New South Wales maintains high standards when it comes to the vehicles on its roads. One way they do that is through Pink Slips, formally known as eSafety Inspections.
The pink slip eSafety inspection is a requirement for most light vehicles older than 5 years. An authorised mechanic will inspect your car’s roadworthiness and issue a report to the government, allowing you to renew registration. The cost for a pink slip varies depending on your vehicle type but is generally below $50.
You’ll get better understanding of the pink slip meaning, process, and price with this guide. Below, you’ll learn everything you need to know to keep your car roadworthy with a pink slip.
Is a Pink Slip the Same as an eSafety Check?
Yes, a pink slip is formally known as an eSafety inspection report. If your vehicle has been issued a pink slip, it means that it meets the government’s safety requirements for driving on the road.
A pink slip or eSafety check is required for most light vehicles that are over 5 years old.
An NSW pink slip proves that your car is still roadworthy despite its age, and you'll need it to renew the registration on your car. Until the vehicle meets the necessary standards and you're issued the pink slip, your registration renewal will have to wait.
How Long Is a Pink Slip Valid for?
How long does a pink slip last? Once you get your pink slip, it remains valid for 6 months.
Again, you should note that the pink slip is a requirement for most light vehicles that are more than 5 years old.
That requirement aims to ensure that the vehicles on NSW roads are as safe for everyone as they can be.
How Do You Get a Pink Slip in Australia?
Thankfully, getting a pink slip in Australia is straightforward. The process isn't centralised, so you don't have to travel to a specific centre or facility to put your car through an eSafety check.
Instead, you can take your car to a mechanic who provides pink slip inspection services.
There’s a very good chance that your current mechanic already provides those services. So, be sure to check with them first.
Once you’ve scheduled the eSafety Check and completed it, two things can happen:
- If your car passes the eSafety Check, your mechanic will issue a report and send it directly to the Transport for NSW. The submission is done electronically.
- However, if your car doesn’t pass the check, you’ll have to complete the necessary repairs within 14 days. When repairs are completed, they’ll do another inspection and issue a report. Note that if you take longer than 14 days to fix any issues, you’ll have to start the process over with a new eSafety Check.
What Do They Check with a Pink Slip?
Getting a pink slip means going through an eSafety Check, which is a thorough process.
Some of the things they’ll check include:
- Working lights and indicators
- Tyre condition and wear level
- Body corrosion and accident damage
- Engine bay checks for leaks
- Safety features like belts and airbags
- Braking system
- And more
As you will see, the eSafety Check is a thorough process, but there’s no surprise since the things they check are basic requirements for any roadworthy vehicle. The whole process should take your mechanic under an hour to complete.
How Much Is a Pink Slip in Australia?
The cost for pink slip inspections can change from year to year, so it’s always best to refer directly to the NSW government to get up-to-date information.
Having said that, since April 1st 2021, the government has set the maximum cost of pink slip inspections at:
- Light vehicle: $43
- Motorcycle: $24
- Trailer without brakes: $22
- Trailer with brakes: $34
Again, these prices are accurate at the time of writing and can change from time to time.
Still, these figures should give you a rough idea of what you'll pay your mechanic to complete an eSafety Check and get a pink slip.
Where Can I Get a Pink Slip Near Me?
There are plenty of ways to find an authorized mechanic for an eSafety inspection. Most people start with a ‘pink slip near me’ Google search, while others can just go straight to their usual workshop.
As you read earlier, there’s a very strong chance the mechanic who has been working on your car all these years is already authorised to do a pink slip inspection.
If you’re not sure where to look, the Directory at CarpartAU can be incredibly helpful. You can use it to quickly identify the auto workshops in your area. Then, give them a call using the contact details on the Directory to book your car’s eSafety Check.
By Ray Hasbollah