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Blue Slip Inspection in Campbelltown: Everything You Need to Know About Blue Slip Inspection

Updated: Dec 12, 2022


When you buy a car, it's important to know the basics about what goes into its manufacture. At Bradbury Automotive & Mechanical Repairs, we believe in providing our Bradbury customers with a comprehensive overview of the entire vehicle purchase process so they can feel confident with their decisions. Today we'd like to talk about one of the key milestones in the process of purchasing a new car - the Blue Slip Inspection.


This inspection is done at the dealership and involves a third-party assessment of the car and the preparation of the documentation necessary for the transfer of ownership between the buyer and the car dealership. If you've ever been through the process of buying a new car, you probably already know that it involves a lot of paperwork and bureaucracy.


Hopefully, you've come to love the process of buying a car (we certainly do!), but if you're looking for more information on the topic, you've come to the right place. 





What is a Blue Slip Inspection?




The Blue Slip Inspection is a mandatory step in the automobile buying process that takes place after the vehicle has been purchased but before it can be registered and driven on the road. During this inspection, a third-party assessor checks the car for evidence of damage or defects and ensures it meets safety and roadworthiness standards. It also provides information to the purchaser about the make and model of the car so that they can make an informed decision about whether they want to buy it or not. 


What is the blue slip process? 


Once the vehicle has been approved for sale, the customer will be presented with a contract to sign off and a date when the Blue Slip can be picked up from the dealership. The actual process of preparing the paperwork takes a matter of minutes, but the Blue Slip itself will need to be picked up and taken to an RMS office within 30 days of the date of signature.


If you fail to do this, you will have to pay a fine which can sometimes reach over $100. The RMS will also issue a corrective notice if you fail to pick up your Blue Slip or arrange to get it delivered by the deadline. This could lead to further fines, so it’s best not to mess around when it comes to making sure you get your Blue Slip on time. 


How long does it take to get a blue slip?


Typically, it takes around two weeks for an automotive blue slip to be issued in NSW. However, this time frame may vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle and the repairs that need to be done to it. If your vehicle is older than 30 years and has not been registered before, it may take even longer to obtain an automotive blue slip. In these cases, you may be required to apply for a certificate of conformity first to ensure that the vehicle is safe to be on the road.


Before issuing a blue slip, you must provide the vehicle's make, model and registration details to the RTA. You must also produce identification documents to prove that you are the legal owner of the vehicle and that you are a licensed mechanic who has the necessary qualifications to work on it. The RTA will send you a letter letting you know when you will receive a blue slip for your vehicle. This usually takes about two weeks from the time that you submit your application for one.


When the time comes to get your blue slip, head to your nearest RTA service centre or agent to request one. Bring along your identification and your vehicle's documents to facilitate the process. The cost of the blue slip is included in your motor vehicle registration renewal fee. The RTA will advise you of the exact amount that you will need to pay.


Once you have paid the amount, your mechanic will provide you with the blue slip for safekeeping. You will need to present this slip to the RTA whenever you renew your vehicle registration or when you wish to carry out any repairs on your vehicle. Contact your local mechanic for more information on how to obtain a blue slip for your car.



What is required for a blue slip NSW?

  • Vehicles for on-road use in NSW must have a valid roadworthy certificate.

  • For a commercial vehicle, the blue slip inspection must take place by a tester who holds a vocational license with the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS).

  • The driver of the commercial vehicle must be present at the time of the inspection.

  • The licence test must be carried out at a testing station that is licensed to conduct roadworthy inspections under the RMS Roadworthiness Testing Regulations.

  • The vehicle must pass the inspection and be issued with a Certificate of Roadworthiness before the work can continue on the road.

  • Upon payment of prescribed fees, certificates are valid for one year and must be renewed each year by obtaining a new blue slip from the vehicle’s owner or an authorised representative, or an agent.


How do I register a car with a blue slip in NSW?


