Annual Vehicle Inspection 101 in Roanoke, VA

Annual Virginia Auto Inspection 101 in Roanoke, VA

Virginia mandates an annual vehicle emissions and safety inspection for all vehicles registered within the state. To ensure your safety and the safety of everyone else on the Virginia roadways, it's important to have your vehicle inspected each year at one of the designated inspection stations throughout the state. While you probably already know about the Virginia Vehicle Emissions Inspection, you might be wondering which vehicles require an inspection. What is the associated cost? What happens during the inspection process? How long can you expect it to take? And what are the consequences if your vehicle doesn't meet the inspection criteria? Keep reading for answers to these questions and more.

Which Vehicles are Required to Pass the Annual Virginia Auto Inspection?

If your vehicle is registered in the state of Virginia, it's safe to assume that an annual vehicle inspection is required. There are only a few exceptions, which include the vehicles listed below.

• Vehicles manufactured more than 25 model years from January 1 of the current year
• Antique trailers or trailers that are not equipped with brakes
• Motorcycles and Autocycles
• Diesel vehicles
• Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or more
• Four-wheel vehicles that generate less than six horsepower and weigh less than 500 pounds
• Vehicles powered only by clean energy, such as electric vehicles

If your vehicle or trailer is considered an antique, it must be registered with the DMV and cannot be driven regularly. All other vehicles must be inspected annually.

What Happens During a Safety Inspection?

There are two parts of the Virginia vehicle inspection. The safety inspection must be completed every year and involves inspecting the following vehicle components for damage and functionality.

1. The driver's seat, airbags, seat belts, and doors.
2. Brakes and the parking brake.
3. Headlights and external lights, including turn signals and the license plate illumination.
4. All four tires, wheels, and rims.
5. The horn, rear-view mirrors, and side-view mirrors.
6. The windshield, window glass, windshield wipers, and both front and rear defrosters.
7. The hood latch, engine belts, and all fluids.
8. The steering and suspension systems, as well as the floor pan.

What Happens During an Emissions Inspection?

Your emissions testing will last for two years. When it's time for your vehicle to be inspected for emissions, you'll need to locate an approved Virginia vehicle inspection station or drive through a RAPIDPASS on-road emissions testing site. Although a RAPIDPASS center takes less than a minute, you will need to wait 24 hours to learn the results, and if your vehicle fails, the testing site won't be able to tell you why or how to rectify the issue.

During an inspection at an approved testing site, such as the Berglund Used Car Super Center service center, your technician will inspect your exhaust system as well as your fuel system to ensure all components are functioning properly. If your vehicle does not pass the Virginia emission standards, we'll be able to give you guidance on how to bring your vehicle into compliance.

What Should I Do If My Vehicle Fails Inspection in Virginia?

If your vehicle doesn't pass the emission or safety inspection, you'll be given a rejection sticker. Even though your vehicle has failed, you'll still be legally allowed to drive your vehicle for the next 15 days. During that time, you'll need to have any issues corrected and your vehicle re-inspected. Once your vehicle has been repaired and re-inspected, you'll be given an approval sticker.

Where Can I Find an Approved Virginia Vehicle Inspection Station?

To find an approved Virginia vehicle inspection station, you can visit the Virginia DMV website and search for a location near you. If you live in Roanoke, VA, make an appointment with our service center for quality vehicle inspection and any repairs that your vehicle may need.