R714-160-6. 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 vehicle mileage;

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

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

  (i) if a test drive is needed off the station's property, the customer shall be informed.

  (2) The inspector shall examine the vehicle's interior by completing the following tasks:

  (a) inspect the windshield, side, and rear windows;

  (b) identify mirror requirements and inspect mirrors;

  (c) inspect seats and seat belts;

  (d) inspect steering wheel/column, including horn and airbags;

  (e) inspect brake pedal assembly and emergency brake system;

  (f) inspect windshield wipers and washers;

  (g) inspect heater and defrost;

  (h) inspect dash, including warning indicator lights and speedometer;

  (i) inspect doors and door parts; and

  (j) check the neutral starting switch to determine whether the starter operates with the gear selector only in park or neutral on vehicles with automatic transmissions.

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

  (a) inspect headlight high and low beams, including aiming;

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

  (c) inspect for the proper color of lights;

  (d) inspect the wheels and lugs, looking for cracks and loose or missing lugs;

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

  (f) inspect body of vehicle, including fenders, doors, hood, glass, and bumpers;

  (g) inspect for broken glass, parts, and accessories; and

  (h) inspect window tint with a tint meter, measuring light transmittance on the front side windows and windshield;

  (i) the inspector shall record the tint readings on the certificate using the online inspection program or on the Safety Inspection Certificate if not using the online program.

  (4) The inspector shall examine items under the vehicle's hood by completing the following tasks:

  (a) inspect belts and hoses;

  (b) inspect power steering system;

  (c) inspect battery and electrical wiring;

  (d) inspect exhaust system;

  (e) inspect master cylinder and braking system; and

  (f) inspect the fuel system.

  (5) The inspector shall examine items under the vehicle by completing the following tasks:

  (a) inspect steering system, including the wheel bearings, tie rods, rack, and pinion;

  (b) inspect suspension components, including the springs and shocks;

  (c) inspect exhaust and fuel system components;

  (d) inspect body and floor pans; and

  (e) inspect engine, transmission mounts, and drivetrain.

  (6) The inspector shall examine the braking system by completing the following tasks:

  (a) inspect brake pads/shoes;

  (b) inspect brake rotors/drums;

  (c) inspect brake components, both hydraulic and mechanical;

  (d) inspect brake hoses for fluid leaks;

  (e) record brake measurements using the online inspection program or on the Safety Inspection certificate if not using the online inspection program;

  (f) issue a rejection inspection certificate on vehicles that fail a plate brake test but have adequate pad and or shoe thickness;

  (g) if issuing a rejection inspection certificate, record the brake pad measurement on the certificate; and

  (h) if a visual inspection is performed, remove one front and one rear wheel to inspect brake components.

  (7) When inspecting a lifted vehicle, the inspector shall:

  (a) inspect fenders and verify that each one covers the full width of the tire;

  (b) inspect mud flaps;

  (c) inspect frame height based on the GVWR;

  (d) inspect for body lift;

  (e) inspect for stacked blocks;

  (f) inspect for modification of brake hoses;

  (g) inspect headlight aim and vertical height; and

  (h) inspect altered or modified steering and suspension parts that have been shortened, lengthened, welded.

  (8) When inspecting lowered vehicles, the inspector shall:

  (a) inspect that fenders cover full width of tire;

  (b) inspect for mud flaps, when required;

  (c) inspect for minimum ground clearance;

  (d) inspect for removal of original suspension components;

  (e) inspect headlight aim and vertical height; and

  (f) inspect altered or modified steering and suspension parts that have been shortened, lengthened, or welded.

  (9) 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 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.

  (10) 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 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 any station that conducts online inspections may certify repairs made to rejected items. No additional charges may be added.

  (11) 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 and Owner copies of the inspection certificate.

  (12) 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.

  (13) The following inspection report procedures apply when the inspector is using paper inspection certificates:

  (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 listed in the same order, and the words "rejected" printed on the same line;

  (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 and Owner copies to the division within 45 days of the original inspection date for rejected vehicles that fail to return for re-inspection.