There is no road trip like a U.S. road trip. There is just something exhilarating about packing the car and hitting the remaining parts of Route 66 or heading down to the coast on a whim. A 2022 study shows that nearly four in 10 Americans share this sentiment, stating they were taking a road trip that year.
Most people see a road trip as an opportunity to express themselves and their freedom on the open road. However, with this freedom comes a responsibility to passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. This responsibility equals regular vehicle inspections to ensure that all cars on the road are safe and roadworthy.
There are only 13 states that do not require mandatory vehicle inspections. The others require annual or biennial inspections, with some exceptions for older or newer vehicles.
This also means that by law, some inspections are only valid for 12 or 24 months. For example, Illinois car inspections remain valid for two years, while Hawaii inspections remain valid for one year.
The following is an overview of what you need to know about vehicle inspections in the U.S. to ensure you comply with overall requirements.
Why are Vehicle Inspections Important?
The process of a vehicle inspection is self-explanatory. Regularly inspected vehicles help create safer roads. This is because an inspection can identify defects and problems before they cause a major breakdown or worse, a fatal accident.
Inspections cover brakes, headlights, emission systems, and more. When any of these are faulty, they can create a hazard on the road. If inspectors catch these issues early, they can warn the car owner that repairs are in order.
What Do Vehicle Inspections Entail?
Vehicle inspections in America are always backed by regulations. These regulations differ by state because the U.S. allows each state to set policies regarding vehicle inspections. This means that inspection requirements may vary in your state, depending on which area you live.
Overall, there are two types of inspections to consider. The first one is a safety inspection focused on checking safety systems like brakes, steering racks, lights, tires, and airbags. This inspection is necessary to ensure that your car meets the minimum safety standards before you can drive on a public road.
The second inspection focuses on emissions. During an emissions inspection, the pollutants your vehicle releases are measured to ensure it complies with federal regulations. Emissions inspections aim to reduce air pollution throughout the U.S. and improve air quality.
Understanding Your State’s Vehicle Inspection Requirements
How often your vehicle needs an inspection depends on where you live. If you live in Alaska, Montana, Florida, or Washington, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected. The other states that do not require vehicle inspections are Arkansas, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Dakota, South Dakota, South Carolina, and Wyoming.
An inspector must inspect your car regularly if you do not live in one of these states. If you are unsure of your state’s requirements, you need to research the following information:
The type of inspection required: Some states only require emissions inspections, while others require a safety and emissions check.
Frequency of inspections: Depending on your state, you must go for a vehicle inspection every year, every two years, or when you renew your registration.
You can find the information you need on your state’s DMV website. These websites usually include dedicated pages and sections on required inspections, frequency, fees, and where to find inspection stations.
How to Prepare for a Vehicle Inspection
You will likely have to schedule an inspection appointment for your car, as most stations do not accept walk-ins. Take your vehicle registration and proof of insurance along for the inspection. You can also take proof of previous inspections with you.
Before you go for an inspection, you can do some basic vehicle checks to find potential issues. This may include tread wear and tire pressure, faulty lights, and leaks. If you find issues, get them fixed before the inspection. Otherwise, your vehicle may fail the inspection test.
What Happens During a Vehicle Inspection?
The vehicle inspection process varies according to state regulations and the type of inspection. The general steps include a visual inspection by an inspector. The inspector will check your car for damage or safety hazards. They will also check whether your car components work (brakes, horn, lights, etc.).
Furthermore, the inspector will check engine oil and brake fluid levels. If an emissions test is in order, the inspector will check your car’s emissions to ensure they comply with regulations. At the end of the inspection, the inspector will hand you a report with the results. If your car passes the inspection, you will get a sticker or certificate proving it meets inspection standards.
If your car fails the inspection, the inspector will let you know which issues you need to get fixed. After fixing them, you must have your car re-inspected (usually within a set timeframe) to replace the initial ‘reject sticker.’
Vehicle Maintenance Goes Beyond a Routine Inspection
Just because your car passes the inspection does not mean other issues will not crop up soon after. A vehicle inspection indicates your car’s health on that specific day.
This is why it is crucial to maintain your car in between inspections. Follow your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule, and never ignore the warning lights on the dashboard. If you can afford it, invest in preventative maintenance to extend the life of your car.
Owning a Car Means Committing to Vehicle Safety
Vehicle inspections form a huge part of ensuring safe driving conditions on U.S. roads. You must understand your state’s inspection requirements and maintain your car to stay safe on the road and keep others safe.
Moreover, regular inspections can help prevent an accident for which you may be liable. These inspections will even prevent you from being fined for an unroadworthy vehicle. So, look after your vehicle, and it will continue to look after you when you hit the open road for your next adventure.