Prior to a caravan being taken onto the road, it must be registered in the state you live in. If you are traveling through other states, then you will be fine, unless you move to another state where you will have to go through the process again, just like when you registered your first caravan.

If you are purchasing a secondhand caravan, use the Queensland Government Van Aware Tool to ensure you are not purchasing a rebirthed van.

Is a safety certificate required for my caravan?

A caravan weighing between 750kg and 3.5 tonnes (ATM) in Queensland requires a safety/roadworthy certificate. A safety certificate is not required for caravans weighing less than 750kg (ATM), however you must complete a Queensland Transport Self Assessment form.

In the following situations, a safety certificate is required:

• Purchasing a previously unregistered caravan or trailer.
• Changing your address and transferring your registration from another state.
• Your registration has been inactive for over three months.
• You're looking to sell or purchase a caravan or trailer.

What is the weight of an ATM?

The maximum permitted weight of the caravan when loaded is the ATM weight, which must not exceed the chassis capacity. It's the sum of the GTM and the BM.

Is a Gas Compliance Certificate required for my caravan?

A gas certificate is required in addition to the safety/roadworthy certificate if your caravan has a permanently installed gas supply. This could be a refrigerator, cooktop, or water heater.

To pass the gas safety assessment, your caravan must contain the following features:

The Gas Bottle's Gas:

Check that the appliance is in good functioning order and that it is ready to be inspected. Check to see if the gas bottle is full of gas and hasn't expired.

Two Stage Regulator with OverPressure Protection (OPP):

A two-stage pressure reduction regulator with over-pressure protection (OPP) is the safest technique to lower cylinder pressure to a safe level for operating appliances and equipment. Two-stage gas pressure regulators reduce cylinder pressure in two phases, whereas single-stage regulators reduce cylinder pressure in one step.

Gas Pressure Test Point: 

A test point must be placed in your caravan. This test point can be found beneath the regulator. It allows the user to verify that gas is flowing through the regulator at a lower pressure than before.

Gas fitters plate or gas compliance plate: 

A professional licensed gas fitter must issue a gas permission paper or a gas compliance plate to the caravan. The history of gas installation and who did the work are displayed on a gas system compliance plate. To find out more about the requirements for installing compliance plates, click here

Appliances that have been certified for use in Australia: 

Gas appliances must be certified as safe for use in Australia. If you bought your appliances from another country, be sure they meet Australian certification criteria. It will require Australian compliance for each appliance, as well as a compliance plate for the installations, to pass the inspection.

Check for AGA or QGA accreditation badges or QLD Gas Association certification documentation on gas equipment. They must adhere to AS5601, an Australian standard.

Checklist for Caravan Safety:

• Identification compliance plate
• Tail, stop and clearance lights
• Reflectors and indicators
• Number plate height, below 1.3 metres
• Tyres and spare tyre (in good condition without cracks)
• Rims
• Floors
• Bearings and inner bearing seals
• Break away system
• Brakes – operation and adjustment
• Drums, discs
• Brake shoes or pads
• Handbrake
• Suspension
• Safety chains
• Shock absorbers
• Coupling
• Load rated D shackles
• Underbody, A Frame
• Hitch and coupling
• Brake components in drum
• Jockey wheel

What is the duration of a Safety or Gas Certificate?

Safety/roadworthy certificates are valid for two months or 2000 kilometers for private sellers.

The validity of a gas compliance certificate is three months.

Who has the authority to issue Safety/Roadworthy Certificates?

Only Queensland Transport authorized examiners are permitted to issue safety/roadworthy certificates.

Save time and money by booking a safety certificate today. Our mechanics are properly insured and approved examiners by Queensland Transport. We provide you with a detailed and easy-to-understand report that is free of difficulty and ambiguity.