Vehicles need to meet safety and compliance checks, and that is where pink slips and blue slips come in.
They sound similar, but they serve very different purposes and are valid for different timeframes. Confusing the two is one of the most common reasons drivers delay their rego renewals.
What is a Pink Slip? What does it cover?
A pink slip, officially called an eSafety check, is required each year for most cars once they are more than five years old. The inspection confirms that the vehicle is roadworthy before registration can be renewed.
Inspectors check:
How Long a Pink Slip Lasts
Validity period:
A pink slip is valid for six months from the date of issue.
Repair period if failed:
If the car fails, you have 14 days to return to the same inspection station for a free re-check.
Registration renewal:
You must renew your rego within the six-month validity. If it expires, another inspection is required.
What is a Blue Slip? What does it cover?
How Long a Blue Slip Lasts
- Validity period: A blue slip is valid for 42 days from the date of issue .
If registration is not completed in that time, another inspection is required.
Pink vs Blue Slip: At a Glance
Inspection | When It’s Required | What It Checks | Validity | Extra Rules |
Pink Slip (eSafety check) | Annual check for vehicles over 5 years old with existing NSW rego | Roadworthiness: brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, lights, seatbelts, windscreen, exhaust | 6 months | If failed, repairs must be completed and returned within 14 days for free re-check |
Blue Slip (AUVIS) | For unregistered, interstate/overseas cars, or written-off vehicles cleared for rego | Roadworthiness plus identity and compliance with design rules | 42 days | Required before Transport for NSW approves registration |
Why Cars Fail
Why cars fail pink slip inspections
Pink slip failures usually come down to basic wear and tear such as:
- Tyres worn below 1.5mm tread depth
- Brake pads too thin or rotors damaged
- Lights or indicators not working
- Windscreens cracked across the driver’s view
- Excessive suspension play
Why cars fail blue slip inspections
Blue slip failures tend to involve more serious issues such as structural rust, incomplete repairs, or missing compliance details.
Preparing for Inspection
European vehicles such as Audi and Volkswagen often have advanced braking and lighting systems. Having a VW mechanic or Audi mechanic familiar with these cars inspect them helps avoid misdiagnosis and makes it easier to fix any issues immediately.
Where to Get Inspections
The requirements are set statewide, but inspections can be carried out by any licensed Authorised Inspection Station. On Sydney’s Northern Beaches, workshops in Brookvale provide both pink and blue slips. Northside Autohaus is one such station. Known for Audi repair near me searches and trusted as a VW mechanic, it also handles safety checks and repairs in one place, saving drivers from multiple trips.
FAQs
If your car is already registered in NSW and more than five years old, you need a pink slip. If it is unregistered, from interstate or overseas, or previously written off, you need a blue slip.
Pink slips are valid for six months. Blue slips are valid for 42 days.
