An Annual Checkup- Pennsylvania State Inspection

An Annual Checkup- Pennsylvania State Inspection

Every vehicle owner in Pennsylvania keeps an eye on the sticker in the corner of the windshield, knowing that every year brings an annual ritual: State inspection. With a call to their favorite shop, perhaps the one at 3853 Old Easton Road, an appointment is made and the vehicle goes in to be checked out and deemed roadworthy for another year.

There are many requirements a vehicle needs to meet to earn those stickers. This month, we take a look those rules and regulations.

Safety First!

With few exceptions, every vehicle registered in Pennsylvania undergoes a safety inspection. Heavy trucks and buses require semi-annual inspections while all other vehicles are inspection annually. Motorcycles and scooters also require an inspection, as do trailers that are equipped with brakes and/or above a certain weight rating. Some exceptions include antique/classic cars and other types of vehicles which do not require state inspection but are subject to limitations on use.

Light it Up

All exterior lights have to function. Headlights have to work as both high and low beams. Fog lamps must go off when the high beams are turned on. The backup lights must come on when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. All markers, clearance lights and turn signal must function. In short, if it’s there, it has to work.

In addition to lighting up, all lenses have to be intact. Trailers and larger trucks must have clearance and marker lights to indicate the height and length of the vehicle. The requirements for these lights are based on the length, width and height of the vehicle.

There are also regulations about the type and function of add-on lights. It’s best to check the rules before installing additional lights above, below or inside the vehicle.

Look Inside

All vehicles must have a functioning speedometer. Vehicle less than 25 years old must have a functioning odometer. The horn must work and be audible for a distance of 200 feet.

Each seat must have an intact and functioning seat belt. The driver’s seat back must be securely attached to the seat and the seat must be securely fastened to the floor. No lawn chairs or buckets!

Down Below

Brakes and tires immediately come to mind when discussing the state inspection and for good reason. Sliding around on the road or being unable to stop is not safe for either the driver or those they are sharing the road with.

Brake thickness and tire tread are measured in 32” increments. A tire cannot have less than 2/32” of tread remaining. Tires also must be free of bulges, cuts or separation in the tread. They cannot have exposed steel cords. The wheel the tire is mounted to cannot be cracked or broken. Tires must be of the same size on an axle and need to be at or above the load rating assigned by the vehicle manufacturer.

The minimum thickness for a brake pad is also 2/32”. Regardless of thickness, the brake pad cannot be cracked, damaged or contaminated in any way. The brake rotor must be above the thickness indicated in the service information for the vehicle. Brake lines and components cannot be leaking or damaged.

Steering and Suspension

The suspension guidelines cover the condition of the shocks, struts and springs. Shocks and struts must not bounce excessively and cannot be leaking. Springs cannot be broken or intentionally cut. Lift kits and wheel spacers are subject to limitations as well.

Steering components are checked for condition and excess movement. Ball joints and steering linkage are checked and measured for play. Any play must be within the limits set by the state requirements or the vehicle manufacturer. The steering must also move without binding or interference. This includes oversized tires rubbing against the body when turning.

Mufflers and Pipes

Truck exhaust is one of the more frequently asked questions in regards to state inspection. The exhaust has to exit to the outside of the vehicle. For instance, the tailpipe cannot extend only beyond the cab and stop under the bed. Wherever it is routed, on any vehicle, the exhaust system must be securely fastened to the vehicle and free of leaks.

Also, please refrain from using dryer vents, soda cans and ductwork for pipe repairs. They make for good stories but not good vehicle exhaust.

Glass & Wipers

All glass in a vehicle must be present, unbroken and made of safety glass. There are limits as to the size and placement of stickers, signs and sunshades on each window and windshield. Pennsylvania has laws about window tint but these are enforced by police and are not part of safety inspection.

Windshield wipers and washers must function and clean the window sufficiently. The blades cannot be torn or missing.

Much, Much More

The rules listed above are by no means exhaustive. The state inspection code covers many dozens of pages. Bulletins are issued periodically by the state to provide updates and clarification and there are resources you can review to learn more specifics.. If you have a question about a project, repair or other inspection item you can give us a call, send an email or stop in to talk about it. We’d love to help you out!