Victoria’s road safety laws exist to protect everyone on the road — including you. But they’re also relevant to your hip pocket: driving an unroadworthy vehicle, having inadequate tyres, or failing to maintain basic safety equipment can result in fines, demerit points, and in the event of an accident, significantly complicate your insurance claim.
Here are the key road safety requirements that every Dandenong and south-east Melbourne driver should understand.
Roadworthy Certificates (RWC) in Victoria
A Certificate of Roadworthiness (RWC) is required in Victoria when transferring registration of a used vehicle, when a vehicle defect notice has been issued, or when re-registering a previously unregistered vehicle. A Licensed Vehicle Tester (LVT) issues the certificate after inspecting the vehicle against a defined set of safety standards.
The RWC inspection covers brakes, steering, suspension, tyres, lights, seatbelts, windscreen, horn, wipers, and emissions — among other items. It’s not a comprehensive mechanical check, but it confirms that the vehicle meets minimum safety standards for Victorian roads.
Tyre Laws in Victoria
Victoria’s tyre laws are clearly defined and actively enforced. Key requirements:
- Minimum tread depth of 1.5mm across the full width of the tyre tread (measured in the grooves)
- No tyre cuts, bulges, or damage exposing the cord or ply
- Tyres must be the correct type and size for the vehicle
- All tyres on an axle must be the same construction type — don’t mix radial and cross-ply
Driving on a tyre that doesn’t meet these standards is an offence, and fines are issued. More importantly, a worn or damaged tyre significantly increases stopping distances and the risk of a blowout — particularly at highway speeds.
Lights — What Must Work
All lights must be functional and correctly aimed. This includes headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators (front, rear, and side), reversing lights, numberplate lights, and hazard lights. Defective lights are one of the most common reasons for defect notices — and one of the easiest things to fix. Check your lights regularly, and replace globes promptly when they blow.
Window Tinting Rules
In Victoria, the front side windows must allow at least 35% of light to pass through (35% visible light transmission / VLT). The windscreen must allow at least 75% VLT. Rear side windows and the rear windscreen can be darker, but still need to comply with ADR standards. Illegal tinting is a defect notice offence.
Mobile Phones and Distraction Laws
Victoria has some of Australia’s toughest distracted driving laws. Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving — including when stationary at a red light with the engine running — carries a significant fine and demerit points. AI-powered detection cameras are now deployed across Victoria, making enforcement increasingly automatic.
Regular Maintenance Is Your Best Defence
The best way to stay on the right side of Victorian road safety law is to maintain your vehicle properly. Regular servicing, tyre replacement when needed, prompt attention to warning lights, and periodic checks of lights and fluid levels will keep your vehicle compliant and you safe on Dandenong’s roads.
Parts and Compliance Support at Nexon
Need tyres, globes, brake parts, or other components to keep your vehicle roadworthy? Nexon Auto Parts in Dandenong stocks a comprehensive range of parts for vehicles of all makes and models. Our team can help you identify what you need and get it quickly.
📍 Keep your vehicle compliant and safe — talk to the team at Nexon Auto Parts in Dandenong.
