Virginia Drivers are Required to Get Annual Safety Inspections
Do you know that Virginia drivers are required to get safety inspections for their vehicles at least once a year? If you’re a new driver, or a new resident of the state of Virginia, you might not have known that. But if you live in Virginia and own a vehicle, the state requires annual safety inspections to keep your vehicle roadworthy. Are you unsure of when you need to have a safety inspection? You can find the date on a sticker at the bottom left-hand corner of your windshield.
Virginia’s Safety Inspection Law is Still in Effect
There has been debate in the last couple of years within Virginia about the state doing away with safety inspections. In fact, early in 2020, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced plans to eliminate the state’s motor vehicle safety inspection program. But Virginia upheld the safety inspection law later in the year. Here’s the Virginia law for safety inspections:
“The owner or operator of any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer registered in Virginia and operated or parked on a highway within the Commonwealth shall submit his vehicle to an inspection of its mechanism and equipment by an official inspection station, designated for that purpose, in accordance with § 46.2-1158. No owner or operator shall fail to submit a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer operated or parked on the highways in the Commonwealth to such inspection or fail or refuse to correct or have corrected in accordance with the requirements of this title any mechanical defects found by such inspection to exist.”
Code of Virginia Code – Article 21. Safety Inspections
We Have Friendly Service and an Affordable Inspection Rate
At Bass Transmissions & Automotive Repair., we know safety inspections can be worrisome for some. Waiting for someone to inspect your car, truck, SUV, minivan, or van is not something you like to do. Owners of older vehicles can especially dread safety inspections. But thanks to our friendly service and affordable inspection rate, you will be glad that you made the appointment. Before you arrive for your safety inspection appointment, make sure you have all the needed forms. Be sure to bring your proof of insurance and your vehicle registration.
Minor Issues Can Cause Your Vehicle to Fail Inspection
You might be concerned about what the inspector might find during the safety inspection. If the inspection turns up something minor, the inspector will explain what we need to replace so that your vehicle passes inspection. Our technician will replace the part, or we can order what the vehicle needs, and schedule you for another day. We don’t do emissions inspecting. Sometimes, a major problem causes the vehicle to fail the safety inspection. That will lead to a hard choice – make the necessary repairs or not drive the vehicle anymore.
Inspectors Go Through a Checklist During Inspection
So, what actually does the inspector look for during a Virginia safety inspection? State safety inspectors run through a checklist of items that they assess in your vehicle. These inspections are also a time for drivers to get parts of their car fixed. That could include lights, check-engine light issues, and other parts of your car that keep it functional. The inspector will check out the suspension, steering, brake system, vehicle body, chassis, and more. Some of the areas that the inspector will check include:
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brake System
- Exhaust System
- Vehicle Body
- Chassis
- Tires and Wheels
- Lights and Electrical System
- Glazing
- Mirrors
- Windshield
- Fuel System
- Speedometer/Odometer
- Horn and Other Warning Devices
- Hood Latch
- Seats
- Seat Belts
- Doors
- Floor Pan
Make Your Appointment Weeks in Advance of the Inspection
When it’s time for your annual safety inspection, don’t wait until the end of the inspection month. Bass Transmissions & Automotive Repair recommends making the appointment a few weeks in advance. At the end of each month, shops like ours get busy. Other vehicle owners also try to squeeze in their appointment at the end of the month. You don’t want the police to catch you with an overdue inspection. So plan ahead. Make the appointment as soon as possible.
Be Proactive with Repairs Before Your Inspection
There are things you can do before you bring your vehicle into Bass Transmissions & Automotive Repair. Check your tires’ tread, depth, and condition. See if your headlights, turn signals, and brake lights are working. If you have a crack in the windshield, repair or replace it. If your windshield wiper blades are worn or making loud sounds during operation, replace them. When your brakes malfunction, contact Bass Transmissions & Automotive Repair as soon as possible.
Know The Rules About Virginia Safety Inspections
If you have moved to Virginia recently from a state that doesn’t require an inspection, you will need a safety inspection. If your vehicle has a legal inspection sticker from another state, you won’t need another inspection until the expiration date. If you have any question about safety inspections, you can call and ask our friendly employees at Bass Transmissions & Automotive Repair.
Call Bass Transmissions & Automotive Repair in Roanoke, VA, at (540) 345-8871 or follow us on Facebook for updates. We proudly serve vehicle owners throughout the Roanoke Valley. Reach out today for us for safety inspections.
