Got a Yellow Sticker? How WA Defect Notices Work and When to Fix, Surrender or Sell
In WA, a yellow sticker is known as a vehicle defect notice. It is issued by a police or other authorised officer when they find a vehicle unroadworthy. You cannot drive the car on WA roads after the expiry date on the notice, except in limited circumstances. You then have three main choices: repair the defects and pass an inspection, surrender the registration, or sell the car.
What Does a Yellow Sticker Mean in WA?
WA defect notice (work order)Common name: Yellow sticker. It tells you an officer has found your vehicle unroadworthy and details the faults you need to fix. The notice will remain in place until the vehicle has a full inspection at an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS).
Please read your notice carefully, including the expiration date and any instructions. Full rules are explained on the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) yellow sticker (defect notice) page.
Why Do Cars Get Defect Notices in Western Australia?
Officers issue a defect notice when a vehicle doesn't meet the relevant safety or compliance standards. Common reasons include:
- worn tyres or faulty brakes
- defective lights, indicators or other essential safety equipment
- excessive exhaust noise or non-compliant modifications
- structural damage, such as heavy rust or crash damage
- other faults that need repair or inspection before the car is safe.
Can You Drive a Car With a Yellow Sticker in WA?
The date of expiry indicated on the notice determines it. Using the vehicle on WA roads after that date is an offence unless it is licensed, the listed defects are fixed and you are driving it by the most direct route from the repairer to the nearest AIS for inspection. Note any conditions on the notice before it expires.
How you move the car depends on its status:
- Licensed and repaired: drive it straight to the nearest AIS, for no other purpose.
- Unlicensed: get a temporary movement permit first.
- Expired notice, defects not fixed: move it by tow truck or trailer to a repairer or AIS.
If anything on your notice is unclear, call DTMI on 13 11 56 before you drive.
What Should You Do After Receiving a Defect Notice?
If you've received a vehicle defect notice in Perth or elsewhere in WA, work through these steps:
- Read the notice. Note the listed defects, the expiry date and any instructions.
- Get a quote and fix the defects. Ask a mechanic to price the listed faults, check the rest of the car and finish repairs before the expiry date.
- Book a vehicle inspection in WA. Book and pay directly with your chosen AIS. DTMI requires the inspection within 14 days of expiry.
- Pass the inspection. Once the car passes, the notice is cleared.
- Act quickly if you miss the deadline. After 14 days without an inspection, DTMI issues a final notice. After 28 days, it requires you to return the plates, and you can't renew the licence until the notice is cleared.
Should You Repair or Sell a Defective Car?
If the work is well below market value and the rest of the car is sound, repair the car. It is usually better to sell if the cost of repairs is equal to or greater than the value of the car or the car is old or seriously damaged. Surrendering the registration suits a car you will not drive again but want to keep.
What Happens When You Surrender Vehicle Registration?
If you wish to surrender your registration, or what DTMI calls cancelling your vehicle licence, you will need to return your number plates to a DTMI service centre or a regional agent. You own the car , but you can not drive it on the street . Does not clear the defect notice.
But if you can’t get an inspection within 14 days of the expiry date, DTMI advises owners to hand over the plates. If you want to re-license the car at a later date it has to pass the same inspection that clears a defect notice.
You may qualify for a refund for the unexpired registration, usually calculated from the date DTMI receives the plates. Please see DTMI’s refunds and cancellations page for current eligibility.
Can You Sell a Car With a Yellow Sticker in WA?
Yup. A defect notice does not stop you from selling but the sale does not clear the notice or make the car roadworthy. You must tell DTMI within seven days of selling a licensed vehicle and the new owner must fix the defects and pass an inspection before driving the vehicle.
To sell a defective car responsibly:
- tell buyers about the notice and every known fault, in writing
- complete the transfer through DoTDirect or an MR9 form
- arrange a tow or trailer if the notice has expired and the faults aren't fixed.
Private buyers for a yellow sticker car in WA can be hard to find, so some owners use a car removal Perth service instead.
How WA Car Removals Can Help
WA Car Removals is one of several car removal services in WA. The Welshpool-based business buys unwanted cars, damaged cars and broken cars across Perth. According to its website, it:
- accepts vehicles in all conditions, including cars that don't run
- collects by tow truck, so you don't need to drive a defective car
- offers free removal across Perth suburbs and pays at collection.
Prices depend on make, model and condition. Have proof of ownership and photo ID ready, and remember to notify DTMI of the sale. Request a quote online or call 0422 622 617.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can issue a yellow sticker in WA?
WA Police, authorised DTMI and Main Roads WA officers, and Consumer Protection officers inspecting cars for sale at dealerships.
Does the inspection only check the listed defects?
No. The AIS inspects the whole vehicle. If it finds other faults, it may issue a new work order.
Can a defect notice from another state be cleared in WA?
Yes. A defect notice can be issued or cleared in any Australian jurisdiction, wherever the vehicle is registered.
Where can I find an Authorised Inspection Station?
Use DTMI's find a location tool and filter by vehicle inspections. Hours and services vary, so call ahead.
Can I remove the yellow sticker myself?
No. Removing, damaging or destroying the sticker while the notice is in force is an offence. You can remove it once you've complied with the notice.
Conclusion
The yellow sticker gives you a deadline, not a dead end. Check the expiry date, get a repair quote and compare it with the value of the car. If the car is worth keeping, fix it; if it’s just going to sit there, surrender the registration; or if the repairs don’t make sense, sell it. If you’re selling, WA Car Removals collects unwanted and unroadworthy cars throughout Perth. Get a no obligation quote free.