Most caravan owners assume they need a Roadworthy Certificate. In Victoria, the answer is different from most other states — and it catches people off guard.
In Victoria, most caravans do NOT require a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC).
A light caravan or trailer (ATM up to 4.5 tonnes) is exempt from requiring a Roadworthy Certificate for selling, buying, registration transfer, or re-registration. This exemption applies to almost all privately owned caravans.
For a caravan with an ATM of 4.5 tonnes or less, here's a quick reference:
| Situation | RWC Required? |
|---|---|
| Selling privately | No |
| Buying privately | No |
| Transferring registration | No |
| Re-registering after expiry | No |
| Annual registration renewal | No |
Although an RWC isn't required, VicRoads may still inspect the caravan in certain situations, particularly when:
The inspection verifies VIN, compliance plate, weight, identity, and general compliance with registration standards. It is not the same as a roadworthy inspection.
Typically they verify:
Safety chains and working lights only. Brakes not mandatory.
Service brakes on all wheels plus parking brake required.
Electric or hydraulic brakes, breakaway system with battery, and parking brake.
For caravans over 2 tonnes ATM, inspectors commonly check:
Items commonly checked include:
Minimum tread, no exposed cords, no major cracking, correct load rating, no significant damage.
Springs, shackles, pins, bushes, U-bolts, shock absorbers (if fitted), and axle condition.
Not specifically inspected unless obvious — excessive play, noise, roughness, or wobble could prevent registration.
Correct operation, positive locking, no excessive wear, safety pin present, chains correctly attached, rated components.
Cracks, severe corrosion, poor welding, bent drawbars, damaged A-frame, loose body mounts.
Trailer plug condition, wiring secure, no exposed wiring, all required lights functioning.
Gas appliances, regulator, leaks, and compliance are not tested. Have these inspected by a licensed gas fitter.
Power points, RCDs, battery chargers, inverters, air conditioners, and 240V wiring are not inspected.
Not inspected for registration.
Fridge, stove, microwave, hot water service, air conditioner, and water pump are generally not inspected.
As the seller, you should provide:
A Roadworthy Certificate is not required for a light caravan.
If you're having your caravan inspected before sale, a comprehensive check would typically include:
Brake shoes, magnets, drums, bearings, seals, hub condition, suspension, shock absorbers, axle, U-bolts.
Coupling, chains, breakaway system, jockey wheel, corner steadies.
All exterior lighting, trailer plug, Anderson plug, battery charging, breakaway battery.
Tread, age, pressure, wheel nuts, spare.
Rust, cracks, damage, loose fasteners.
Windows, roof seals, hatches, door locks, water ingress.
Water pump, tanks, hoses, leaks.
Regulator, pigtails, appliance operation, leak test.
12V systems, 240V systems, appliances, smoke alarm, fire extinguisher.
A Victorian Roadworthy Certificate is simply a legal safety inspection for vehicles that require one. It does not assess overall mechanical condition, guarantee reliability, or confirm all systems are functioning correctly.
For caravans, because an RWC is generally not required, many buyers instead rely on a comprehensive independent service inspection — which is far more detailed than any registration inspection.
While most caravans don't need a roadworthy in Victoria, a thorough independent inspection gives you and your buyer confidence. Book yours at Alpine Caravan Services in Kilsyth.
Alpine Caravan Services · 7 Pacific Place, Kilsyth, VIC 3137