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Selling, Transferring or Re-registering Your Caravan?

You may need a Queensland safety certificate, commonly called a roadworthy certificate. If the caravan has an installed gas system, you may also need a gas system compliance certificate before resale.

AllBrand Caravan Services can help you organise the required caravan inspections at our Brisbane workshop. If the caravan does not pass initially, we can explain the items identified and discuss the repairs needed before reinspection.

Book early so an expired or missing certificate does not delay your registration transfer or sale.

Call us (07) 3869 2969
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When Does a Caravan Need a Queensland Safety Certificate?

Queensland uses the term safety certificate. It is also commonly called a roadworthy certificate or RWC.

1. Transferring Registration to a New Owner

A current safety certificate is generally required when transferring a registered caravan to a new owner. The seller must obtain and give the certificate or electronic certificate details to the buyer.

2. Registering an Unregistered Caravan

A safety certificate is required when re-registering an unregistered vehicle that falls within the applicable inspection category.

3. Transferring to Queensland Registration

A certificate is required when transferring a qualifying caravan from another state or territory to Queensland registration.

4. Caravans From 750 kg to 4,500 kg ATM

The Queensland safety-certificate requirements cover trailers, including caravans, with an aggregate trailer mass between 750 kg and 4,500 kg. Different requirements can apply outside that range.

Check the current Queensland Government safety-certificate requirements, including exemptions that may apply to particular transfers.

What Does a Caravan Safety-Certificate Inspection Cover?

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A safety certificate confirms that the caravan meets minimum vehicle safety standards at the time of inspection. Relevant items can include:

  • Tyres and wheels
  • Brakes
  • Suspension
  • Lights and reflectors
  • Chassis and body condition
  • Coupling and safety-chain components
  • Other items specified by the Queensland inspection requirements

A safety-certificate inspection is not the same as a comprehensive pre-purchase or condition inspection. It does not guarantee the future reliability or remaining life of every component.

When Does a Caravan Need a Gas Certificate?

Before Reselling a Caravan With a Gas System

Queensland legislation requires the gas system in a recreational vehicle to be inspected and certified before resale. This applies when the caravan, camper trailer or motorhome has an installed gas system.

After Gas Installation or Alteration Work

Gas installation, alteration, repair, servicing, testing and certification must be completed by a person holding the appropriate gas work licence or authorisation.

What May Be Checked?

The inspection can include relevant gas-system components, appliances, pipework, cylinder arrangements, ventilation, flues, appliance approvals and other compliance requirements applicable to the installation.

What If the Gas System Does Not Comply?

The identified issues need to be corrected before the licensed person can certify the system. The amount of work depends on the installation and the applicable safety requirements.

Read the current Queensland Government guidance for caravan gas systems.

A Simpler Way to Get Your Caravan Certificates

1. Tell Us What You Need

Let us know whether you are selling, transferring registration, re-registering or bringing the caravan into Queensland, and whether it has an installed gas system.

2. Book the Relevant Inspection

We will confirm the inspection or inspections that appear relevant to your circumstances and arrange a workshop booking.

3. Receive the Inspection Result

If the caravan meets the applicable requirements, the authorised certificate can be issued. If it does not, you will be advised of the identified items.

4. Repair and Reinspect if Required

Where appropriate, our team can discuss the repairs and arrange reinspection after the work has been completed.

Avoid Delays When Selling or Registering Your Caravan

Book the inspection before your planned handover or registration date. A failed inspection, repair requirement or missing information can add time to the process.

Request a Caravan Certificate Inspection

Frequently Asked Questions

“Safety certificate” is the official Queensland term. Many caravan owners still call it a roadworthy certificate or RWC.

No. Queensland no longer requires a safety certificate before offering a registered vehicle for sale. However, a current certificate is generally required before disposing of the registered caravan to someone other than a licensed dealer.

The requirement applies to trailers, including caravans, with an ATM between 750 kg and 4,500 kg when the relevant registration or transfer circumstances apply.

For a licensed motor dealer, it is valid for three months or 1,000 km, whichever comes first. For other sellers, it is valid for two months or 2,000 km, whichever comes first. A certificate can be used for one transfer only.

Only an Approved Inspection Station can issue a Queensland safety certificate through an approved examiner.

Queensland requires recreational-vehicle gas systems to be inspected and certified before resale. A person with the appropriate gas work licence or authorisation must complete the work and certification.

You will be advised of the items that do not meet the applicable requirements. Those items must be rectified before the relevant certificate can be issued.

They are separate certifications with different requirements and authorisations. If both are needed, ask whether the inspections can be coordinated during the same workshop visit.

Yes, exemptions can apply in limited circumstances, including some transfers between spouses and some deceased-estate transfers. Confirm your specific situation with Queensland Transport and Main Roads.

AllBrand Caravan Services can help with caravan safety-certificate and gas-certificate inspections at our Brisbane workshop. Call (07) 3869 2969 or request an inspection online.

Book a 15-minute call with our head technician now for free (normally $65) to get started.

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