(12)Check the shock absorbers and reject if the vehicle continues free rocking motion greater than three cycles after release, indicating loss of the shock absorber function. All exterior lights, including headlights, taillights, and turn signals, must be fully operational. Before heading to an approved testing station, its important to familiarize yourself with various automotive components that need to be inspected. (D)The license plate lamp, if originally so equipped, does not illuminate the license plate. If the windshield is cracked on the drivers side, and the crack is large, it must be replaced. (iv)The trunk lid is not present or does not close securely. In my auto airhead days, I would cross my fingers at every inspection, just praying the mechanic or service advisor told me I was all good and only needed to pay $65 for the job. (x)The drums or rotors are scored deeper than .015 inch. Rubber/plastic suspension bushings cracked, crazed, falling off, or missing are unsafe. The facts sufficed to give the police officer reasonable suspicion that the motorists car violated the Motor Vehicle Codes directive that all vehicles must conform to the Department of Transportations regulations, which limit to 4 inches the distance a headlight may deviate from center, where the evidence established, among other things, the motorists headlights were askew approximately six inches, a deviation first noticed by the officer from about a football fields length away and confirmed when he slowly drove by the motorist at close range. The vehicles gas cap is leaking fuel into the atmosphere. To check this on your own car, test by driving 15mph and then braking shortly afterward; if there is any strong pull toward one direction or another during this test then your brakes need adjusting. When you take your car in for a PA state inspection, the mechanic or garage employee will go through a list of items to check on your vehicle. The emission test is also part of safety testing in Pennsylvania. Will my car fail inspection if I have a cracked windshield? (xx)A tire makes contact with the body or chassis. (iv)The shock absorbers have severe leakagenot slight dampness. (v)There is mechanical damage other than wear. (xiv)The rear wheel does not track front wheel in straight ahead position as originally designed. (iv)Some part of the main horizontal bumper bar on multipurpose passenger vehicles and light trucks does not fall within 16-30 inches above ground level. Our state-specific browser-based samples and crystal-clear instructions eliminate human-prone mistakes. PA vehicle inspectors are certified to: With a PA state inspection, there are very few check points that receive a simple yes or no. For example, steering, exhaust systems, and brakes are all tested for a range of acceptability. >:-\. Exhaust leaks (make a loud noise) will need to be repaired. Can You Drive A Rental Car With A Learners Permit. What if Im out of state and my car needs an inspection? He or she will also make sure all loose hoses are secured properly so there isn't excessive wear or damage over time due to vibration while driving at high speeds or steep hills/mountainside roads where vibrations can be much more intense than flat terrain surfaces require less maintenance at steady speeds). (ii)This paragraph does not prohibit the use of a product or material along the top edge of a windshield as long as the product or material is transparent and does not encroach upon the AS-1 portion of the windshield as provided by FMVSS No. Pennsylvanias vehicle emissions inspection program is part of Pennsylvanias plan to clean the air and keep it clean in the future. When you buy a car, used or new, you know that you will need to have your car serviced regularly. technicians who perform vehicle safety inspections to exercise their discretion and to pass or fail LED light To pass in PA, the minimum tread depth required is 2/32 of an inch. (2)Provided that the make and model year of the vehicle would have originally been equipped with the device, reject if one or more of the following apply: (i)The catalytic converter has been removed, disconnected or is the wrong type for the certified vehicle configuration. A safety inspection can be daunting because the state requires auto technicians to look over all systems on a vehicle that may need some part replaced for safety reasons. As far as emissions tests are concerned, vehicles registered as "non-diesel," such as most stock gasoline vehicles have emission testing required just once every two years in Philadelphia County and other major metropolitan areas across the state. No materials on windshields that will prevent the driver from viewing the road. Type all required information in the necessary fillable fields. Inspection Station Application (PDF) Language Assistance Services (PDF) Maintain Your Vehicle Beyond Inspections. Other interior features such as seatbelts additionally play an essential role; ensure these devices function accordingly before starting up your engine at your local certified station. (7)The vehicle cannot be driven both forward and backward. If you dont you could face penalties including a fine of up to $300. Look for worn-out bushings or broken struts when checking these components out yourself as such faults can result in unsafe handling at higher speeds as well as increased wear and tear on other car parts like tires. