Understanding the 2025 Roadworthy Certificate in South Africa: Your Complete Guide to Cost, Validity, and Application
Whether you’re buying a second-hand vehicle, registering a previously deregistered car, or preparing to sell your current one, a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) is one of the most important legal documents you’ll need. More than just a formality, it ensures your vehicle meets South Africa’s minimum safety standards.
In 2025, both private and commercial vehicle owners must follow a streamlined but strictly regulated process to obtain this certificate. Missing a detail could delay a sale or result in fines — so it pays to be informed.
In this article, we break down everything you need to know about roadworthy certificates in South Africa for 2025, including:
- Current testing fees
- Certificate duration based on vehicle type
- A step-by-step guide to the application process
- Where to go for testing
- Common points of failure during inspection
What is a Roadworthy Certificate — and Who Needs It?
A Roadworthy Certificate is issued by a registered testing station to confirm that a vehicle is fit for use on South African roads. It is a legal requirement when:
- Selling a used vehicle
- Transferring ownership to a new buyer
- Registering an imported or rebuilt vehicle
- Returning a deregistered car to the road
- Annual checks for taxis, buses, and commercial fleets
While not needed for every vehicle annually, the certificate becomes critical during any ownership or licensing change.
What Does It Cost to Get a Roadworthy Certificate in 2025?
Roadworthy testing fees are not standardised nationally and vary based on vehicle category and testing station. Here’s what most drivers can expect in 2025:
- Passenger cars (private): R300 – R600
- Light commercial vehicles (LCVs): R500 – R750
- Minibuses and taxis: R600 – R800
- Heavy trucks and buses: R800+
Additional fees may apply if:
- The vehicle fails and requires a retest (typically R150 – R300)
- You miss your retest window of 21 days and must restart the process
For budgeting purposes, always confirm the testing station’s exact pricing in advance.
How Long is a Roadworthy Certificate Valid For in 2025?
- Private vehicles: The certificate is only valid for 60 days from date of issue — usually aligned with the sale or ownership change.
- Public transport and goods vehicles: Valid for 12 months, after which a new RWC is required annually.
If the transfer of ownership isn’t completed within 60 days, the seller must obtain a new certificate before proceeding. It’s also worth noting that while the vehicle may remain roadworthy after this period, the certificate itself will not be accepted for administrative processes.
How to Apply for a Roadworthy Certificate: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Gather All Necessary Documentation
Before heading to a Vehicle Testing Station (VTS), prepare the following:
- Vehicle registration certificate (original)
- Owner’s South African ID or driver’s licence
- Proof of residential address (dated within 3 months)
- Completed application form (from the testing centre or online, depending on the province)
2. Schedule an Inspection Appointment
In busy urban areas like Gauteng or the Western Cape, booking is advisable. Some testing centres accommodate walk-ins, but calling ahead or using their online systems (where available) saves time.
3. Pay the Relevant Testing Fee
Once you arrive, you’ll be required to pay the inspection fee upfront. This varies based on the vehicle type but is generally between R300 – R750. Receipts are provided, and most centres accept both card and cash payments.
4. Undergo the Vehicle Inspection
The inspection assesses:
- Brake systems and parking brake
- Suspension and steering components
- Tyres (tread depth, inflation, and wear)
- Windscreen clarity and wiper operation
- Lighting system (headlights, taillights, indicators)
- Horn, seatbelts, mirrors
- VIN and engine number verification
The assessment typically takes 30–60 minutes, and results are issued shortly thereafter.
5. Results: Pass or Retest
- If you pass: You’ll receive your official Roadworthy Certificate immediately.
- If you fail: You’ll get a report detailing the faults. You’ll have 21 days to fix the issues and return for a discounted or free retest.
Important: If the 21-day period lapses, you’ll need to start over and pay the full inspection fee again.
Top Reasons Vehicles Fail the 2025 Roadworthy Test
Many test failures are due to small, easily fixable issues. The most common reasons include:
- Brake pads worn below the legal minimum
- Misaligned or inoperative headlights
- Chipped or cracked windshields
- Bald or mismatched tyres
- Leaking exhausts or fluids
- Faulty indicators or dashboard warning lights
- Loose suspension joints
Performing a pre-check or minor service before the official inspection can save time and money.
Where to Get a Roadworthy Certificate in South Africa
Only government-registered Vehicle Testing Stations (VTSs) may issue valid certificates. These include:
- Independent stations (e.g. AVTS, Roadworthy Guy, DEKRA SA)
- Dealership-affiliated testing centres
- Local municipal facilities in most major cities and towns
To locate your nearest registered facility, consult the NaTIS website, your provincial transport department, or use verified online directories.
Important Note on Retests and Certificate Validity
- If you return for a retest within 21 days, you usually won’t pay the full fee again.
- If you miss the 21-day window, you must reapply and pay in full.
- Certificates are vehicle-specific and non-transferable to another vehicle.
Always check that the certificate’s issue date is within the accepted timeframe when using it for ownership transfers or licensing.
Why You Shouldn’t Delay Getting Roadworthy
In 2025, regulations are increasingly being enforced via traffic authority digitisation. This means that attempting to register a vehicle without a valid RWC may automatically trigger system blocks or penalties.
For buyers, ensuring a vehicle has a valid RWC at the time of sale protects against costly post-sale repairs. For sellers, having a recent RWC increases buyer confidence and streamlines the handover.
Get Road-Ready the Right Way
If you’re in the market for a verified, pre-inspected used car — or looking to sell yours — consider working with certified platforms like AUTO24.co.za. All our vehicles undergo rigorous testing so you can buy or sell with confidence.