If you drive a registered car in New South Wales, you will need to obtain an NSW certificate of registration for your vehicle. This legal document allows you to operate your vehicle on public roads within the state of NSW. New vehicles must be properly inspected before being registered in the state. This process is known as a “blue slip” inspection and it ensures that the vehicle is safe and meets all requirements to be driven on public roads. Here are the steps you need to take to register your car in NSW with a blue slip:


  • Complete the vehicle registration process by completing an Application for Registration of Motor Vehicle form (Form VE78). You can find the form on the RMS website. Complete all sections and attach the required documentation, including your identification documents and proof of ownership of the vehicle. You will also need to pay the registration fees and the stamp duty, if applicable.

  • Take the completed application to your local registry agent to have it checked by a registration officer. Once you have received confirmation that your application has been accepted, you may make payment for any outstanding fees and receive your number plates for the car.

  • Pay any outstanding amounts related to the vehicle registration and purchase a NSW Certificate of Registration for the vehicle. A copy of the registration certificate should be forwarded to you by the registry agent.

  • Obtain a blue slip inspection from a licensed inspector before you take your vehicle onto the road. The blue slip is an inspection document that confirms that the vehicle has met all requirements and is safe to drive on the road.


What is the difference between a blue slip and a pink slip?


There is a serious difference between a blue slip and a pink slip, some of them are:

  • A pink slip is simply a licence that is issued by the transport authority, while a blue slip is a vehicle inspection certificate which is required by the vehicle owner to prove that his vehicle is safe to drive.

  • Pink slips cannot be used as proof of vehicle ownership in NSW. However, a blue slip is an official document that verifies the owner's identity and proves that he has a valid roadworthy certificate of inspection for the vehicle.

  • A pink slip is valid for 30 days only, while a blue slip is valid for a period of one year.

  • A pink slip is issued only to drivers who do not have valid driving licences, while a blue slip is issued to everyone who owns a vehicle in NSW.

  • A pink slip can only be used by the person to whom it is issued, but a blue slip can be used by any number of people without any restrictions.

  • A pink slip allows its owner to drive any vehicle, but only when it is driven by a licensed driver, whereas a blue slip is valid only when the vehicle is driven by the holder of the blue slip.

  • A pink slip is not valid if the vehicle is involved in an accident or if it is unsafe to drive, but a blue slip is still valid even if it is involved in an accident or if it is found to be unsafe to drive.

  • A pink slip can be re-issued if it has expired, but a blue slip cannot be re-issued after it has expired.

  • The fee for issuing a pink slip is the same as the fee for issuing a blue slip.



What is a blue slip issue?





A blue slip issue is a notification from the state that your car must undergo safety and emission inspections. If you live in a state that requires an inspection for vehicle registration, then you must have a vehicle inspection to ensure that it meets state requirements and does not pose any danger to drivers or pedestrians. Your car must pass the inspection in order to be registered and to legally operate on the road.


To conduct the inspection, a mechanic will take your vehicle to the inspection station and perform the necessary tests to verify that the vehicle is safe and meets state requirements. If you do not pass the inspection the first time, the mechanic will fill out a repair order detailing all of the repairs that need to be completed before you can pass the inspection. 


Importance of blue slip Inspection in 2023


Automotive blue slip inspection is an important process that needs to be carried out regularly in order to maintain and inspect the condition of your vehicle to ensure it drives smoothly and safely.


The importance of automotive blue slip Inspection in 2023:


  • Keeps the resale value of the vehicle high, allowing you to get maximum resale value when you sell your car later.

  • Keeps you in the driver's seat during major repairs or maintenance work.

  • Allows you to maintain complete control over the repairs done on your vehicle.

  • Allows your insurance company the opportunity to inspect the car before it’s repaired to ensure that you are getting good quality work.

  • Identifies any issues that may be present with the vehicle before they cause problems later on.

  • It allows you to test drive the car to make sure that it is functioning properly after the repairs are completed.


By undergoing regular automotive blue slip inspections, you will be able to ensure that the vehicle is being properly maintained and inspected to prevent any major issues from developing that could cause damage to the car or to the driver.


In conclusion, Blue Slip Inspections are very important and should be carried out regularly in order to ensure that the vehicle is functioning correctly and performing at its peak capacity. They also allow you to keep control over the repairs performed on the vehicle and ensure that the work is being done efficiently and by licensed professionals.






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