'roadworthy' originates from the combination of 'road' and 'worthy', where 'road' refers to a path or way and 'worthy' means suitable or fit.

'roadworthy' evolved from the Old English word 'rād' meaning 'ride' and 'weorþe' meaning 'worthy', eventually becoming the modern English word 'roadworthy'.

Initially, it meant 'fit for riding', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'suitable for driving on the road'.