Do you have to get your car inspected in Virginia

Before operating a vehicle in Virginia, it must pass an annual safety inspection and display a valid safety inspection sticker. Be warned: if you drive your vehicle without an inspection sticker, you may be ticketed by law enforcement.

Are state inspections still required in Virginia?

If vehicle inspections are eliminated in Virginia, the change would take effect in 2021 at the earliest, which means you’ll need to get an inspection in 2020 to comply with the law. If you drive your vehicle without a current inspection sticker, you may be ticketed by law enforcement.

What vehicles are exempt from inspection in VA?

Those motor vehicles exempt from emissions inspections include motorcycles or a gasoline-powered passenger or property carrying vehicle with a model year that is more than 25 years old before January 1 of the current calendar year and/or gasoline-powered passenger or property carrying vehicles with a manufacturer’s …

How old does a car have to be to not need inspection in VA?

Virginia defines an antique car as any vehicle at least 25 years old that has been registered as an antique through the Department of Motor Vehicles. To avoid inspection, you cannot use your antique car for general transportation.

What are the requirements for Virginia state inspection?

  • Check the tread depth. …
  • Check your lights. …
  • Check your mirrors. …
  • Check your horn. …
  • Check your windshield. …
  • Check your dashboard for any warning lights. …
  • Listen for any unusual noises.

Can you get pulled over for no inspection sticker in Virginia?

An expired inspection or registration sticker can only get you pulled; however, it has to be at least four months late.

Is Virginia enforcing state inspections?

Now that the State Police have resumed enforcing State Inspections, we are continuing to take precautions to protect our customers and staff from the virus. Virginia Tire & Auto is taking the following steps to ensure the health and safety of our customers and employees: Frequently cleaning commonly touched surfaces.

Do I need inspection before registration in Virginia?

It’s Required Your vehicle must pass an annual safety inspection and display a valid safety inspection sticker before it can be operated in Virginia. If you drive your vehicle without an inspection sticker, you may be ticketed by law enforcement.

How long can you drive with an expired inspection sticker in Virginia?

Virginia Code §46.2-1157 states that “[n]o law-enforcement officer shall stop a motor vehicle due to an expired vehicle inspection sticker until the first day of the fourth month after the original expiration date.”

How often do you have to get a safety inspection in Virginia?

All vehicles in Virginia have to have a safety inspection every year. During this service, various areas of your vehicle are checked to ensure your safety on the roads. Areas checked include brakes, lights, steering, suspension, tires, windshield, exhaust system, seat belts and airbags.

Article first time published on

How much does a state inspection cost for a car in VA?

Please note: Effective July 1, 2019 the new fee for the Virginia State inspection will increase from $16.00 to $20.00. Gov. Ralph Northam signed HB 2514, which increases vehicle inspection costs from $16 to $20.

How much does Virginia emissions inspection cost?

Emissions inspections in Virginia should not cost more than $28 and are valid for two years. Vehicles will be charged an additional $2 fee per year at the time of registration. Within 15 days defects must be corrected and your vehicle re-inspected.

Can you make an appointment for a Virginia state inspection?

Virginia Law Any official inspection station may, at the discretion of the inspection station, accept vehicles on a first-come, first-served basis or by prescheduled appointments for the safety inspection of a motor vehicle pursuant to § 46.2-1157.

What happens if your car fails inspection in Virginia?

If your car fails a Virginia State Inspection, a rejection sticker will be placed where the previous approval sticker was on your vehicle’s windshield. You have 15 days from the day of the rejection to properly fix the faulty equipment for which your vehicle failed to pass the inspection.

Is there a grace period for car inspection in VA?

In Virginia, there is no grace period when it comes to car inspection. Vehicles in Virginia are required to undergo a car safety inspection every 12 months. The car inspection sticker on the windshield of your car will expire on the last day of the month. Your vehicle is also subject to an emissions inspection.

How much is a ticket for expired inspection sticker in Va?

ViolationFineNo or expired inspection$30Expired rejection sticker$50No or expired registration$25Defective or unauthorized equipment$30

Are inspection stickers extended in Virginia?

Governor Ralph Northam has issued an executive order suspending enforcement of inspection stickers, updating expired driver’s licenses and registering a new vehicle. That order is effective through July 31st, although it applies only to the state police, not your local police department.

Do new cars need emission test in Virginia?

New or demonstrator vehicles being titled for the first time are exempt from emissions inspections for 4 years. Used vehicles of the current and three previous model years are exempt from emissions inspections for up to 4 years.

Where can I get my Virginia car inspected?

Virginia State Inspections are available at all Virginia Tire & Auto locations. We recommend getting your inspection performed in the middle of the month and middle of the week for shorter wait times.

Will a check engine light fail inspection in Virginia?

An illuminated check engine light won’t cause you to fail inspection, but it is often a signal of issues going on under the hood that could result in a failed inspection. To be on the safe side, get any dashboard lights diagnosed before your inspection so you know what’s going on.

You Might Also Like