Such test must be on a dry, hard, level surface, free from loose material (indoors or outdoors) or with approved brake testing equipment set to approved specifications. Parking brake is not mechanically activated. The ratchet and pawl or other automatic locking device does not hold the brake position or cannot be properly released. at least two amber directional signals (Not required on trailers), at least two red or amber directional signals, at least two red stop lamps (1971 or older models, red or amber), at least one white backup lamp (1969 and newer) (Not required on trailers). At least one front axle wheel must be removed for brake inspection. 1952 and older model vehicles: REAR: at least one red tail lamp (v) Chassis/frame or primary uni-body member is cracked or broken. Visually inspect for broken or missing shocks and any loose or broken mounting brackets and bolts. Common traffic law violations in New York. This question is really subjective to where you live. The law states that the lights on a vehicle are to work at all times. (iii) Chassis/frame or primary uni-body member is severely rusted at suspension attachment points. The following are the only lights that must be inspected: Traffic hazard warning lights (four-way flashers). Master cylinder leaks or reservoir is not full to its designed capacity. In Texas, headlights, taillights, stop lights, rear reflectors, directionals and license plate lights are all inspected. If they are broken, drivers are permitted to remove them prior to the inspection. Inspection processes and rules for car, private bus and light commercial vehicle (class 3, 4, 5 and 7 vehicle) MOT tests. There are substantial cracks on the friction surface extending to open edge. I didn’t even notice it until they pointed it out. So, I replaced the tail light. Visually inspect for restricted usage marking on tires. Inspect wheel cylinders and calipers for leakage. A leaking shock absorber or MacPherson strut is not cause for rejection. Inspection laws vary by state. Vehicles equipped with multiple LED lights (not filament-burning bulbs) will pass a safety inspection if more than 50% of the diode lights are burning. On 1998 and newer models, inspect the inflatable restraint system readiness indicator light (air bag warning light). Tire is marked "not for highway use," "for farm use only," "for racing use only," "for temporary use only," or other markings having like meaning or the tire size designation is preceded by a "T.". Parking or holding brake will not hold the vehicle stationary with engine running at a slightly accelerated speed with shift lever in drive position for automatic transmission or shift lever in low gear while engaging the clutch on a standard transmission. Every vehicle must be tested for brake equalization after a complete inspection has been performed. Inspect windshield and other windows for cracks or sharp edges. Inspect for satisfactory operation and condition of wiper blades. The red tape you mentioned is not an approved repair for tail light lens by the state of Texas. The Check Engine light is malfunctioning. The tail light had been broken, and it won't pass. Lamps do not operate properly in all switch positions. If you have a cracked headlight or taillight, be warned that it won't pass inspection. A simple repair with a few tools and materials will do just fine. In addition, most vehicles are subject to an emissions inspection to help reduce air pollution.A properly maintained vehicle is safer, performs better, uses fuel more (b) Any lens is missing, broken (piece missing), or has a crack that results in an opening or improperly fit so that light is being emitted. Any exterior headlamps, spotlights, fog lights, etc., added to those originally placed on the vehicle by the manufacturer must be operated on a switch or switches separate from the headlamp switch. Even if you reside in a state that does not conduct safety inspections, be sure your lights are in good working order for safety on the road. It is mandatory for a vehicle to pass an ins… The car must have two headlights. Vehicle is not equipped with at least one horn which shall produce a sound sufficiently loud to serve as a danger warning. She owns her own content marketing agency, Wordsmyth Creative Content Marketing (www.wordsmythcontent.com) and enjoys writing legal articles and blogs for clients in related industries. Windshield And Other Glass Must Pass Inspection A vehicle will fail inspection if it has a crack of 11 inches or longer in the area of the windshield cleared by the wipers is not permitted. Inspect all tires mounted on vehicles (do not inspect spare tire). License Plate Lights – 10% Brake Lights – 9% Backup Lights – 3% Side Marker Lights – 3% Turn Signal Lights – 3% Parking Lights/Tail Lights – 3% Dash Indicator Lights – 2%. There is excessive wear and/or looseness in any of the following parts: wheel bearings, upper and lower cross shaft and bushing, upper and lower outer pins and bushings, idler arm, center control arms, tie rod ends, drag link ends, steering and pitman arms, gear box mounting, rack and pinion mounting, steering column mounting or steering wheel shaft mounting; the coupler or universal between gear box and steering column is frayed or cracked; the adjustable column lock or latch does not hold column securely; the steering or shock damper displays visible leakage or is missing or broken. Is it legal to drive with one of your tail lights out? Not equipped with a high-mounted stop lamp on the vertical centerline. Lens has piece broken from it or does not fit properly. Many state guidelines specifically mention that all lights requiring inspection must be clean, intact, unobstructed and free from cracks. Visually inspect only the following for proper operation and condition: Lamps are not securely mounted or do not produce a steady light with switch on or brake