Thousands of Territorians will save money and time with the Finocchiaro CLP government replacing annual roadworthy inspections with targeted operations alongside NT Police.
From 9 February 2026, light vehicles will no longer be required to undergo periodical roadworthy inspections, bringing the NT in line with most other Australian states and saving car owners around $68 each time an inspection is required.
Instead, roadworthy inspections will only be required if a vehicle 7 years and older when:
Transferring ownership (can be completed by seller or buyer)Re-establishing registration after a vehicle has not been registered for more than 12 monthsFirst registering in the Northern Territory (prior to compliance check for interstate transfers).
This includes all light vehicles that are 4.5 tonnes (GVM) or less, such as cars, 4WDs, mini vans, motorcycles and boat or box trailers over 750kg.
Box or boat trailers under 750kg don't require periodic roadworthy inspections.
Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure, Bill Yan said scrapping the inspections was a logical decision.
"When we looked at how other jurisdictions manage roadworthiness, we realised having an annual inspection didn't deliver the strongest safety outcomes," he said.
"With the majority of drivers maintaining their cars to a roadworthy standard, it made no sense for them to be slugged a fee and find time for an inspection that isn't needed."
Minister Yan said Transport Inspectors would instead work with NT Police to target unroadworthy cars.
"A smarter approach will see inspectors out on the road with police targeting unroadworthy vehicles," he said. "This is a far more effective way to keep unsafe vehicles off our roads."
He said as part of the CLP's year of action, certainty and security, the changes would help with the cost of living.
"For a household with three cars, we're saving the inconvenience of inspections and putting around $200 back in their pocket," he said.
Minister Yan said inspections were still required for heavy vehicles or commercial passenger vehicles.
"The National Transport Commission shows the benefit specifically for regular heavy vehicle inspections, especially for wearing components such as tyres, brakes, wipers and shock absorbers so we'll stick to that plan," he said.
"There is a significant amount of research that shows while regular inspections for light vehicles can have some benefit, other compliance activity and interventions have a much bigger impact for the same amount of effort."
He again called on everyone to be safe on the road.
"It's not just the vehicle but the driver that matters so don't be an idiot - drive like your life and others are worth living," he said.
