Is a Roadworthy Certificate Required When Selling a Used Car in South Africa?

Overview

Many South African vehicle owners ask: "Is a roadworthy required when selling a used car in SA?" The short answer is: it depends on the transaction and the buyer’s plans. Roadworthy certificates (sometimes called a certificate of fitness or roadworthiness inspection report) are central to transfers where the vehicle will be licensed or re-registered, but requirements vary by situation, vehicle condition and provincial practice. This guide explains when a roadworthy is commonly required, what it covers, and practical alternatives if you are selling a damaged or non-running car.

What a roadworthy inspection covers

A roadworthy inspection checks safety and basic mechanical items such as brakes, steering, lights, tyres, seatbelts and structural integrity. It is performed by authorised testing stations and results in a certificate if the vehicle meets minimum safety standards. For older or severely damaged vehicles, many items may fail the inspection - which affects whether a certificate can be issued without repair work.

When buyers or traffic authorities will ask for a roadworthy

• Transfer of ownership at a traffic department or online registration often requires a valid roadworthy certificate.
• Dealers or fleet buyers commonly request a certificate to confirm roadworthiness before completing a sale.
• Insurers may require an inspection after an accident; however, a damage-only assessor is different from a roadworthy test.

When a roadworthy is usually not mandatory

Private sales where the buyer intends to tow, export, dismantle, or use the vehicle for parts often do not legally require a roadworthy certificate at the point of sale. Likewise, buyers who accept a vehicle "as is" and arrange their own repairs typically do not need the seller to provide a certificate. That said, many buyers will ask for one as a condition of purchase.

When to sell vs repair

Deciding whether to repair a car to obtain a roadworthy certificate or to sell it in its current condition depends on expected repair costs, the vehicle’s market value after repair, and your tolerance for organising work. If repair costs approach or exceed the uplift in resale value, selling without repairs is often the better route.

Figures are illustrative estimates for South Africa (R). Actual costs vary by region and vehicle. If you prefer to avoid arranging repairs or towing, specialist buyers can purchase vehicles in any condition and handle paperwork and collection.

How the process works if you do need a roadworthy

If you choose to get a roadworthy certificate before selling, the common steps are:

• Book an inspection with an authorised testing station.
• Address any failed items identified in the report (repairs may be required to issue the certificate).
• Obtain the roadworthy certificate and provide it to the buyer for transfer at the traffic department.

For sellers of damaged or non-running cars, our site explains options for selling without a roadworthy certificate: see the Sell Damaged Cars and Sell Non-Running Car pages for company-specific options and paperwork support.

Legal & paperwork in South Africa

Legal requirements for vehicle transfers are governed by national and provincial traffic regulations. Common paperwork involved in South African private sales includes the registration certificate (VW or vehicle card), completed change-of-ownership forms, and proof of identity for both parties. A roadworthy certificate is commonly requested by the traffic department during the transfer process, especially when the vehicle will carry a valid licence disc afterwards.

If the vehicle is written off, under finance, or destined for scrap, different procedures apply: financiers must be informed and settlements arranged for vehicles under finance, and insurers or breakers will require documentation relevant to salvage. Specialist buyers often assist with deregistration and with settling finance as part of the purchase process. For an overview of how the buying service handles collection and paperwork, see our How it works page.

Tips to maximise your offer (without unnecessary repair)

When selling a used car - particularly a damaged or non-running vehicle - small actions can improve buyer confidence and offers even if you don’t obtain a roadworthy certificate:

• Provide clear photos of the vehicle, interior and damage from multiple angles.
• Gather service records, receipts and proof of ownership to show the vehicle’s history.
• Be transparent about mechanical faults and accident history; honesty speeds up any sale and avoids disputes.

These impacts vary by make, model, region and salvage market demand. Specialist buyers in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban may offer different values depending on local demand and transport costs.

What happens after collection

If you sell a vehicle without a roadworthy certificate to a specialist buyer, the typical steps after you accept an offer are:

• The buyer completes paperwork and, where relevant, arranges deregistration or transfer.
• Free towing or collection is scheduled to your agreed location - nationwide across South Africa, including metros and surrounding regions.
• Payment is processed and released according to the agreed terms; sellers should verify payment before handing over keys and documents.

If you prefer a private sale and need to secure a roadworthy, plan extra time for inspection and any required repairs. If you want to avoid arranging repair work, many buyers will buy in the vehicle’s current condition and manage the towing and paperwork themselves; review the buyer’s process and request clear details on deregistration and settlement of any outstanding finance.

Further reading and related resources

For options that avoid arranging a roadworthy yourself, see our national buying service details on the homepage, or read the specific pages about selling non-running and damaged vehicles: Sell Non-Running Car and Sell Damaged Cars. These pages explain how buyers may assist with deregistration and collection nationwide.

Sources

• South African Department of Transport - Official information on vehicle regulation
• Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) - Guidance on licensing and registration
• eNaTIS / National Traffic Information System - Vehicle registration procedures

These sources provide official context. Where cost ranges are given, they are illustrative estimates for South Africa and will vary by vehicle, location and condition.