The Government has announced changes to light vehicle inspections, which will start to come into effect from 1 November 2026. These changes aim to cut down on unnecessary costs while keeping people safe on the road. They affect inspections for cars, vans, people-movers, trailers and rental vehicles. There are also changes for motorcycles registered before 1 January 2000.

This announcement follows public consultation on proposed changes to light vehicle inspections, which ran from 29 October to 17 December 2025. We received over 5,000 submissions, with overall support indicated for the proposals. 

What's changing

Inspection frequency  - There will be fewer inspections for light vehicles at lower risk of crashes. Note: light vehicles between 4 and 14 years old are changing in phases, so some won't be eligible for the new warrant of fitness (WoF) frequency until 1 November 2027. 

Inspection scope  - From 1 November 2026, WoF and CoF A inspections will check that no warning or malfunction indicators are showing for any advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that fully or partially assist with steering or movement of the vehicle.

Enforcement and public awareness

• The infringement fee for operating a vehicle with a WoF expired by more than two months will increase from $200 to $350.

• Penalties for non compliant wheels and tyres will increase from $150 to $350 (infringement fee) and up to $1000 (maximum court ordered fine).

• Public education will be developed to help people understand how to maintain their vehicles between inspections.