Driving an unregistered vehicle is a serious offence that can have far-reaching and catastrophic consequences. It’s a scary thought when you think about what could happen if your vehicle is unregistered.

Making sure cars are roadworthy is a big part of the registration system. It’s also about protecting people – every vehicle must be registered to be covered by compulsory third party insurance. This insurance makes sure that everyone is covered for personal injury if someone is hurt in a crash.

Here’s the rundown on what the different roadworthiness inspections, and how to make sure you’re covered.

Pink slip
This is a safety inspection report that proves your car is roadworthy. All vehicles more than three years old require a safety inspection as a condition of registration renewal. Your registration renewal notice will advise you if your vehicle needs an inspection. To get the pink slip, you need to take your vehicle to an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS).

e-Safety Check
This is a pink slip that has been sent to the RTA electronically. This allows you to renew your rego online or by phone. You must visit an e-Safety Check Inspection Station to get your e-Safety Check.

White Slip
An inspection report rejection slip. It details the repairs required before a vehicle can be registered. Once the repairs are carried out and you have the vehicle re-inspected, the vehicle will receive a pink or blue slip.

Driving an unregistered vehicle attracts on-the-spot fines ($1007 for driving uninsured and unregistered) and four demerit points. If the matter goes to court, the court can impose fines of up to $2200 for driving unregistered and $5500 for driving uninsured