Virginia State Inspections

[Navo]

I have a M35A3 and it has normal tags on it. Anyone have any info for the state inspection? Like what they are looking for etc?

Thanks

 

[maddawg308]

The normal stuff, wipers, lights, brakes, tie rod ends and ball joints, horn. Mostly safety related stuff. Because the truck has air brakes, though, you might have to have it inspected at a truck shop, regardless of whether you have it titled as a commercial vehicle or not (you probably don't). Most car/light truck places won't take the big trucks for inspections.

VA state is pretty easy to pass inspection in. Well, everything's relative, I originally hail from New Jersey, so it's pretty easy here compared with there.

 

[hoop]

Lights on the side of the bed.

 

[rednckii]

Took my deuce to holland rd auto no problems just be sure everything works

 

[Navo]

All the lights work- Tail lights, headlights, signals, marker lights, even the black out light! Wipers work, horn works, stops fine, air buzzer/light work, and the parking brake works.

Am I missing anything?

 

[maddawg308]

They will check brake shoe wear, tire tread depth, if any glass is broken. That's about it.

 

[Navo]

They will check brake shoe wear, tire tread depth, if any glass is broken. That's about it.

All glass is good and the tires are no issue. Great....they are going to have to remove the wheels to check the brakes... Im sure they'll mess up the CTIS...ugh..

 

[hoop]

Might get picky about license plate light..Take a flashlight and duct tape with you..

 

[maddawg308]

Under VA state law, they will pull one wheel per axle, their random choice which. So half of your wheels are coming off.

 

[AceHigh]

Maybe you can talk them in to just checking the parking brake shoes- they are exposed and easy. Also check the license plate light, I can't for the life of me remember if I removed the masking tape! It works though.

 

[Navo]

Maybe you can talk them in to just checking the parking brake shoes- they are exposed and easy. Also check the license plate light, I can't for the life of me remember if I removed the masking tape! It works though.

HAHAHA! The tape was left on But, it does work! Im having a blast with the truck! Driven it everyday so far!

 

[Navo]

Under VA state law, they will pull one wheel per axle, their random choice which. So half of your wheels are coming off.

my poor paint job.....

 

[hoop]

It is under 20000LBS, so all inspections stations are required to inspect it.

 

[Navo]

It is under 20000LBS, so all inspections stations are required to inspect it.

So, I dont have to look for a "special" inspection station (like for semi's)? I can take it to the one I get my normal car done at?

 

[dikwks]

If you already have a place where you go regularly, talk to them first. They might be satisfied with just looking through the inspection port for the brakes.
Feel them out first, if you pressure them by just showing up, and "demanding" your inspection, they may just give it to you.

Rick (a former inspector)

 

[Navo]

The local shop and I have a great relationship with our normal vehicles. And if all State Inspection places are suppose to do 20,000lbs and below. I would say that they would most likely me able to do my truck. I just didnt know about the 20,000lb rule.

I"ll call them tomorrow.

 

[L1A1]

When I'd get my M151A2s inspected, I'd have to show the mechanics how to start the vehicle and how the light switch works .

From what they've told me, they inspect the vehicle for what it should have had on it from the factory for that model year. My original M151A2 was titled as a 1971 model and didn't require seatbelts (none were on there) but did require a rear license plate light (had to fab' one up). My current M151A2 is titled as a 1972 so not only do I need the rear license plate light, I also needed lap belts for all seats in the vehicle (had to add those).

Matt

 

[Navo]

When I'd get my M151A2s inspected, I'd have to show the mechanics how to start the vehicle and how the light switch works .

From what they've told me, they inspect the vehicle for what it should have had on it from the factory for that model year. My original M151A2 was titled as a 1971 model and didn't require seatbelts (none were on there) but did require a rear license plate light (had to fab' one up). My current M151A2 is titled as a 1972 so not only do I need the rear license plate light, I also needed lap belts for all seats in the vehicle (had to add those).

Matt

Haha! Yea I figured I would be showing them how to "run" things. and I do have seatbelts, thanks USA!

 

[Nonotagain]

Your going to have all of the lights checked, (also the transmission shifter indicator lamp) tire condition and tread depth, lug nuts all present, no leaking shocks, front end tight, no broken or clouded glass, all door handles operational, window cranks functional. And you'll be required to have a tag lamp.

Seats require seat belts, which for an A3 means shoulder belts for driver and outside passenger.

I'd suggest removing the IR light from the front as most mechanics have no clue on its operation and will fail the vehicle if it appears non-functional.

The wheels will get pulled, one per axle, drums measured as well as the lining thickness. No leaking wheel cylinders or wheel seals. Parking brake operational and properly adjusted and capable of holding the vehicle.

No exhaust leaks.

No body perforations due to rust.

If I recall correctly the cost for a single rear axle truck inspection should run you about 2-3 hrs labor at shop rate. A tandem axle truck will be close to 5 hrs labor.

 

[Woodsplinter]

Navo, why don't you just contact the agency that does the inspections and ask them? I would think they would be the best source of accurate information.