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    Can I sell my car without a roadworthy certificate?

    Asked by John

    In Victoria, can I sell my car without a roadworthy and, if so, what is the correct legal process?

    Answered by CarsGuide

    16 Dec 2020 David Morley

    It is legal for a private seller to sell a registered vehicle in Victoria without a roadworthy certificate (RWC) provided you remove the car’s number-plates and return them to VicRoads before the sale takes place.

    Effectively, you’re suspending the registration until such time as the buyer obtains a roadworthy certificate. It’s largely for your benefit, too, as it means the new owner won’t be driving on toll roads and through speed cameras in a car that’s technically still registered in your name. Also, selling with a roadworthy certificate makes for a simpler transaction (the new owner can simply drive way after paying you) and also makes the car more valuable. Selling a registered car privately with no RWC is technically breaking the law.

    The exception to the requirement for a RWC is in the case of a car that isn’t registered at all, or if you’re selling the vehicle to a licensed car dealer (at which point, the roadworthy certificate becomes their responsibility before they can on-sell the car).

    Once you have the roadworthy certificate and have cleared any finance on the vehicle, you also need to complete a transfer form (which can be downloaded from vicroads.vic.gov.au). It’s the buyer’s obligation to lodge that form with VicRoads within 14 days of the sale, although if you have the buyer’s details, you can notify VicRoads yourself online (if you have a myVicroads personal account).

    Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

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