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Tire treads must meet minimum thickness requirements and conditions. These inspections are performed at official PennDOT Inspection Stations each day, with inspectors checking vehicles to ensure theyre ready for the road. An external inspection shall be performed as follows: (1)Verify ownership, legality and proof of financial responsibility. (iii)The energy-absorbing column is defective. Dem the rules! (3)Check the horn and reject if any of the following apply: (i)There is no horn or other acceptable audible warning device. Check anything that appears to put the vehicle and driver at risk. Keep in mind that not all inspection stations will necessarily meet your needs, so its important to do your research beforehand and check certifications, licenses, and reviews from previous customers before settling on a shop. How Do You Become A Certified Auto Technician? The following components are some of the ones that must be properly functioning for you to pass your car inspection in PA: Brakes: Most states, including Pennsylvania, require that cars have front brakes with at least two completely functioning wheels. 4 0 obj FAIRFIELD Four restaurants in town failed health inspections in February, but one has already passed its reinspection, according to town reports. (vi)The inside diameter of the drum is greater than maximum diameter stamped on drum or greater than .090 inch over original drum diameter for unmarked drums. Inspect body and chassis for rust and leaks. For the purpose of this subchapter, ownership and legality shall be proven by a vehicle registration card, certificate of title or manufacturer's statement of origin. The inspector will also check to make sure your mirrors are in good condition as well. There is no specific limit on rust hole size to pass the inspection. (ii)A tire is worn so that the tread wear indicators contact the road in any two adjacent grooves. <> 8372 (December 31, 2022). Its important to abide by these regulations as failure to comply results could result in you getting fines or even having your driver's license suspended (both for drivers license reinstatement and auto insurance) so make sure you meet both emission testing and safety requirements if necessary at least annually dependent on your cars model year! What Are The Most Common Collision Repairs Today? (ii)The wheel cylinder leaks, has missing parts, is improperly retained or is not functioning. These issues may include anything from fluid levels being low to cracked windshields - so if youre having problems with any potential deficiencies don't lose hope! Learn Vehicle Painting At Auto Repair School, High Performance Engine Technician Training, Become A Hi-Performance Engine Mechanic: What You Should Know, 5 Jobs To Pursue After Diesel Mechanic School. We value your privacy. The Department of Transportation (Department), Bureau of Motor Vehicles, under 75 Pa.C.S. (ix)The auxiliary equipment is placed on, in or in front of a lamp. (5)Check the parking brake operation and reject if the pedal or lever reaches its limit of travel before parking brakes are set. Will I be imprisoned for not completing my interlock requirement? (II)Turn the lamps on low beam and reject if the upper edge of the beam is more than 4 inches above or below horizontal center line of headlamp or if inner edge of beam is more than 4 inches to the right or left of the vertical line. Whew, that was a lot to read, right? <>/ExtGState<>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/Annots[ 13 0 R] /MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> Drivers of cars three to five model years old will require a safety inspection once every two years while six to eight model year vehicles need annual inspections. (iii)A fuel tank or line was not specifically designed or manufactured as fuel tank or line. (xi)The wheel nuts or bolts are missing, loose or have improper thread engagement. If your vehicle has failed two emissions tests and youve made a minimum of $150.00 worth of emissions-related repairs that address the problem, you are eligible for a waiver. Vehicle Inspection Division | 1101 South Front Street | Harrisburg, PA 17104 | 717.787.2895 | www.penndot.gov ATTENTION: Official Inspection Stations, Quality Assurance Officers, and Pennsylvania State Police BI19-08 Vehicle Inspection Division Bulletin December 2019 . Learn more about Pennsylvanias Emission Inspection Program and Waivers Here. (xix)An axle has missing tires or rims. Yes a cracked windshield will cause your car to fail inspection. Waivers help you get your car back on the road repairs to pass the emissions test are too expensive. (B)The declaration page of a valid insurance policy. We can not guarantee its completeness or reliability so please use caution. Pennsylvania statutes require that a . Rearview, passenger sideview, and driver sideview mirrors must not be cracked, and if they are, they must be replaced with new or used mirrors. What is the fine for expired inspection in PA? Your email address will not be published. Rural counties require diesel vehicle emissions tests annually if the engine is 1966 or newer and diesel non-transportation testing is annual in some counties for engine displacements less than 8 liters (Including pickups starting at 2014). If your vehicle fails the emission inspection, you cannot get a safety sticker renewed. 