Everything You Need to Know About Vehicle Licensing in Western Australia (WA)

Let’s face it—vehicle licensing can feel like a confusing mess of paperwork, inspections, and random acronyms. Whether you’ve just moved to WA, upgraded your tyres, or want to tow a bit more with your trailer, knowing the rules can save you time, stress, and a failed inspection. Here's what you actually need to know about licensing your vehicle (minus the mumbo jumbo).

1. Transferring a car to WA from another state

Got a car from Queensland or NSW? Welcome to the west—now book an inspection. You'll need a full vehicle inspection before you can register it in WA. Busselton Automotive Repairs can book you in and take care of the paperwork. Here’s how it works:

• Book a registration inspection (Busselton Automotive Repairs can help with this).

• If the vehicle is a ute with a tray or canopy, it will need to be weighed as part of the process.

• If it’s a ute with a tub, no weighing required.

This is just to ensure the vehicle complies with WA weight and spec regulations. It’s one of those quirky rules that make sense only in the land of licensing. So, if you are moving states, make sure to book that inspection as soon as possible.

2. What happens if your rego runs out?

If your rego has expired, even by a day, you're looking at a full vehicle inspection, every time. Only minor updates, like changing engine numbers, might get away with a lighter check. Otherwise, it's a complete inspection. So, it's best to keep that rego current to avoid extra time and costs wasted on licensing your vehicle.

3. Will your car pass with warning lights on?

Absolutely not. Any active warning lights on your dashboard, like ABS, airbag, or engine check lights, will cause your vehicle to fail the inspection. It's crucial to address these issues before you bring your car in, or you'll be wasting time and potentially money to keep your vehicle licensed.

4. Will a Windscreen Chip Fail My WA Car Inspection?

Whether a windscreen chip will cause your car to fail an inspection depends on the specifics. A small chip outside the driver's line of sight might be okay, but a larger chip, especially one that has turned into a star crack, is likely to fail. Cracks, especially those running to the edge of the windscreen, are a definite no-go. So, assess the chip carefully—if in doubt, get it fixed before your inspection.

5. How much can I legally lift my vehicle or increase tyre size in WA?

In Western Australia, the legal limit for modifications is 50mm. That’s either:

• A 50mm increase in tyre diameter, or

• A 50mm suspension lift.

But you can't do both.

If you’re thinking about combining a suspension lift and larger tyres, sorry mate—you’ll need to pick one or the other unless you're willing to go through engineering approval and certification. Keep in mind that exceeding legal limits can void your insurance and cause issues at inspection time.

If you're unsure which route is best for your 4x4, as authorised Dobinson Suspension installers, our team at Busselton Automotive Repairs can walk you through the best (and legal) options to keep your vehicle licensed.

6. Body Lifts in WA: Are They Legal for Your Vehicle?

If you're looking into a body lift, know that a 50mm (or two-inch) body lift is legal, but only for older vehicles that don't have stability or traction control. For modern cars with electronic stability aids, this modification isn't allowed. So, if your ride is a classic, you're good to go, but if it’s a newer model, stick to suspension or tyre lifts.

7. How do I increase the ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) on my trailer?

Once upon a time, increasing your trailer’s ATM was relatively simple—show proof of brake upgrades, submit a few papers, and you were good to go. Not anymore. These days, it’s classified as a vehicle modification. That means:

• You’ll need to submit a Modification Application to the WA Department of Transport.

• You must provide detailed proof that all components (like brakes, axles, couplings, suspension) are rated for the new ATM.

It’s a bit more paperwork, but it ensures safety and compliance. If you need help navigating it, the team at Busselton Automotive Repairs can help you figure out what’s needed.

Final Thoughts

Navigating vehicle licensing and inspection rules in WA can be a pain, but with the right info (and the right mechanic), it doesn’t have to be a headache. If you’re unsure about your car’s setup, suspension mods, or trailer upgrades, give our team at Busselton Automotive Repairs a call. With 60+ years of combined experience, we’ve seen it all—and they know how to keep you legal, safe, and road-ready.

Need help with an inspection or modification? Book your slot at Busselton Automotive Repairs today.