the NHVR and the South Australian Police.

More information on heavy vehicles is available at sa.gov.au, by phoning 13 10 84 or via email at ServiceSA@sa.gov.au.