applied. (c) 1970 and newer model not equipped with an adjustable interior mirror in addition to the left outside mirror, unless the vehicle is equipped with dual outside mirrors. Laws regarding state inspections are highly specific to the state in which you reside. It’s easy to see that taking a few minutes to check that all of your lights are operational is well worth the effort. All linings and pads Inspect for broken or cracked linings and parts of linings not firmly attached to their mounting. if you fail inspection you have 60 days to get the light fixed. In many states, your vehicle is required to pass an inspection on a regular basis that goes beyond emissions testing. Lamps are not of an approved type, or any lens is broken, missing, or improperly fit so that light is emitted without passing through the lens. With front tires in straight ahead position, turn steering wheel until motion can be detected at the front tires. Inspect hoses and lines for leaks, cracks, chafing, flattened or restricted section and improper support. Light truck—A truck having a … In addition to the lighting required in paragraph 2 of this subdivision, vehicles 80″ or more in width must have the following: Lamps are not securely mounted or do not produce a steady light with switch on or brake applied. The items in the following list are not a required part of a safety inspection for light-duty and medium-duty vehicles. (ii) Any axle or front end assembly is bent or twisted. The vehicle fails to make straight stop without significant wheel pull. If the light is on when you come in for inspection, the vehicle will fail the test. Now apply the film on any crack or hole. cracked lower headlight? Will my Car pass inspection if my tail light cover is broken? Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. If a tire obviously has the required tread depth, it is not necessary to use the tread depth gauge. It is up to the discretion of each state which lights they choose to inspect. On vehicles equipped with power brakes the engine should be running. (d) Any part of the windshield below the top 6 inches allows less than 70% visible light transmittance. With engine stopped apply brakes several times to deplete power assist in system. Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is responsible for the registration of the vehicle. You can override the daytime running lights and still pass an inspection. (a) Any part of the windshield below the top 6 inches allows less than 35% visible light transmittance. Find out on this episode of You Auto-Know. Entire assembly must be replaced. 6. Brake pedal does not fall slightly under force when engine starts. The inspector will also check if all other windows have safety glass or … While some of the items are illegal equipment, the inspection station is not required to inspect the items. Vehicle is not equipped with the number of wipers with which it was originally equipped. REGULATIONS OF THE COMMISSIONER, SUBCHAPTER F. BUSINESSES REQUIRING LICENSES. In other states, such as Pennsylvania, fog lights are not a required part of a vehicle’s assembly. Answer — Good question Ray! Advise customer if tire pressure is not within range recommended by vehicle manufacturer. No? Visually inspect chassis/frame or primary uni-body member for general condition. (vii) Any motorized belt does not release when the door is opened and the ignition is turned off. Pedal reserve is less than ⅓ of the possible travel or less than the manufacturer's specification. Your car must have two red, rear reflectors. However, an inspector may remove as many wheels as necessary to determine the condition of the braking system. However, if lights are sealed with epoxy so that they are waterproof, they might pass. Also inspect for contamination. (vi) Any motorized belt does not activate when the front door is closed and the ignition is turned on. (ii) Any seat belt is pulled out of its anchors or was not anchored at the start of the inspection. Danielle Smyth is a writer and content marketer from upstate New York. Other States may not be that harsh. Depress brake pedal and while maintaining force, start engine. Welcome to Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair! Stop lamp is not of an approved type, is not securely mounted, does not function when brake is applied, has a broken lens allowing white light to be visible from the rear of the vehicle, or has any material such as tape, cellophane or plastic on or over the lens. I have a salvage titled vehicle. In most cases, a broken tail light will not pass inspection. Inspect windshield and other windows on vehicle for presence of approved safety glazing. © 2021 Thomson Reuters. There is a crack more than 11 inches long, any part of which extends into the path of the windshield wiper(s). Any wiper blade has dead, torn or badly worn rubber or if material other than the rubber wiper blade comes in contact with windshield. There is evidence of mechanical damage other than wear. (d) Truck-tractor does not have both a left and right outside rear view mirror. (a) 1967 and older model not equipped with at least one mirror, either an interior or left outside mirror. Every 1935 or newer vehicle must be equipped with a windshield, except trailers. The quoted us a … (Identify location of wheel removed on VS-1074 if you use this form, or on the appropriate CVIS when prompted.) (g) Inspect the rear window of any vehicle that is not equipped with dual outside rearview mirrors for proper visible light transmittance. For instance, in New York, license plate lights are also inspected. (c) Any part of the rear window allows less than 35% visible light transmittance. This is a feature to the vehicle so the driver does not have to turn on the vehicle lights. If friction surface is contaminated with oil or grease or there is metal-to-metal contact. I have a car that won't pass inspection. The use of adhesive or tape to repair lights is not permitted. In New York, for instance, fog lights are not checked when you bring in the vehicle for inspection. Any filament in headlamp unit fails to light properly. (b) Any lens is missing, broken (piece missing), or has a crack that results in an opening or improperly fit so that light is being emitted. (d) Any lens has been repaired with unapproved material. The inspectors will check to see that your license plate lamp properly illuminates your plate. Inspect reflecting surface for any cracks, breaks or discoloration. Hoses or lines leak, or are cracked, flattened or are insecurely fastened, copper tubing or compression fittings are used. Headlights, taillights, hazard lights, brake lights and directional lights are typically included in this inspection, but regulations vary by state. 