But thankfully the problem is easily addressed.
Vehicle service centres have found that car owners are leaving it to the last minute before their vehicle’s registration expires to book a roadworthy check and a safety inspection report (pink slip).
Mechanics at repair centres Roundabout Tyre & Auto and Deni Car Care have advised vehicle owners to get their roadworthy check booked in early and to not assume that appointment times will be available on short notice.
As Authorised Inspection Scheme (AIS) stations in town, they are booked upwards of two weeks in advance at a minimum due to the already busy workload.
The easy solution is that when you get a reminder to get a roadworthy check done, book it in then and there rather than wait until the week or the day of expiry to get it done early and save frustration on both sides.
This allows time to book in for a check and in the case that it fails for something there is time for it to get fixed and checked again.
NSW reports are valid for 6 months, excluding public passenger vehicles.
This gives 6 months to renew registration with the pink slip report for the safety check to be valid.
If you are changing your registration term length, you must request a new renewal notice to see if the inspection requirements have changed.
Interstate reports are valid for 42 days or less if the state has an earlier validity period.
Mobile pink slip providers may also be available if you'd prefer not to leave home.
The pink slip fee is the same, but a call-out fee may apply.
If the inspection is not done early enough, you will have to keep your vehicle off the road.
The local AIS stations have said the issue has become increasingly noticeable since before Christmas.
A similar process is occurring with owners who have purchased a vehicle from Victoria and require an Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection Scheme (AUVIS) inspection (previously known as a blue slip.)
Vehicles can be driven to an AUVIS inspection but again local Authorised Inspection Scheme stations are booked upwards of two weeks in advance at a minimum, so owners should book in a timely manner.
AUVIS Reports are valid for 42 days from the date of inspection.
Every service centre understands getting a roadworthy check can be a huge expense for individuals and families.
Getting a roadworthy check booked early can prevent further costs and help with their purpose; to keep everyone safe.
For more information on the regulations about getting an inspection booked in, go to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/vehicle-registration/renewing-vehicle-registration/safety-checks-and-vehicle-inspections.
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