State Inspection - What do they do for an EV?

[Kafka]

I thought that most of a state inspection revolves around Emissions... an also check that the Brakes work, tires are not bald, that you have all working lights, signal and horn and your car is not falling apart.
So, what do they Inspect an EV for during a State Inspection?

Is it checking the above non-emission things and wave you over?

I'm due for my first inspection on a newly registered car (bought in another state), any recommendations on whether a Ford or other EV dealer is best or if any State Inspection Certified Shop will suffice?

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[generaltso]

Depends on the state. Any certified inspection shop can do it, but I always like to try to find one that does it for free. That may or may not be an option in your area.

 

[Ming]

Don't go to tire or brake shops for inspection.

Ask why I know.

Although I've had other shops trick me into buying new tail lights bulb (and refuse to let me see the car due to safety reasons) or told me windshield wiper blades had to be changed.

 

[EasyPass]

In Pennsylvania there is and has always been an annual Safety Inspection and then at some point a mandatory and concurrent Emissions Test depending on the County the vehicle is registered in. I reside in a county adjacent to another one where Emissions Test is required, but I would be exempt from Emissions Test regardless where the inspection was performed and whatever vehicle I was presenting.

In the case of the Mach-E there would be no Emission Test possible, I expect, regardless of registration origin, but a Safety Inspection is required annually for every vehicle in PA....auto, truck, trailer, motorcycle, etc. I expect that any certified Safety Inspection Service Center would be able to perform such on any Mach-E. I just happened to have my inspection done this past August at the dealer where I purchased with no particular nuance recognized on that event.

 

[Kafka]

Don't go to tire or brake shops for inspection.

Ask why I know.

Although I've had other shops trick me into buying new tail lights bulb (and refuse to let me see the car due to safety reasons) or told me windshield wiper blades had to be changed.

Yeah, I was reading reviews on some places and it seems the perfect business model that once people are trapped in, something comes up.
A reviewer was given an extreme case. I might appreciate the Inspection shop telling me to check on something, but the place for an inspection might not be my top choice for a place for a repair.

But some in my area have really good reviews on it being straightforward and quick, which I take as a sign that they don't try to trick people into unnecessary repairs or ripoffs.

 

[Richard L.]

In NY you pay $10 for the Safety Inspection portion. Bring it to your dealer.

 

[kdonnel]

In Georgia only a small number of counties have annual emissions tests.

EVs are exempt from the emission test.

 

[Murse-In-Airy]

In NY safety inspections include tires, brakes, horn, lights and the “safety” items. Not all annual inspections are about emissions.

 

[Flint302]

New Jersey--no inspection required.

 

[Ravensfan1996]

In Pennsylvania there is and has always been an annual Safety Inspection and then at some point a mandatory and concurrent Emissions Test depending on the County the vehicle is registered in. I reside in a county adjacent to another one where Emissions Test is required, but I would be exempt from Emissions Test regardless where the inspection was performed and whatever vehicle I was presenting.

In the case of the Mach-E there would be no Emission Test possible, I expect, regardless of registration origin, but a Safety Inspection is required annually for every vehicle in PA....auto, truck, trailer, motorcycle, etc. I expect that any certified Safety Inspection Service Center would be able to perform such on any Mach-E. I just happened to have my inspection done this past August at the dealer where I purchased with no particular nuance recognized on that event.

Im in Pa also, state inspection done every year, and there is no emissions test for EVs so you just get one sticker Instead of 2.

 

[byoungblood]

Don't go to tire or brake shops for inspection.

Ask why I know.

Although I've had other shops trick me into buying new tail lights bulb (and refuse to let me see the car due to safety reasons) or told me windshield wiper blades had to be changed.

I had a shop try to pull this crap on me. Said it would be $1000 or so to "fix" everything. I went out to the garage where they had the car, insurance rules be damned, and made them show me what was bad.

A select word slipped from my mouth on one of the "issues" with my car. Tried to claim a minor weeping from the dust cap on my power steering rack was a leak...and of course they suggested that I just replace the whole rack (which requires dropping the forward crossmember) since, of course, the inner tie rods were "worn out".

Unfortunately here in VA we don't have places that just do inspections. They're all repair shops as well, so it is always a crap shoot if you'll get written up for something just so they can try to make a quick buck.

 

[mkhuffman]

My Ford dealer does free state inspections. In my town, there is no emissions inspection anyway, only safety. Tires, brakes, lights, windshield wipers. That kind of stuff.

 

[timbop]

New Jersey--no inspection required.

Yup - you don't even need the new dealer inspection sticker on the car.

For those out of state: NJ doesn't allow private inspections and they used to have a whole battery of safety tests - but after continuous manipulation of the state's finances the only thing they do now is the emissions and headlights.

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

Yup - you don't even need the new dealer inspection sticker on the car.

For those out of state: NJ doesn't allow private inspections and they used to have a whole battery of safety tests - but after continuous manipulation of the state's finances the only thing they do now is the emissions and headlights.

Hawaii vehicles all get the same inspection. It’s a safety inspection only and the shops doing the inspection aren’t allows to do the repairs.

 

[dliunatic]

Perfectly timed post! I'm in Texas and just got my first vehicle registration renewal notice since it's almost 2 yrs that I've had my Mach-E. Literally at the dealer now getting the safety inspection done...

CAUTION: DON'T JUST BLINDLY LISTEN TO THE DEALER, BE PREPARED AND DO YOUR RESEARCH! At least at the AutoNation that I'm at right now, they really have no idea how to deal with Mach-E inspections since they're so new. They tried to push a full state vehicle emission inspection ($25+) on me, and luckily I pushed back as I had read beforehand that I should only get the safety inspection ($7).

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