Random vehicle inspections

Any vehicle on a road and road related areas in the ACT may be subject to a random inspection. This includes vehicles, whether occupied or not, in car parks and other road related areas. The inspection takes only a few minutes.

Should any faults be identified, a major or minor defect notice, or a warning notice, may be issued.

If the driver of a vehicle for which a notice has been issued is not the registered operator, he or she is required to give the notice to the registered operator as soon as possible.

Defect Notices

If a defect notice has been issued, you must have the vehicle inspected at the Vehicle Inspection Station, Dickson, or by an authorised examiner, in accordance with the instructions in the notice.

Payment of an inspection fee is required when the vehicle is presented for inspection. A further defect notice may be issued if other faults are identified at that inspection.

Depending on the severity of the fault(s), the use of the vehicle may be restricted until the notice is cleared. In some instances, vehicles may not be driven at all and must be towed or transported away.

Defect notices must be cleared within 14 days of the date of issue. Failure to clear a defect notice may result in suspension and, ultimately, cancellation of the vehicle's registration.