What fails a pink slip
in NSW: the checklist.
The common fails, from the Transport for NSW standards.
Quick answer
- Tyres with less than 1.5 mm of tread.
- Braking that differs by more than 30% across an axle on the roller brake tester.
- A required lamp not working, or tinted light covers.
- Window tint darker than the NSW limit, or windscreen damage in front of the driver.
- A cut or frayed seatbelt, or the airbag warning lamp on.
- Oil dripping onto the exhaust or the brakes, any exhaust leak, or advanced rust in a structural area.
Checked on against the Transport for NSW Light Vehicle Safety Check Standards (September 2026 edition).
What does a pink slip check?
- Brakes
- Measured on the roller brake tester, wheel by wheel.
- Steering and suspension
- On the hoist, with the weight off. More than 50 mm of steering free play fails.
- Wheels and tyres
- Tread depth and condition on all four, and wheels and tyres that suit the vehicle.
- Body
- Doors, windscreen, window tint, rust, number plates, seatbelts, wipers, horn, mirrors and airbags.
- Lights
- Every required lamp, with headlight aim set on the beam tester.
- Leaks and exhaust
- Engine, driveline and fuel leaks, the exhaust, and the towbar where one is fitted.
The pink slip checklist to run at home first
- Walk round the lights with a helper: headlights, brake lights, indicators, number plate light
- Look at the tread on all four: the minimum is 1.5 mm
- Run the wipers and the washers
- Press the horn
- Pull every seatbelt out and click it in
- Start the car: the airbag warning lamp should go out
- Look for chips or cracks in the windscreen in front of the driver
A check at home finds the easy fails. The examiner applies the standard in force on the day.
Does a blue slip check more?
- The same safety check
- A blue slip includes the full safety check.
- Plus the identity check
- VIN, engine number and compliance plate, checked against your papers. Blue slips
What happens if it fails?
- You keep the report
- The car needs the repair before the registration can be renewed.
- A written quote on the spot
- For the work we do: parts and labour, itemised, before anything is touched.
- Approve it, and it is done here
- We do the work and re-inspect here. Where parts are available, the slip is issued the same day.
- Or take it elsewhere
- Decline and you pay only the inspection fee. You can have the repair done anywhere.
Questions
Still have a question?
Call 0433 950 192
What fails a pink slip?
Worn tyres (less than 1.5 mm of tread), uneven braking, a required lamp out, tint darker than the NSW limit, windscreen damage in front of the driver, a cut or frayed seatbelt, the airbag lamp on, oil dripping onto the exhaust or brakes, an exhaust leak and advanced structural rust, among others.
Is window tint a pink slip fail?
Tint darker than the NSW limit fails. We measure it with a certified window tint meter.
Does an oil leak fail a pink slip?
Oil dripping onto the exhaust or the brakes fails. Ask us to look at any leak before the inspection and we quote the repair first.
Will a blue slip fail on the same things?
Yes. A blue slip includes the full safety check, plus an identity check of the VIN, the engine number and the compliance plate.
Find us
- Address
- 7 Daking Street, North Parramatta NSW 2151
- Open
- Mon to Sat 8:30am to 5:30pm
Sunday 9:00am to 5:00pm - Phone
- 0433 950 192
Licensed repairer MVRL 62840
24 years of mechanical experience.
Everyday servicing, European cars and complex repairs. Talk directly to the people working on your car.
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