205, this restriction does not apply to the rear side windows, rear wings or rear window of trucks or multi-purpose passenger vehicles. Tampering with exhaust systems can lead to failure during this latter stage of inspection so it helps budgeting ahead if you expected anything out of stock or non-OEM parts fitted within the last two years or so before getting your test done at an accredited testing location. Purpose of the Chapter. (iv)A tire has been repaired with a blow-out patch or boot. (xi)The auxiliary driving lamps operate with the low beam of standard headlamp system or alone. A beneath the vehicle inspection shall be performed as follows: (1)Inspect the tires and wheels and reject if one or more of the following apply: (i)A tire has two adjacent treads with less than 2/32-inch tread remaining at any pointless than 4/32-inch tread on the front tires of the vehicles having a gross weight in excess of 10,000 pounds. Depending on the issue, you may be able to get the repairs done at a state-approved repair facility. endobj Commonwealth v. Hynes, 730 A.2d 960 (Pa. Super. Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program, Stephen C. Hiscox High School Senior Scholarship Program, Marine Service Technology (MST) Warminster Campus Only, Employment Opportunities with Automotive Training Center, Automotive Training Center Diesel Emissions Checklist, www.autotraining.edu/consumer-information. Cars have many sophisticated parts, computers, and sensors that manage and control how much gas your engine uses and how much junk comes out of your tailpipe! (iii)Some part of the main horizontal bumper bar on passenger vehicles does not fall within 16-20 inches above ground level. Inspectors arent looking for reasons to fail your vehicle, and of course, the large majority of vehicles do pass inspection and emissions tests. Do I need to get my car inspected? All cars registered in Pennsylvania are required to have an annual inspection. 1999). Adhere to our simple steps to have your Pa State Inspection Practice Test prepared quickly: Choose the template from the catalogue. (8)Inspect the fuel system and reject if any of the following apply: (ii)Part of the system is not securely fastened. This can be an obvious safety hazard if not properly repaired. (iv)Outside rearview mirrors, with a minimum reflective surface as described in 175.68 (relating to mirrors), are not installed on both sides of the vehicle if a certificate of exemption for a sun screening device or other material has been issued by the Department. (ii)The horn or other warning device is not audible under normal conditions for distances of not less than 200 feet. Once youve made the necessary repairs you can take your vehicle to any state-licensed inspection station to get it reinspected. (iv)Body mounts do not hold as required. (v)The sway or stabilizer bar is missing or broken. A final note: Each year PennDOT may provide additional safety standards which your inspector must comply with when performing inspections; these may vary from year-to-year so make sure you take some time out to review them before scheduling appointments throughout regular maintenance cycles! Inspection procedure. (vii)The firewall has any holes or cracks which would permit fumes to enter driver and passenger compartments. Make a visual anti-tampering check to see if required emissions parts have been altered or removed. Eva Catharine Finkbeiner Young. The other sticker certifies the vehicle is not emitting toxic emissions to the environment. Auto maintenance shops help keep people up to speed since things change frequently in Pennsylvania surrounding rules and regulations for car inspections so it's important to stay informed about your particular county or municipality's requirements; else you may find yourself amassing fines down the road that could have been avoided! These are just a few of the things inspectors look for on their own inspection checklists. (ii)The floor pan is rusted through so as to cause hazard to occupants or to permit exhaust gases to enter passenger compartment. No part of the information on this site may be reproduced forprofit or sold for profit. Without even mentioning tires (which can easily pass inspections if they have enough treads left) all of these repairs help improve visibility while driving in order provide safer travelling experiences overall. (iii)There is excessive friction in pedal linkage or components, pedal levers are misaligned or improperly positioned or the pedal pad is missing. (Senior Airman Roslyn Ward/Air . (4)There is a malfunction of the braking or steering mechanism, particular shimmy, wander, pull or another questionable operating behavior that affects safe operation of the vehicle. Body and chassis problems. Additionally antique cars over 25 years old usually don't need to be tested yearly unless significant modifications have been made since its last test date/mileage found displayed within its registration paperwork. (xvii)Retreads are on the front axle of a taxi. The exact circumstances surrounding the failed nuclear safety inspection at Minot remain unclear but Air Force Global Strike Command made clear in a statement Monday that the commanders were . endobj I just moved to Pennsylvania. Schedule a tour at our Exton or Warminster Campus. The cost of repairs will vary depending on what needs to be fixed. Some parts youve never heard of before. (iii)The system is not properly routed. Your car is registered in the following counties in PA: Adams, Armstrong, Bedford, Bradford, Butler, Cameron, Carbon, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Crawford, Elk, Fayette, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lawrence, McKean, Mifflin, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Somerset, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Venango, Warren, Wayne, and Wyoming. The vehicle's floor pan is the large sheet metal stamping that forms the floor of a motor vehicle. A business fails its health inspection when it scores . (7)Check the inside mirror and reject if one or more of the following apply: (iii)An object or material is hung from or blocking inside mirror. d T T - Tires of different types, such as one snow tire and one regular tire or bias, belted or radial tire, may not be used on same axle except in an emergency. Passing a car inspection in the great state of Pennsylvania requires both checking and fixing certain items that are used to determine if the vehicle is compliant with road safety regulations. Most states require vehicle safety inspections, although the specific requirements vary by state. (viii)The exhaust does not discharge to the outside edge of the vehicle body, including a truck bed, or as originally designed. If you fail your car inspection in Pennsylvania you have to get your vehicle repaired and reinspected within 10 days. Added: 4 Mar 2023. Official Inspection Station Certificate of Appointment Bond (PDF) PA Clean Vehicles Program. Amended November 26, 2003, effective November 29, 2003, 33 Pa.B. If the vehicle is lowered but within the range of acceptability, it can be . As a resident of Pennsylvania, you know that passing an annual car inspection is an important part of car ownership. (D)A valid binder of insurance issued by an insurance company licensed to sell motor vehicle liability insurance in this Commonwealth. We may collect personal information from you such as identifying information (name, address, driver's license number), transactional information (products or services purchased and payment history), digital network activity (interactions with our website, IP address), geo-location data, audio recordings and other forms of personal information. The goal of the safety inspection program is to ensure that vehicles are maintained for safe operation, preventing injuries or fatalities because of car failures. (ii)Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve has been removed, disconnected or is the wrong type for the certified vehicle configuration. (E)Glass is shattered or broken or has exposed sharp edges. Cars nine and older become exempt from inspection; however, if theyve been out of service for more than 12 months they need another state inspection before being put back on the road. If youre out of state and your car needs an inspection you will need to have the car inspected in the state in which it is registered. (iii)The caliper leaks, has missing parts, is improperly retained or is not functioning. (iii)The shock absorbers mounting bolts or mounts are broken. (ii)The floor bed is not sufficient to hold the weight of the driver, passengers and cargo. Required fields are marked *. Headlights must dip when dimmed and have a minimum lux level reading at full beam. For the emission test, we hook up your vehicle to a machine that reads the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or the main computer to your car. (I)Turn the lamps on high beam and reject if the center of the beam is horizontally more than 4 inches to the right or left of straight ahead or if center of light beam is vertically more than 4 inches above or below horizontal line. In addition to the exceptions under 175.4 (relating to vehicles required to be inspected), this subsection does not apply to vehicles registered as collectible or classic motor vehicles as defined in 75 Pa.C.S. 708 except subsection (d)(1)(ix), effectiveness of which has been indefinitely postponed until further notice, to the extent that these portions of the regulations prohibit placement of oversize tires that remain within the body line of vehicles and require the rejection of inspected vehicles equipped with these tires; amended December 30, 1983, effective December 31, 1983, 13 Pa.B. But it never seemed to happen that way for me. The driver's side window must go up and down. (ii)There are loose or leaking joints. Smith v. Department of Transportation, 502 A.2d 791 (Pa. Cmwlth. The suspension/steering elements of an inspection will depend on the age of your vehicle; older cars may require a lowered undercarriage check while newer models should feature power steering or other self-leveling components