1987 and newer passenger cars must be equipped with a high-mounted stop lamp on the vertical centerline, except those with custom as the make of the vehicle. In Virginia (in the States) where I live, if you have a crack in the tail light, you have to replace it. (If vehicle has an exterior indicator lamp only, check for proper operation.). Inspect for number and condition of wheel fasteners. (iii) 1969 or newer model, not equipped with at least one safety belt for each passenger seat position. Tail Light Inspection. Vehicle is not equipped with a windshield. DPS, on the other hand, handles the inspection module in Texas. However, if lights are sealed with epoxy so that they are waterproof, they might pass. Apply brakes, using normal foot pressure. Start by removing the part you want to fix. Where minor problems are present, the inspector should caution the owner to … (d) Inspect the windshield for proper visible light transmittance. The items are 1. bumpers 2. fog lights 3. studded snow tires (tires must pass other inspection standards) 4. rear window defogger or rear window defroster 5. rear w… Any “star” larger than three inches in diameter is located in any area of the windshield. If a 1962 or older vehicle is not originally equipped with parking brake, disregard this procedure. (f) Any mirror cannot be properly adjusted to provide a clear and full view of the rear. Tire has any portion of the ply or cord structure exposed. Distortion or scoring impairs the braking system. Step 1: Removing the part you want to fix. However, the tires must be inspected for the required tread depth and restricted usages. (v) Any automatic adjuster does not recoil. In most cases, a broken tail light will not pass inspection. Riveted linings Inspect for loose or missing rivets. Interior indicator lamp does not function properly. Friction material is broken, cracked or not firmly and completely attached to its mounting. It was recently backed into a pole and the driver tail light now has a small crack in the corner and is loose. – Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2 ♦ Jan 28 '18 at 19:39 If you have a cracked tail light cover, you do not need to replace it. Examine means by which parking brake works. The Check Engine light … Any 1935 or newer model year vehicle is not equipped with approved safety glass or rigid plastic, if plastic is used, with an AS-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -10 or -11 rating in any rear window on a convertible, pickup truck or light-duty truck. (i) 1965 to 1968 models, not equipped with at least two safety belts for the front seat. ​Read More:​ How to Fight an Inspection Sticker Ticket. Windshield or other window is broken or has exposed sharp or jagged edges. Inspect for power steering operation, leakage and condition of belts. Additional safety inspection requirements for all motor vehicles and trailers, except semi-trailers, that have a MGW, as indicated on the vehicle registration certificate, over 10,000 pounds and under 18,001 pounds, except when the registrant requests a heavy vehicle inspection, may be found in section 79.23 of this Part. Inspect for contaminated friction surface. Read on to learn how to fix a broken tail light at home. Regardless of the local laws, it is safer for everyone on the road, including yourself, if all the lights on your vehicle work properly. In most cases, a broken tail light will not pass inspection. Nevertheless, they said it might not pass inspection next time we bring it in, depending on how nit-picky the inspector is. (e) There is no left and right outside mirror on a vehicle with a permanent obstruction of the rear window. It works but the cover has a crack in it.? She holds a Master of Science in Publishing from Pace University. For Cars and Light TrucksThe New York State vehicle safety inspection program helps make sure every vehicle registered in this state meets the minimum standards for safe operation on public streets and highways. Measure free play at steering wheel. Brake pedal does not hold its position for at least 60 seconds without fading. On 1998 and newer models advise the motorist on the invoice or inspection receipt if the warning light does not illuminate, or indicates a problem in the restraint system by remaining illuminated with the engine running. All must be inspected. A star is considered to be a bruise from which multiple cracks extend, such as a “stone bruise,” shot, etc. You must have two red stop lights on your car, and they must be visible from a range of 300 feet. Can … Use of the gauge is only required when tread depth is questionable and a reading must be obtained to determine whether or not the tire must be rejected. Friction surface is contaminated with oil, grease, or brake fluid. With vehicle raised, visually inspect steering linkage and front end components for excessive wear and/or looseness. It’s a noticeable crack, but the light works fine and it is in no danger of falling apart or anything. However, running daytime lights are designed