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Virginia State Car Inspection Checklist

Virginia State Car Inspection Checklist

Inspection Checklists
100 Items
Complete Virginia vehicle inspection checklist covering brakes, lights, tires, steering, mirrors, exhaust, and safety restraints for certification.

Virginia State Car Inspection Checklist

Ensure your car meets Virginia’s safety standards with this comprehensive inspection checklist. It includes detailed checks for brakes, tires, lights, steering, mirrors, horn, exhaust, windshield wipers, and seat belts. Following this guide helps you prepare for the official state inspection, avoid penalties, and keep your vehicle safe and roadworthy throughout the year.

1. Inspection Preparation & Documentation

1Remove old inspection sticker before evaluation.
2Verify the vehicle is driven into the inspection lane properly.
3Confirm inspector is certified and station is authorized.
4Check required manuals (safety inspection manual) and reference materials are available.
5Ensure adequate lighting and work area cleanliness.
6Inspect vehicle identification and registration documents.
7Confirm vehicle make, model, year, and class are properly documented.
8Note any prior inspection rejection items.
9Photograph or note current condition (if required by station).
10Record inspection date and inspector ID.

2. Brakes & Parking Brake

1Inspect brake linings, pads, drums, rotors for wear, damage, or contamination.
2Check for leaks in brake lines and system fluid levels.
3Verify parking brake condition and proper adjustment.
4Test braking performance on at least two wheels (drums/discs).
5Ensure there is no excessive pedal travel or sponginess.
6Check brake hardware (springs, clips) is present and secure.
7Verify brake balance between left and right wheels.
8Inspect for corrosion or damage to brake components.
9Check that ABS warning light (if equipped) is not indicating a fault.
10Confirm no worn or broken mounting points in brake assemblies.

3. Lights & Signal Devices

1Inspect headlights (low beam & high beam) for correct type, aim, brightness, and condition.
2Check tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights for proper operation and lens condition.
3Verify reverse lights and license plate illumination lights.
4Check wiring, switches, connectors for damage or corrosion.
5Verify color of lenses meets regulation (e.g. red, amber, white).
6Inspect fog lights or auxiliary lights (if fitted).
7Confirm proper illumination (no burnt out bulbs).
8Test the high beam indicator on dashboard.
9Ensure covered lights (e.g. tinted lenses) don't violate visibility rules.
10Check for proper aiming of beams (not blinding).

4. Steering & Suspension

1With front end raised, inspect ball joints, tie rods, kingpins for excessive wear or play.
2Check for looseness in steering linkage and gear box mounting.
3Inspect shocks and struts for leaks, damage or poor damping.
4Verify suspension springs, shackles, mounts are intact, not cracked or broken.
5Check for frame damage, cracks, or weakened areas.
6Inspect wheel alignment and axle alignment indicators.
7Check that lift blocks (if present) are safely installed.
8Confirm there is no interference or contact between suspension parts.
9Inspect engine mounts for cracks or deterioration.
10Check for leaks in power steering system and play in steering wheel.

5. Tires, Wheels & Rims

1Confirm adequate tread depth (minimum acceptable depth).
2Inspect for cuts, bulges, dry rot, or sidewall damage.
3Ensure tire types are compatible (no mixing of radial and bias‐ply where disallowed).
4Check rim condition: cracks, bends, corrosion.
5Verify proper tire inflation.
6Inspect lug nuts for tightness and condition.
7Check wheel bearings for play or noise.
8Confirm wheel alignment as needed.
9Inspect spare tire (if required) for condition.
10Ensure wheels are securely attached and free of loose parts.

6. Mirrors, Horn, & Glass

1Inspect rearview and side mirrors – mounting rigidity, cracked or damaged surfaces.
2Confirm mirrors give rear visibility of at least 200 feet.
3Test the horn: wiring, mounting, and audible range (≥ 200 feet).
4Inspect windshield and all other glass for cracks, chips, distortion.
5Ensure unauthorized stickers are removed or within permitted limits.
6Check that sun shading film (if any) meets allowable limits below AS-1 line.
7Test windshield wipers and washer operation.
8Verify defroster (front & rear) operation.
9Check that side windows (especially left front) roll up/down properly.
10Inspect window seals for leaks or damage.

7. Exhaust, Fuel & Emissions Systems

1Inspect exhaust pipes, manifold, muffler, connections for leaks, holes, or rust damage.
2Confirm no leakage of exhaust gases (especially near passenger compartment).
3Check that exhaust hangers and mounting points are secure.
4Verify catalytic converter and emissions control components are present (if required).
5Inspect fuel lines and connections for leaks or damage.
6Check the fuel cap is present and seals properly.
7Ensure evaporation control systems (if equipped) are intact.
8For OBD-equipped vehicles, check absence of emission fault codes.
9Confirm fuel system vapor sealing.
10Inspect for any tampering or removal of required emission components.

8. Safety Restraints, Doors & Structure

1Check seat belts for proper operation, anchorage, and condition (no frays, cuts).
2Inspect airbags / airbag readiness (SRS warning light).
3Verify door latches, hinges, locks (all doors, hood, trunk) operate properly.
4Ensure doors close securely and remain latched.
5Inspect the floor pan for holes or corrosion letting exhaust into cabin.
6Examine structural integrity of the frame and body mount points.
7Test the hood latch and mechanism.
8Check that the driver's seat is firmly mounted.
9Confirm child restraint anchorage (if required).
10Verify trunk or rear door seal condition.

9. Hood, Engine Bay & Fluid Levels

1Ensure the hood latch works and hood stays secured during driving.
2Inspect belts (serpentine, timing) in good condition, proper tension.
3Check fluid levels: brake, power steering, coolant, windshield washer, engine oil.
4Inspect for leaks of oil, coolant, power steering fluid.
5Confirm no cracks or damage in hoses.
6Check battery terminals, connections, and hold-downs.
7Inspect engine mounts for damage or looseness.
8Ensure emission control components (EGR, PCV, etc.) are present if required.
9Check air intake and filter condition.
10Examine wiring and connectors in engine bay for damage or corrosion.

10. Final Checks & Inspection Outcome

1Confirm all failed items are documented clearly in the inspection report.
2Re-check any repairs or replacements done during the inspection session.
3Ensure reinspection (if needed) is completed within 15 days.
4Issue approval sticker if vehicle passes (valid for 12 months).
5If rejected, attach a rejection sticker and provide detailed defect list.
6Record inspector ID, date, and station details on the sticker/receipt.
7Return documentation and inform vehicle owner of results.
8Clean up inspection area and dispose of removed sticker properly.
9Update station records and logs of inspection.
10Ensure vehicle is safe to exit station (e.g. no loose tools).
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