Last updated: October 2026
A defect notice means police or an authorised officer has found something on your car that is unsafe or does not meet the rules. It is not the end of the car, but it does put a clock on you. You either clear the notice by fixing the problem, or you decide the car is not worth fixing and sell it as it is.
Read the Notice Carefully
The notice tells you three things that decide everything else:
- What is wrong. The listed faults, for example worn tyres, a broken light, oil leaks or modifications.
- Whether you can keep driving. Some notices let you use the car while you organise repairs. Others mean the car can only be driven to a repairer, or not at all.
- The deadline. How long you have to clear it.
If it is not cleared in time, the registration can be suspended or cancelled. If anything on the notice is unclear, ask VicRoads or the issuing officer before you spend money.
Option 1: Fix It and Clear the Notice
Clearing usually means repairing the listed faults and then having the car checked, often by a licensed vehicle tester, who signs off that the work is done. Get a written quote for the repairs first. If the car is newer and the repairs are small, fixing it is usually the sensible choice.
Option 2: Sell the Car As It Is
For older cars, the quote often tells you the answer. When the repair bill is a large share of what the car is worth, selling it as it is usually leaves you with more money and less hassle. Private buyers rarely want a car with an open defect notice, and they cannot drive it away if the notice stops it being used on the road.
A licensed motor car trader can buy the car with the notice still open. You must tell the buyer about the notice, and an honest description means the price will not change at pickup.
Selling a Car With a Defect Notice to Us
- Send photos and a photo of the notice. We give you a price straight away.
- We come to you. If the car cannot be driven, our tow truck collects it at no cost.
- Get paid on the spot. Cash, bank transfer or cheque, and we complete the paperwork.
No roadworthy certificate is needed, and nine out of ten of our sales are finished the same day. See how selling a damaged car works for cars with bigger problems.
Working Out Which Option Is Right
Put three numbers side by side: the repair quote, what the car would sell for once fixed, and our offer for it as it is. If the gap between the first two is small, selling as it is usually wins. Our guide on what is worth fixing before you sell walks through the same maths. For a free price on your car, visit our sell my car page.
Cars with defect notices are a normal part of our cash for cars in Victoria work.
If a warning light came on before the defect notice, our guide to selling a car with a warning light on helps you decide between repairing and selling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell a car that has a defect notice in Victoria?
Yes. You must tell the buyer about the notice. A licensed motor car trader such as Victorian Car Buyers can buy the car with the notice still open, without a roadworthy certificate.
What happens if I do not clear a defect notice?
If the notice is not cleared by the deadline, the registration can be suspended or cancelled. Check the notice for your deadline and conditions.
Can I drive a car with a defect notice?
It depends on the notice. Some allow normal use while you arrange repairs, while others limit driving to a trip to a repairer or stop it completely. If the car cannot be driven, we collect it with our tow truck.
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About the author: Written by Steve, owner of Victorian Car Buyers, a licensed motor car trader (LMCT 12395) based in Delahey, Melbourne.