Transport inspectors

Transport inspectors are highly trained employees of the Queensland Government—they play an important role in contributing to safer drivers, safer vehicles and safer roads. They also help protect the state's valuable road infrastructure.

Transport inspectors perform a wide range of functions including:

• providing information and education to industry and road users
• audits and investigations of approved inspection stations
• load restraint checking on light vehicles
• undertake safety inspections in relation to light vehicles
• checking of dangerous goods loads transported by light vehicles
• passenger (buses and tour operators) and personalised (taxi, limousine and ride-share) transport checking and enforcement
• investigation of some tow truck complaints
• disaster management and asset protection.

Transport inspectors use body-worn cameras to capture interactions with members of the public while performing their duties. A transport inspector will identify themselves, show their identification card, explain the reason for the interaction, and advise you that the interaction is being recorded for transparency and accountability.

Transport inspectors—Who we are

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Transport inspector powers

Transport inspectors have broad powers relating to the intercepting and inspecting of light vehicles to ensure compliance with legislation requirements. They operate within strict guidelines and they can issue substantial on-the-spot fines for a range of offences. They can also report matters for court action.

What can transport inspectors do?

Transport inspectors have the authority to intercept all light vehicles including cars, buses under 4.5 tonnes, taxi, tour operators, limousines and ride-shares to:

• conduct safety inspections
• check load restraint
• check the weight of vehicles and trailers
• check dimensions
• check registration and compulsory third-party insurance
• check passenger and personalised transport vehicle drivers hold a current driver licence and have the appropriate driving authority.

Legal requirements

You are legally required to assist transport inspectors in performing their duties. This includes stopping your vehicle at static checkpoints or when instructed to stop by transport inspectors performing on road mobile patrols. If you do not pull over, you may be fined for failing to stop unless you have a reasonable excuse. 

You may also be required to provide your name and address and produce identification such as a driver license or a passport. Transport inspectors may also require access to your vehicle for safety checks

For more information, download the transport inspectors fact sheet.

Recognising a transport inspector

Transport inspectors are easily recognised—they wear a navy blue transport inspector uniform. In some cases, they may work out of uniform, but will always carry and produce an official government identification card.

The magenta, white and yellow decals on transport inspector vehicles make them easy to identify.

How do they pull you over?

Transport inspectors may pull you over if they have noticed something that could be a potential road safety hazard or the vehicle is unregistered. When pulling you over while you’re driving, transport inspectors will flash magenta lights on top of their vehicle and in the grill and may also sound a siren. If you’re being asked to pull over at a static inspection site, transport inspectors may signal you to pull over and stop with their arms and hands or a stop sign.

Transport inspectors—What we do

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Safe Drive

Road safety is a serious issue in Queensland. Safe Drive is a state-wide compliance operation where transport inspectors randomly intercept and check light vehicles, including private cars, to ensure they are mechanically safe during the school holidays.

School holidays are a busy time where families travel more frequently in their vehicles. Transport inspectors play a crucial role in helping families reach their destinations safely.

It is the vehicle owner's responsibility to ensure the vehicle is safe. A simple check can save lives—make sure you check:

• brakes
• tyres
• lighting
• steering suspension
• windscreen.

Also make sure you have current registration and compulsory third party insurance.

For more information, download the check your vehicle and stay safe fact sheet.

Transport inspectors—What to check

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Transport inspectors and road closures

We work to keep Queensland drivers and their families safe on our roads. During disasters, it is important that freight routes remain open and essential supplies reach communities in need. The transport inspector and road closures fact sheet explains the role transport inspectors have during temporary road closures due to wet weather, flooding or natural disasters and why you must obey their directions.

Transport inspector road safety posters

Road closures and natural disasters

How to become a transport inspector

Recruitment for transport inspectors occurs as required. All applicants must advance through strict criminal history checks to be successful. Successful applicants will either commence immediately or be placed in a 'pool' that can be called upon when a vacancy arises within 12 months. Once selected, transport inspectors are then required to complete an intensive training program.

Check for transport inspector job vacancies.