Virginia State Inspection
VIRGINIA STATE INSPECTION CHECK LIST
The following is a list of items that you can check at home before you come in for your inspection. The first thing the inspector must do is scrape your current inspection sticker from your windshield. Checking these items will save you time and the hassle of getting a rejection sticker. The cost of any sticker, approval or rejection is $20.00 for passenger vehicles, $12.00 for motorcycles and $51.00 for tractor trucks, any truck with a GVW of 26,000 lbs. or more or a motor vehicle that is used to transport passengers and has a seating capacity of more than 15 passengers, including the driver. If you have received a prior rejection and return within 15 days with the problems corrected a approval sticker will be issued at the cost of $1.00. For more information visit the Virginia State Police website.
- Check your drivers window. It must go up and down on its own to pass.
- Listen for any loud or unusual sounds coming from your vehicle, you may want to schedule an appointment to have it checked out before your inspection.
- Check the condition of your tires. Check inside and outside wear, or cracking caused by dry rot. Use a penny to check the tread. If you can see Lincoln's head, your tires are probably too low on tread and will most likely fail.
- Check your lights. Every bulb on the outside of the vehicle must work. Make sure to check the license plate light. These bulbs are often overlooked. If any light has 2 or more bulbs, they all must work.
- Check your mirrors. Make sure the mirror glass is not chipped or broken. Missing mirrors will also cause your vehicle to be rejected.
- Check your windshield, wiper blades and defrost. The windshield should be clear of cracks. If in doubt, stop by and an inspector will gladly advise you. The defrost must work and the wiper blades must be working properly.
- Check your dashboard for any warning lights. If your air bag, SRS, or red brake light is on you will not pass inspection. Make an appointment and we will be glad to diagnose and repair the issue.
- Check your horn. Honk it! If it works and it's loud, you should be good to go.
After you have checked the most visible things, this is a list of other things the inspector will check for.
- Inspect the brakes
- Inspect the parking brake
- Inspect the vehicle lights
- Inspect the signal devices
- Inspect the steering & suspension
- Inspect the tires, wheels and rims
- Inspect the mirrors
- Inspect the horn
- Inspect the windshield
- Inspect the windshield wipers and defroster
- Inspect the exhaust system
- Inspect the rear license plate for illumination
- Inspect the hood and under the hood
- Inspect the air pollution control system
- Inspect the drivers seat
- Inspect the seat belts
- Inspect air bag and airbag readiness light
- Inspect the doors
- Inspect the fuel system
- Inspect the floor pan
If everything is approved a sticker will be given. If any issues are found, they must be corrected and reinspected within 15 days to qualify for the $1.00 reinspect.