A defect notice is issued if a vehicle does not meet registration standards and roadworthiness requirements. Defect notices are issued mainly by the police, but also VicRoads (and equivalent interstate) inspectors and the Environmental Protection Authority.

The defect notice specifies repairs which must be undertaken in a certain timeframe. During that time, the vehicle’s use is restricted. If the repairs are not carried out, VicRoads can suspend and ultimately cancel registration.

If the defect notice is marked with "FORMAL WARNING" it is not considered to be a defect notice so VicRoads does not need to inspect and clear the vehicle.

Environment Protection Authority (EPA) defect notices

Excessive noise defect notices
For clearance of a defect notice issued by the EPA, under Section 55AC (1), Environment Protection Act 1970, you need to present the vehicle for inspection at a location specified by the EPA on the defect notice.

A vehicle issued with an excessive noise notice will need to be presented for an inspection at an EPA approved noise tester. Should the vehicle pass the test, the Certificate of Compliance is to be lodged with the EPA. The EPA is then authorised to lift the defect notice. Find your nearest EPA approved noise tester.

Emission defect notices
For an emission defect notice, please contact the EPA, Motor Vehicle Emission Unit on (03) 9695 2700. VicRoads cannot clear EPA defect notices.

How do I clear a Victorian defect notice?
The defect notice will specify what you need to do to clear the defect notice. One of three types of requirement will be stated on the notice:

• Self Clearance - You are responsible for repairing defects mentioned in the defect notice and you must sign Section 8 of the Defect Notice once the defects have been repaired. You will also need to forward the "blue" copy of the Defect Notice to VicRoads.
• Clearance by VicRoads - You do not need to obtain a Victorian Certificate of Roadworthiness. However, you must present the vehicle for inspection to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre to ensure that the defects are rectified and the Defect Notice is removed. No appointment is necessary.
• Certificate of Roadworthiness must be obtained - You must present a Victorian Certificate of Roadworthiness obtained in respect of the vehicle, dated after the date of issue of the Defect Notice, at a VicRoads office. You must not remove the defect label. If the label is present, the vehicle must be presented at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre for removal. If the label is not present, ie where the windscreen was replaced or where a label was not attached, the vehicle does not have to be presented.

Defect notices issued by the EPA cannot be removed by VicRoads. The defect notice will state where to go to get the defect notice removed.

How do I clear an interstate defect notice?
To clear a Defect Notice issued in another state, the vehicle must be presented for inspection as directed on the Defect Notice.

Defect Notices issued in other States and Territories do not refer specifically to a certificate of roadworthiness, but instead specify what needs to be done before the notice can be cleared.

When is a Certificate of Roadworthiness required to clear defect notice?
If a vehicle has been issued with an Interstate Defect Notice requiring it to be inspected at one of the stations listed below, then you must obtain a Certificate of Roadworthiness to clear the notice in Victoria.

When is a Certificate of Roadworthiness not required to clear defect notice?
If the vehicle has been inspected by an Authorised Inspection Station relevant to the state that issued the notice, and the defect notice has been cleared with an official stamp and signed by the inspector verifying the repairs have been completed, then a Certificate of Roadworthiness is not required but the vehicle will need to be inspected at one of the stations listed below to cleared the defect notice.

Inspection Stations: