Pennsylvania Car Inspection Requirements
- Suspension. The car's ball joint movement can't exceed the manufacturer's specifications, along with shock absorbers that do not leak.
- Steering. ...
- Brakes. ...
- Tires and Wheels. ...
- Lighting and Electrical Systems. ...
- Glass and Mirrors. ...
- Windshield Washer, Defroster and Wipers. ...
- Fuel System. ...
- Speedometer and Odometer. ...
- Exhaust System. ...
Full Answer
What vehicles are exempt from PA safety inspection?
- Special mobile equipment.
- Implements of husbandry.
- Registered commercial implement of husbandry with an implement of husbandry body type.
- Motor vehicles being towed.
- Motor vehicles being operated or trailers being towed by an official inspection station owner or employee for the purpose of inspection.
What documents are needed for PA car inspection?
- Suspension. The car's ball joint movement can't exceed the manufacturer's specifications, along with shock absorbers that do not leak.
- Steering.
- Brakes.
- Tires and Wheels.
- Lighting and Electrical Systems.
- Glass and Mirrors.
- Windshield Washer, Defroster and Wipers.
- Fuel System.
Should Pa require annual vehicle safety inspections for cars?
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation requires all vehicles under 9,000 pounds to undergo annual safety inspections. Vehicles must pass inspection requirements to be registered in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania vehicle safety inspections must be performed at PennDOT Inspection Stations, such as auto repair shops.
Which states require a vehicle safety inspection?
These states include:
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Nebraska
- Mississippi
- Rhode Island
What are the requirements for PA car inspection?
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 ...
What year cars are exempt from inspection in PA?
Yes. Vehicles will be exempt from the program if: • the vehicle has been owned for one year and driven less than 5,000 miles in the prior year. However, motorists must go to an emissions inspection station to verify the vehicle's mileage and receive an exemption sticker.
How old does a car have to be to not need inspection in PA?
Have a car that is under 8 years old? It will no longer be required to pass an annual emissions test if a package of bills that passed the Pennsylvania Senate last week do the same in the House of Representatives.
Is there a grace period for car inspection in PA?
You have until the last day of that month and year to get your inspection and sticker renewed to remain legal to operate that vehicle. There is a ten-day grace period after the expiration date.
Which vehicles are not subject to the emissions testing in PA?
Subject gasoline-powered motor vehicles with a model year of 1975 and newer with a GVWR of 9,000 pounds or less and registered in an I/M county or region are subject to an emission inspection. Current model year vehicles and vehicles driven less than 5,000 miles per year are exempt from this requirement.
Is PA getting rid of emissions?
HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Senate on Tuesday gave final approval to a measure to eliminate emissions tests — which happen in only 25 counties, including Lehigh and Northampton — for gas-powered vehicles less than 5 years old.
What makes a vehicle exempt from emissions in PA?
The wording in the PA emissions manual states that a mileage exemption is available for, " Vehicles driven less than 5,000 miles in the previous twelve months, which have been owned by the same person for at least one year."
Is a 20 year old car a classic?
For insurance and registration purposes, the age of a classic car, in most cases, is at least 20 years old but not more than 40 years old. If you are going to register it (and insure it) as a classic, it should have been kept to its original design and specifications.
How old is a classic car in PA?
A car is considered a classic in Pennsylvania if it's at least 25 years old and has been maintained in or restored to a condition which is substantially similar to manufacturer specifications.
How long can you drive with expired inspection pa?
within 10 daysIf your vehicle inspection expires, you can legally drive your vehicle to an inspection station within 10 days of the expiration, only if you have booked an appointment at the station and can prove you are driving there. Otherwise, you cannot drive the vehicle.
Are inspections in Pa extended?
Safety inspections and emissions inspections scheduled to expire from March 16 through May 31, 2020, the expiration date is now extended through June 30, 2020.
Can I order Pa inspection stickers online?
Can I order PA state inspection stickers online? Yes. Licensed inspection stations can order inspection stickers online. Please see the Online Inspection Sticker Ordering page on the DMV website for instructions and information.
Where do you have to have a vehicle inspection in Pennsylvania?
Vehicles must pass inspection requirements to be registered in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania vehicle safety inspections must be performed at PennDOT Inspection Stations , such as auto repair shops.
How many brakes do you need to pass a safety inspection?
To pass the safety inspection test, the vehicle must possess four capable brakes and a functioning parking brake. Tires on an axle must be uniform. All lights, including flashers, must work properly. Windows must be free from obstruction, and a valid inspection sticker must be displayed on the windshield. Fuel systems must be free of leaks, and the ...
What is the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation?
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation institutes a series of safety tests for all passenger cars and light-duty trucks that need registration in the state. These safety inspections include checks of the vehicle’s lighting and electrical systems, mirrors, windshield washer, defroster, wipers, fuel systems, tires and wheels, speedometer, ...
Why do we need a safety inspection in Pennsylvania?
Safety Inspection Program. Pennsylvania requires vehicle safety inspections to ensure that vehicles are maintained for safe operation. Safety Inspections can prevent vehicle failure on the highways and crashes that may result in injuries or death.
Do inspection fees include repairs?
Inspection fees are posted at official inspection stations. These fees do not include repairs to correct vehicle defects. Click on any of the links below to find information about vehicle safety inspections and other related information.
What parts do you need to pass a car inspection?
The following parts need to be present for your car to pass inspection: fenders, hood and hood latches, and doors that open and close securely. Your chassis also has to be in perfect condition without cracks, missing parts or any damage along with flooring and bumpers.
What is PDOT inspection?
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PDOT) has established a series of inspection requirements all motor vehicles must pass to be registered in that state. The points of inspection vary depending on the type of vehicle you own. Passenger cars and light duty trucks fall in the same category and have the same parts checked ...
What lights do you need for a car?
Every lamp and switch in your car needs to turn on and off. Headlamps have to have a low beam and a high beam. In addition, you should have one red stop lamp on each side of the rear of your car. Other required lamps are: parking, tail, hazard warning, back up and turn signals .
Do emergency vehicles have horns?
Horns and Warning Devices. While your car is required to have a horn in good operating condition, only emergency vehicles can have sirens . Horns are for warning only and you may be fined if you misuse it.
Do you have to leak proof your fuel system?
All parts of your car's fuel system have to be leak proof and safely fastened to the vehicle. Your engine has to return to idle when you step off the accelerator pedal, along with the required cap for the gas tank.
What is a certified inspector?
Certified Inspector -A person who holds a certificate issued by the Boiler Division in the Bureau of Occupation and Industrial Safety within the Department of Labor and Industry certifying that the person is qualified to inspect unfired pressure vessels.
What is GVWR in PA?
GVWR - Gross Vehicle Weight Rating - The term as defined in 75 Pa.C.S. § 102.
What is a firefighting vehicle?
Firefighting Vehicle - A vehicle used exclusively for fighting fires. The term does not include passenger cars, buses and motorcycles.
What is a Commonwealth inspection station?
Commonwealth Inspection Station - An inspection station appointed to inspect all types of vehicles, space permitted, owned by and engaged exclusively in the performance of the official duties of the Federal Government, the Commonwealth, or a political subdivision of the Commonwealth.
What is the acute area of the windshield?
Acute Area of the Windshield - The center of the critical area on the driver’s side of the vehicle directly in the driver’s normal line of vision 8b1/2 inches wide and 5b1/2 inches high.
What do inspectors check for?
Tires, which must have the appropriate tread depth. In addition to these components, inspectors must also check electrical systems, windshield wipers, fuel systems, the speedometer, exhaust systems, horns, the chassis, warning devices, and the odometer.
How many seat belts are required for each vehicle?
Seat belts, as each vehicle must be equipped with at least two working seat belts;
How many headlamps do you need for a car?
Headlamps, of which each car must have at least two, both of which have proper bulbs that operate at the appropriate voltage;
What happens if you buy a car from a dealer and your car immediately began displaying warning lights?
If you purchased a vehicle from a dealer and your car immediately began displaying warning lights, you may have been the victim of fraud , so you should remain vigilant for the following:
Do used cars need to be inspected in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania Used Car Inspection Requirements. In Pennsylvania, used car dealers are required to conduct thorough inspections of all of their vehicles prior to sale. While some dealers strictly adhere to these rules, others are not so conscientious or law abiding and sell vehicles despite knowing that they wouldn’t pass inspection or ...
Do used car dealers have to provide a certificate of inspection?
Contact a Used Car Fraud Lawyer. Dealers are not only required to provide customers with a certificate proving that a vehicle has received a passing safety inspection, but must also disclose any prior damage.
Do car dealers need to have their vehicles inspected?
Both federal and state law require car dealers to have their vehicles inspected for safety before a sale can be completed. To qualify, these inspections must be conducted by a mechanic who has been registered with the DMV and who can provide a certificate of passing status.
What happens if you fail Pa inspection?
If you fail to complete a mandatory safety inspection, a law enforcement official can compel you to do so – as well as issue a $500 citation for noncompliance.
What is an emission inspection?
Emissions testing determines the level of air pollutants emitted from the exhaust of a motor vehicle. If a vehicle fails the emissions test, repairs must be done and the vehicle retested. Pre-purchase vehicle inspections help you make smarter used car buying decisions.
Do I have to get an emissions test every year?
A: Depending on the vehicle's year and weight, emissions test frequency can vary from 1 to 2 years. Vehicles 1981 and newer that are light duty vehicles (not diesel) will require emissions every 2 years. Vehicles that are 1980 and older, and most vehicles in Tucson, require emissions every year.
Can a car pass inspection with a check engine light on in PA?
If the check engine lightbulb is blown out, your car will fail inspection.
Is PA doing away with emissions testing?
Pa. A slate of bills passed this week by the state Senate could bring sweeping changes to vehicle emissions test requirements in Pennsylvania . The five-bill package would exempt vehicles less than eight years old and eliminate seven counties — including Westmoreland — from the emissions program.
Do all cars need emissions test?
All passenger vehicles model year 1999 and newer must take annual emissions tests. Vehicles failing the emissions test will have 60 days to get repairs and re-inspection.
Can you drive a car that failed inspection in PA?
Emissions testing is the last part of driving a safe vehicle in Pennsylvania. If your vehicle fails the emissions test, you must repair the issue before testing again. If your repairs cost more than $150 you may be eligible for an emissions waiver. Like the safety inspection, emissions tests are valid for one year.