18/04/2026
Major warrant of fitness changes coming in November.
On 1 November 2026, these things will change
• people who buy a new car will need to get their next WoF when the car is 4 years old (it’s currently when the car is 3 years old)
• people with cars between 4–14 years old* will need a WoF every 2 years (it’s currently yearly)
Cars over 14 years old, and motorcycles registered before 1 January 2000, will move to an annual WoF (up from every 6 months for some vehicles).
It’s still your responsibility to maintain your vehicle to the WoF standard between inspections. To reinforce this increased fines if your vehicle isn’t compliant. From 1 November:
• If you’re driving a vehicle with a WoF that’s expired by more than 2 months, you may be fined $350 (up from $200).
• If you’re driving a vehicle with a wheel or tyre that wouldn’t pass an inspection, you may be fined $350 (up from $150) and up to $1000 (the maximum court-ordered fine)
The changes will be introduced for cars between 4–14 years old in phases. From 1 November 2026, cars first registered on or after 1 November 2019 become eligible for WoFs every 2 years. From 1 November 2027, cars first registered from 1 November 2013 to 31 October 2019 become eligible.
