R714-161-6. Inspection Procedures

  (1) The inspector shall complete the following tasks prior to inspecting the vehicle:

  (a) collect the appropriate paperwork such as registration, title, and bill of sale;

  (b) verify the vehicle identification number (VIN);

  (c) record the owner's full name and complete vehicle information;

  (d) record the vehicle mileage;

  (e) enter the inspection date and inspector number if using a paper inspection certificate; and

  (f) determine whether the vehicle needs a test drive and the purpose of test drive.

  (2) If a test drive needs to be conducted off the station's property, the customer shall be informed.

  (3) The inspector shall examine the vehicle by completing the following tasks:

  (a) inspect the windshield, if equipped;

  (b) inspect for adequate visibility from required mirrors;

  (c) inspect for looseness in steering;

  (d) inspect for play in the brake pedal;

  (e) inspect the horn;

  (f) inspect high and low beam headlights;

  (g) inspect headlights for proper aim;

  (h) inspect parking lights, tail lights, signal lights, brake lights, marker lights, and reflectors;

  (i) inspect for the proper color of lights;

  (j) inspect tires for wear, damage, and proper inflation;

  (k) inspect body and fenders;

  (l) inspect battery and electrical wiring;

  (m) inspect exhaust system; and

  (n) inspect master cylinder.

  (4) The inspector shall examine the vehicle's suspension and undercarriage by completing the following tasks:

  (a) inspect wheel bearings;

  (b) inspect shock absorbers;

  (c) inspect springs; and

  (d) inspect the fuel system.

  (5) The inspector shall examine the vehicle's braking system by completing the following tasks:

  (a) inspect for loose or missing lug nuts;

  (b) inspect wheel spokes;

  (c) inspect for cracked wheels;

  (d) inspect pads or shoes;

  (e) inspect rotors or drums;

  (f) record the brake measurements using the online inspection program or on the paper inspection certificate if not using the online program;

  (g) inspect for fluid leaks; and

  (h) inspect brake hoses.

  (5) The following procedures apply when a vehicle fails the safety inspection and the inspector is using a paper inspection certificate:

  (a) the inspector shall complete a full vehicle inspection even after a reject item is found;

  (b) if a vehicle fails an inspection and no repairs are immediately made at that station, then the inspector shall give the customer a rejection inspection certificate;

  (c) the inspector shall not sign the rejection inspection certificate;

  (d) a customer with a rejected vehicle has up to 15 calendar days to complete all repairs and return to the same station to verify repairs at no charge;

  (i) customers may contact the division to request a waiver of additional fees if they exceed 15 days for circumstances beyond their control, such as backordered parts;

  (e) the inspector shall return the State Tax Commission and owner copies to the division within 45 days of the inspection date for rejected vehicles that fail to return to the inspecting station;

  (f) the inspector shall document any item rejected and repaired during an inspection as repaired on the inspection certificate;

  (g) any inspector at a station may verify repairs of rejected items;

  (h) if all rejected items have been repaired, the verifying inspector shall sign the safety inspection certificate; and

  (i) if the verifying inspector is not the original inspector, the verifying inspector shall sign the safety inspection certificate, and enter his or her inspector license number on the safety inspection certificate.

  (6) The following procedures apply when a vehicle fails the safety inspection and the inspector is using an online inspection certificate:

  (a) if all rejected items have been repaired, the verifying inspector shall sign the safety inspection certificate;

  (b) if no repairs are made, the inspector shall print the rejection inspection certification and give it to the customer;

  (c) the inspector shall not sign a rejection inspection certificate;

  (d) a customer with a rejected vehicle has up to 15 calendar days to complete all repairs and return to any station that conducts online inspections to verify repairs at no additional vehicle inspection charge;

  (i) customers may contact the division to request a waiver of additional fees if they exceed 15 days for circumstances beyond their control, such as back ordered parts;

  (e) the inspector shall document any item rejected and repaired during an inspection as repaired on the inspection certificate; and

  (f) any inspector at a facility may certify repairs made to rejected items.

  (7) The following procedures apply when a vehicle passes the safety inspection and the inspector is using a paper inspection certificate:

  (a) the inspector performing the inspection shall sign the vehicle inspection certificate; and

  (b) the customer shall be given the State Tax Commission and owner copies of the inspection certificate.

  (8) The following procedures apply when a vehicle passes the safety inspection and the inspector is using an online inspection certificate:

  (a) the inspector shall print the vehicle inspection certificate and give it to the customer; and

  (b) the inspector performing the inspection shall sign the printed inspection certificate prior to giving it to the customer.

  (9) The following inspection report procedures apply when the inspector is using a paper inspection certificate:

  (a) the report forms shall include the following information:

  (i) date the inspection was completed;

  (ii) owner's name;

  (iii) year and make of the vehicle;

  (iv) vehicle identification number;

  (v) appropriate notation in any of the repair columns;

  (vi) total cost of the repair, including the inspection fee; and

  (vii) inspection certificate or sticker number;

  (b) inspection certificate or sticker numbers of paper books shall be listed in numerical order starting with the lowest number and listed in groups of 25;

  (c) a separate report form shall be used for the inspection certificates and for the stickers;

  (d) duplicate inspection certificates or stickers shall be noted as "duplicate" on the report form;

  (e) lost or stolen inspection certificates or stickers shall be listed as "lost or stolen" on the report form;

  (f) inspection certificates and stickers rendered unusable through mishap shall be recorded as "voided" on the report form and inspection certificates and stickers shall be returned to the Vehicle Safety Inspection office;

  (g) rejected vehicles that have not returned within 15 days to the original station shall be included in the report, and the words "rejected," printed on the same line as the rejected certificate is listed;

  (h) failure to submit the required reports may result in suspension or revocation of a permit; and

  (i) the inspector shall return the State Tax Commission and owner copies to the division within 45 days of the original inspection date for rejected vehicles that fail to return for re-inspection.