requiring testing for efficacy in response time. (f)Road test. (11)Check the fuel tank cap and reject if the fuel tank filler cap is missing. Under FMVSS No. The Pennsylvania Code website reflects the Pennsylvania Code changes effective through 52 Pa.B. Resources: Drive Clean PA. N-P T - A passenger car or light truck operated on highway may not be . The provisions of this 175.80 amended under Vehicle Code. An Air Force B-52H Stratofortress from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., is refueled by a KC-135 "Stratotanker" in U.S. Central Command Dec. 30, 2020. (B)A sign, poster or other material whose design prevents a driver from seeing through the material, obstructs, obscures or impairs the drivers clear view of the highway or an intersecting highway. Related Read: When all else fails quotes? Will my car fail inspection if my check engine light is on? (I)Glass etchings extend more than 3 1/2 inches from the lowest exposed portion of rear window, rear side windows or rear wings. A 20% is already considered enormously dim. Brake Pads and Rotors must meet minimum thickness requirements and conditions. Pennsylvania has a robust system of vehicle inspection regulations designed to ensure the safety of drivers on the roads. (ii)The metal spring protrudes from drivers seat. Defective brake lights should also ideally be replaced before going through a PA car inspection especially when getting around town late at night or during hazardous weather conditions! If the vehicle is lowered but within the range of acceptability, it can be approved with a caution to have it fixed in the near future. Your vehicle will fail an inspection if the parking, trial, back up, turn signal, or hazard lights aren't working. Are there any exceptions to the inspection requirements in Pennsylvania? If you drive without the Certificate, a police officer can issue a citation. (6)The odometer does not operate, except on a motor vehicle at least 25 years old. Pennsylvania doesn't give detailed information on its inspection requirements, but they use OBD systems. It may provide you with a vague sight of the night view, which can cause road accidents. The last item on a Pennsylvania car inspection is the visual assessment where an inspector checks for any signs of damage or tampering with various components like fuses, battery cables and fluid levels under the hood. 4640; amended November 13, 1998, effective May 13, 1999, 28 Pa.B. Youll need to pay a fee for the inspection but its usually less than the fine you would have faced if you didnt get your vehicle fixed. (1)The visual inspection shall be performed through direct observation or through indirect observation, using a mirror or other visual aid. (2)The automatic transmission will not hold in the park position. Tire tread level is something that is checked and can prevent a car from passing inspection. The effective date of the following provisions are postponed indefinitely: subsection (a)(5)(v) and (8)(iii) and (iv); and subsection (b)(7)(iv); these provisions were given effect at 43 Pa.B. Safety inspections for passenger cars and light-duty trucks require that the following items be checked: suspension components, steering, braking systems, tires and wheels, lighting and electrical systems, glazing (glass), mirrors, windshield washer, defroster, wipers, fuel systems, the speedometer, the odometer, the exhaust systems, horns and (c)Under the hood inspection. (10)Check for protruding metal and reject if torn metal, glass or other loose or dislocated parts protrude from a surface of the vehicle so as to create a hazard. The next item on the list is emissions compliance. The purpose of Chapter 175 is to implement 75 Pa.C.S. I love cars and I love writing about them (viii)The bonded linings are less than 2/32 inch at the thinnest point. From a high level, these items include Suspension Steering Brake System Tires and Wheels Lights and Electrical System Glazing Mirrors Windshield Fuel System Speedometer/Odometer Exhaust System Vehicle Body (v)The front wheels cannot be turned to the full right or left position without binding or interference. Your vehicle must meet certain standards so that it can pass Pennsylvanias emissions requirements. The emission inspection tests your vehicle's engine and emissions efficiency or how much pollutants your car puts into the environment. (iii)The hydraulic booster for the power brake system is leaking or inoperative or has excessively worn belts that would prevent proper operation of the pump. For a comprehensive list of the potential rejection . A repair will need to be performed on the dashboard to pass the emission inspection. (vi)The difference in the body floor and the top of the frame rail exceeds 4 inches. Brakes must meet wear standards as defined in each vehicles manufacturer specification documents, while tire tread must measure 2/32nds or greater on all four points of contact. (ii)The latch release mechanism or its parts are broken, missing or so poorly adjusted that the hood cannot be closed properly. Good luck, Pennsylvanians! Please direct comments or questions to. An external inspection shall be performed as follows: (1) Verify ownership, legality and proof of financial responsibility.