What does it mean for a vehicle to be "roadworthy"?

A vehicle being described as "roadworthy" means that it meets specific safety standards necessary for safe operation on public roads. This encompasses several important factors, including the condition of brakes, tires, lights, and overall structural integrity, ensuring that the vehicle can operate safely and pose no hazards to the driver, passengers, or other road users.

This terminology is critical in vehicle inspections, emphasizing that the vehicle has been evaluated against established safety criteria. It is not merely about aesthetics, the vehicle's model year, environmental friendliness, or its registration status. While these other aspects may contribute to a vehicle's overall value or compliance with laws, they do not define its roadworthiness. A roadworthy vehicle is fundamentally one that prioritizes safety and operational reliability on the roadway.