Who Pays for Roadworthy When Selling a Car in South Africa? Guide for Sellers & Buyers

Overview: who pays for roadworthy when selling a car

The question who pays for roadworthy when selling a car is common among private sellers and buyers across Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and other South African centres. In everyday practice the cost can be carried by the seller, the buyer, or split between them depending on negotiation, the vehicle condition and the transfer requirements of the local licensing authority. This guide explains typical expectations, the paperwork involved, and practical options if your vehicle is damaged or non-running.

Roadworthy certificate: what it is and why it matters

A roadworthy certificate (also called a certificate of roadworthiness or fitness) confirms that a vehicle meets minimum safety standards at the time of inspection. Many licensing offices require a valid certificate to complete a change of ownership or re-registration. Costs and rules vary by testing station and municipal requirements, so always confirm with your local licensing department.

Common practice in South Africa

• Private sale: sellers often provide a roadworthy certificate to speed transfer and reassure buyers, but some sellers offer the car "as is" with the buyer accepting responsibility for the test and any repairs.
• Dealer sale: dealers typically supply a roadworthy or issue a sale agreement clarifying who pays and which repairs are included.
• Salvage or written-off vehicles: roadworthy requirements may differ; vehicles sold for parts or salvage are commonly sold without roadworthy and with clear disclosure.

When to sell vs repair: factoring in the roadworthy cost

Deciding whether to repair a vehicle to pass a roadworthy test or sell it as-is depends on repair cost, expected resale value after repair and your time or cash constraints. For many owners of damaged or non-running cars, the cost and time to bring the vehicle to roadworthy standard exceed the added resale value.

Estimates above are illustrative ranges in South Africa; actual quotes depend on vehicle model, parts availability and labour rates. Always request a written repair quote before committing to repairs to pass a roadworthy test.

How the roadworthy process works in a sale

Steps to obtain a roadworthy certificate when selling a car:

• Inspect and service the vehicle to address known faults (lights, brakes, tyres, steering, seat belts).
• Take the vehicle to an accredited testing station for inspection and pay the test fee (typical testing fees vary; see local rates).
• If the vehicle fails, obtain a failure report listing defects. Decide whether to repair or sell as-is with the buyer accepting responsibility.
• On pass, the testing station issues a roadworthy certificate that can be used for transfer/registration.

If you plan to sell a non-running or severely damaged vehicle, consider the options on our Sell Non-Running Car page for quick, no-fuss alternatives to repairing for roadworthy.

Who usually pays?

There is no single legal rule that forces seller or buyer to pay universally. Common approaches are:

• Seller pays: Typical when the seller wants a straightforward transfer and to reassure buyers, especially in private sales in major cities.
• Buyer pays: Common when the vehicle is sold as-is, or when the buyer intends to repair for personal use.
• Shared cost or negotiated: Parties may split the test cost or agree on a price reduction reflecting the failed items.

For vehicles intended for salvage markets or sale to specialist buyers, the buyer often accepts the vehicle without a roadworthy certificate; sellers should state this clearly in the sale agreement.

If you want to learn more about how our service handles paperwork and collection for damaged cars, see our About / How it works page for details on transfer assistance, deregistration and free towing.

Legal & paperwork in South Africa - practical notes

Registration and transfer procedures are administered by provincial licensing authorities and the National Traffic Information System (eNatis). Requirements for a roadworthy certificate can vary by province and the specific transfer type. Always check with your local licensing office before you agree who pays for roadworthy when selling a car.

Vehicles under finance

If the vehicle is still financed, the financier will usually need to be informed and the outstanding bond settled or transferred as part of the sale. The financier may require a roadworthy or an inspection - check your bond agreement for specific obligations. Clarify who covers inspection costs before finalising the sale.

Tips to maximise clarity and offers when roadworthy is in question

• Be transparent: disclose any known faults and whether the vehicle currently has a valid roadworthy certificate.
• Get a pre-sale inspection: a seller-paid basic check can speed the sale and reduce negotiation friction.
• Provide quotes: if repairs are needed, share written repair quotes so buyers understand cost vs benefit.
• Negotiate clearly: record who will pay for the roadworthy and any agreed price adjustments in the sale agreement.

What happens after collection or sale if roadworthy is unresolved

If a vehicle is sold and collection is arranged without a roadworthy certificate, ensure the sale agreement records the condition and which party accepts responsibility for obtaining a certificate later. For transactions involving specialist buyers or car-buying services, paperwork such as transfer forms and deregistration may be handled by the buyer - confirm who files documents and when payment is released.

If you prefer an alternative to repairing for roadworthy, we buy vehicles in any condition - from non-running to written-off - and can handle collection and paperwork. More information on acceptable conditions is on our Sell Damaged Cars page.

Practical example (South Africa scenario)

Example: A Johannesburg private seller finds the vehicle fails the roadworthy due to worn brake pads and a faulty headlamp. A local garage quotes R1,200 to fix both items and R250 for the test (figures are illustrative). The seller can either pay R1,450 to provide a pass certificate or reduce the asking price and let the buyer arrange repairs. Both parties should record the agreement in writing before transfer.

Final checklist before you agree who pays

• Ask for a written repair estimate and testing fee estimate from an accredited station.
• Confirm local licensing office requirements for transfer and whether a current roadworthy is mandatory.
• Record any agreement about roadworthy costs in the sale contract and keep copies of receipts.
• If selling as salvage or to a specialised buyer, disclose condition and clarify who handles deregistration.

Sources

• Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) - national vehicle and testing guidance
• South African Government - official portals for vehicle registration and licensing (check provincial requirements)
• Sell Your Damaged Car - how we handle collection, paperwork and deregistration

This guide aims to clarify who pays for roadworthy when selling a car in South Africa and to provide practical steps for both sellers and buyers. Where monetary figures appear they are illustrative estimates in R and will vary by region and vehicle. For help selling a non-running or damaged vehicle without paying to make it roadworthy, see our dedicated information on the Sell Your Damaged Car homepage.