to come on when the visibility is lower than 65% outside. NOTE: Replacement tail lamps, commonly sold as "clear" tail lamps or "Euro-Tail" lamps will not pass inspection if the red lamps are replaced with clear ones. Tire has visible bumps, bulges or knots indicating partial failure or separation of the tire structure. (iv) Bolts or rivets are loose, missing or in a deteriorated condition due to rust. This section comprises the safety inspection or the safety portion of a safety and emissions inspection for all motor vehicles that have a seating capacity, as indicated on the vehicle registration certificate, under 15 passengers, all motor vehicles and trailers that have a MGW, as indicated on the vehicle registration certificate, under 18,001 pounds, except: motorcycles; those motor vehicles and trailers that have a MGW, as indicated on the vehicle registration certificate, over 10,000 pounds and under 18,001 pounds, when the registrant requests a heavy vehicle inspection; and semi-trailers. Inspect for mechanical damage. However, if lights are sealed with epoxy so that they are waterproof, they might pass. Every tire manufactured for highway use will be labeled with one symbol DOT which indicates that the tire conforms to the applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Lights can be moved easily by hand due to a broken fender or loose support, or if a good ground is not made by mounting. In lieu of inspecting headlamps and tail lamps on a vehicle registered as “Historical,” and bearing Historical plates, you may accept a Form VS-18 affidavit from the owner or operator certifying that the vehicle is only operated during the daylight hours. The vehicle’s on-board diagnostic system reports a failure or problem with an emissions related component or sensor. Not properly equipped with a traffic hazard warning device which operates independently of ignition or directional signal switches. (d) Steering, suspension, front end and chassis/frame. (iii) Any seat belt unbuckles when tugged. Inspect for any ply or cord structure that is exposed. (f) Any part of any side window to the rear of the driver’s seating position on any vehicle classified as “Passenger Car” on the FMVSS certification label allows less than 70% visible light transmittance. Well, correction, it passed last year, but the garage didn't tell me it should have failed so I would have had a YEAR to fix this. Do not reject. (b) Any part of the window allows less than 35% visible light transmittance. If so, will I be able to pass inspection with the tape on the lens? If you have a cracked headlight or taillight, be warned that it won’t pass inspection. Inspect mirrors for proper location and mounting. (c) Vehicle is not equipped with minimum lighting requirements for its model year. If there is a problem, the “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” light may be on. In many states, a vehicle won't pass inspection if certain lights do not work, as they are needed in dark, rainy or foggy weather. One amber identification lamp (three-lamp cluster) (Not required on trailers), One red identification lamp (three-lamp cluster). Check seat belt function by buckling seat belts, tugging on them and unbuckling them. Similarly, in Virginia, fog lamps are not required, but the state’s laws require that if they are installed, they must be fully functioning. (d) Any lens has been repaired with unapproved material. When multiple bulbs were original equipment, all must be present and operational. Inspect general condition of springs and torsion bars. | NY VTL Laws. Cable(s) are visibly frayed or frozen, or there are missing or defective cotter pins or broken or missing retracting springs or worn rods or couplings. Shock absorbers are missing on a vehicle originally equipped with them or are broken. Every car needs to have two red tail lights visible from 1,000 feet. Inspect for presence of horn and operation. 4. Non-operational tail lights; Non-operational stop lights ... the “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” light may be on. Instead, I am 2 months late on my inspection. Flat serpentine belt(s) - is "chunking" (ribs missing) in the micro V area, flat outer surface is cracked, belt is fraying. (b) Inspect all side windows adjacent to or forward of the driver’s seating position for proper visible light transmittance. Light assembly: Headlight or taillight assembly’s (plastic housing the light is encased) cannot have damage or cracks larger than a quarter. (Not required on trailers). Visually inspect components of the braking system. Few items on the state’s inspection checklist result in a flat pass or fail grade, but the presence of a rust hole can alert auto inspectors to check other areas of the car for problems. Any leak is found in any fuel system, tank or lines to such a degree as to cause dripping or pooling of fuel. Bulb- or hand-operated horn is acceptable if vehicle was originally equipped with such. If the casing is cracked but the marker light still functions, they may not notice or care. Lamps do not operate properly in all switch positions. There is any tightness, binding or interference when turning the steering wheel completely to the right or left. The film works on a smooth surface, only. Inspect for audible or visual sign from disc brake wear sensors, if vehicle is so equipped. Inspect master cylinder for leakage and reservoir fluid level. Some states, like Massachusetts, permit this, while others, like Virginia, do not. Anyhoo. And if you do fail, you have a month to get it fixed, and re-inspection is free. (f) Inspect all side windows to the rear of the driver’s seating position on any vehicle classified as “Passenger Car” on the FMVSS certification label for proper visible light transmittance. Set the parking brake firmly. Some states, like Massachusetts, permit this, while others, like Virginia, do not.