Code 3 Car Roadworthy Needed to Sell? South Africa - What Owners Should Know

What "Code 3" typically signals (and why to confirm)

Testing stations and mechanics sometimes use internal codes (for example, code 1, 2, 3) to flag severity of defects. A code 3 often indicates serious or immediate safety issues that would prevent a roadworthy certificate being issued until repairs are made. Because terminology isn’t universal, ask the inspector for a written description of the faults and whether they block a CoR.

When a roadworthy certificate is usually needed to sell

• Private sale with registration transfer: Buyers and registering authorities typically expect a current roadworthy certificate so the new owner can re-register the vehicle in their name.
• Vehicle trade or retail sale via a dealer: Dealers usually require a roadworthy before listing or transferring the car.
• Scrap, salvage or cash sale: Many specialist buyers will accept cars without a CoR, especially if non-running or accident-damaged; they may handle deregistration and collection.

When you might not need a CoR to sell

If you sell to a cash buyer who explicitly accepts any condition vehicles (for example written-off, non-running or salvage), a roadworthy certificate is often not required. These buyers price vehicles based on condition and salvage value and typically handle paperwork like deregistration. Confirm this in writing and keep bank/payment records for the sale.

When to repair vs when to sell as-is

Deciding whether to spend on repairs to obtain a CoR depends on repair cost, the car's market value and your urgency to sell. Below is an illustrative table comparing estimated repair costs to potential retained value. Figures are examples and should not be taken as guaranteed amounts; R-values are approximate ranges for typical mid-range vehicles in South Africa.

Example: if a non-running 2010 model needs R18,000 of engine work but market value after repair would be R25,000, you must weigh effort, time and transport costs against selling as-is to a buyer that offers a competitive cash offer and takes care of towing and deregistration.

If you want a quick assessment of options for non-running vehicles, see the Sell Non-Running Car page on our site: Sell Non-Running Car.

How inspectors' codes affect the CoR

A testing station report that lists safety-critical defects will normally prevent issuance of a roadworthy certificate until those items are repaired. The inspector should provide a clear description of each fault so you can get quotes or decide to sell the car as-is. If you receive a code-based report, request a written list and photographs where possible.

For context on how our process works when you choose to sell without doing repairs, read our About page: How it works.

Legal & paperwork in South Africa

Legal steps vary by transaction type. For private sales where the buyer will re-register the vehicle, a roadworthy certificate is commonly required by licensing authorities. If you sell to a cash buyer that purchases salvage or written-off vehicles, they often complete deregistration and handle the paperwork. Always ensure the sale is recorded in writing and bank transfers are traceable.

Vehicles under finance

If the vehicle is financed, the finance company usually remains the legal owner until the loan is settled. You must notify the lender and settle any outstanding balance or arrange their consent to sell. Buyers and specialist purchasers will request confirmation that the vehicle is free of finance or that the lender has been paid at transfer.

Tips to maximise your offer

• Be honest in your description and provide clear photos of damage and the vehicle identity document.
• Get a short, written estimate of the defects listed as "code 3" from a reputable workshop to share with buyers.
• Confirm who will handle deregistration and any outstanding finance-this affects the net cash you receive.
• If you prefer not to repair, compare offers from specialist buyers rather than only private-sale listings.

Damage types vs typical offer impact

Below is a general guide to how different damage types influence offers. These are indicative; actual impact depends on make, model, age and parts demand.

What happens after collection

If you sell to a specialist buyer who collects the vehicle, their usual steps are: complete sale paperwork, arrange free towing, settle any agreed payment (fast payment options are common) and handle deregistration or transfer. Keep a copy of the signed bill of sale and proof of payment for your records. If the buyer assumes deregistration, verify the status with the licensing authority after the transaction.

For vehicle owners who want to understand selling damaged cars in more detail, including how our buying process works for damaged or non-running vehicles, visit the Sell Damaged Cars page: Sell Damaged Cars or start at the homepage for an immediate quote: Sell Your Damaged Car.

Final practical checklist

• Obtain the inspector’s written description if a Code 3 is recorded.
• Get repair quotes only if repair cost is likely to improve net proceeds.
• Confirm finance settlement or lender consent before completing a sale.
• Keep written sale agreements and bank payment confirmations.

Sources

• South African Department of Transport - Official guidance on vehicle licensing
• Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) - Roadworthiness and vehicle fitness information
• AA South Africa - Advice on roadworthy certificates and selling vehicles