TITLE 19. PUBLIC SAFETY
REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The
Department of State Police is claiming an exemption from the Administrative
Process Act pursuant to § 2.2-4002 B 6 of the Code of Virginia, which
exempts agency action relating to customary military, naval, or police
functions.
Title of Regulation: 19VAC30-70. Motor Vehicle Safety
Inspection Regulations (amending 19VAC30-70-1, 19VAC30-70-6,
19VAC30-70-9.1, 19VAC30-70-10, 19VAC30-70-20, 19VAC30-70-30, 19VAC30-70-50,
19VAC30-70-160).
Statutory Authority: § 46.2-1165 of the Code of
Virginia.
Effective Date: September 8, 2017.
Agency Contact: Kirk Marlowe, Regulatory Coordinator,
Department of State Police, 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, Chesterfield, VA 23235,
telephone (804) 674-2000, FAX (804) 674-8531, or email
kirk.marlowe@vsp.virginia.gov.
Summary:
The amendments update the Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection
Rules and Regulations by making technical corrections and other revisions to
comply with changes in Virginia law.
Part I
Administration of Virginia's Official Motor Vehicle Inspection Program
19VAC30-70-1. Purpose and authority.
The Virginia Virginia's Official Motor Vehicle
Inspection Program was developed and adopted to promote highway safety. The
program model is based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Vehicles submitted for inspection must
be compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards applicable on the date
of manufacture. Its aim The goal of the Official Motor Vehicle
Inspection Program is to assure that all Virginia registered
vehicles are mechanically safe to operate over the highways of the
Commonwealth.
The rules and regulations governing the Official Motor
Vehicle Inspection Program are contained in the Official Motor Vehicle Safety
Inspection Manual. These rules and regulations are promulgated under the
authority of Chapter 10 (§ 46.2-1000 et seq.) of Title 46.2 of the Code of
Virginia. All official inspection stations shall comply with these rules and
regulations, issuing approval certificates only to those vehicles which the
inspections shall determine to be in compliance with those rules and
regulations.
These rules and regulations are intended to ensure a uniform
system of corrective action for those who violate the rules and regulations of
the Official Motor Vehicle Inspection Program.
The Official Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Manual covers
administrative procedure as well as numerous vehicular safety items of varying
importance. It is, therefore, necessary that the various sections of the manual
be divided into categories of seriousness. This will provide a uniform system
of corrective action for the certified inspector mechanics and the inspection
stations.
19VAC30-70-6. Class IV offenses.
Class IV offenses are those violations considered so
critically important to the integrity and credibility of the Official Annual
Motor Vehicle Inspection Program as to require immediate and severe
disciplinary action. The following violations and actions shall be considered a
Class IV offense:
1. Loss of driver's license, with the exception of an
administrative court-ordered suspension that does not exceed seven days.
2. Obvious usage of either alcohol and/or or
drugs by an employee associated with the Annual Motor Vehicle Inspection
Program.
3. Loss of inspection stickers through neglect or subsequent
violations of subsection K of 19VAC30-70-10.
4. Improper use of inspection supplies such as placement on a
vehicle that has not been inspected or failure to affix the inspection sticker
to the vehicle in its proper location, after inspection.
5. Falsifying inspection receipts or inspection records.
6. Giving false information during an inspection complaint
investigation.
7. Performing either an inspection or inspections at a station
without authority from the safety officer.
8. The arrest of any person associated with the inspection
program for a criminal offense or the institution of civil action of a nature
that would tend to immediately reflect upon the integrity and reputation of the
Department of State Police may be grounds for an immediate suspension until
final court disposition. The conviction for such a of any
criminal offense or a civil judgment or bankruptcy may result in a suspension
or revocation of the inspector or station appointment, or both.
9. The use of profanity or verbal abuse directed at customers
presenting their vehicles for inspection by inspectors, managers or business
owners.
10. Illegal use of inspection supplies such as stealing,
selling, mailing or giving away, shall be grounds for revocation.
11. Nonpayment of inspection fees.
12. Conduct displayed by station owners and/or,
managers, or safety inspectors that may be rude or discourteous, or the use
of profanity and/or or verbal abuse directed at or towards Safety
Division Personnel, may be grounds for revocation.
13. Failure of any person connected with the inspection
program to immediately notify their supervising trooper or Safety
Division Area Office within 72 hours of an arrest for a criminal offense
or the institution of civil action.
14. Any misuse or falsification of the automated Motor Vehicle
Inspection Program (MVIP) system through neglect or intentionally allowing an
assigned password or personal identification number (PIN) to be used by other
persons.
15. Willfully obtaining computer services without proper
authority from the safety officer.
16. Failure to adequately explain and differentiate, both
orally and in writing, to customers what repairs are necessary to pass the
safety inspection and those repairs that are only recommended. Each station
shall explicitly (not fine print) convey to each customer when his vehicle will
be examined beyond the parameters of the state inspection and empower the
customer with the ability to decline this service.
Disciplinary action for a Class IV offense shall be immediate
suspension or revocation. A suspension shall not be less than 90 days or more
than six months. A revocation shall not be less than one year or more than three
years. Offenses are cumulative in nature and will remain active for a period of
24 months from the date of the offense. For a subsequent violation within 24
months, the suspension shall not be less than six months or more than one year.
In the case of the loss of the driver's license, the
suspension shall remain in effect until the driver's license is reinstated and
consideration for reinstatement of inspection privileges will be made at that
time.
In cases concerning nonpayment of fees when the inspection
station has been given 15 days to reply to their a final notice,
the suspension of the affected inspection station shall remain in effect until
all inspection fees are paid. Consideration for reinstatement of inspection
privileges will be made when all fees are paid. Furthermore, stations that have
not paid their processing fee after the 15-day period will not be issued any
additional inspection supplies. Supply orders may resume when the inspection
fee is paid and the station has been reinstated to an active status.
A Class IV offense in combination with three Class I
offenses, two Class II offenses, or one Class III offense shall be grounds for
no less than a 90-day or more than a six-month suspension.
19VAC30-70-9.1. Official inspection station appointment.
A. These procedures are applicable to the application process
for initial appointment, reclassification of appointment, change in ownership,
change in name, and reinstatement of the appointment for an official inspection
station following a period of suspension or revocation.
For investigations involving changes to the original report,
only those areas of inquiry which have changed need to be reported.
For changes in station name, location, and classification
only, a narrative report is not required. These requests may be reported on the
Form SP-164. This report should include information pertinent to the change. A
statement should be included to report verification of information contained in
the station's new application for appointment.
1. Any garage or other facility that routinely performs motor
vehicle, motorcycle, or trailer repairs may apply to the Department of State
Police in writing for appointment as an Official Safety Inspection Station.
a. The Department of State Police will forward an application
package to the applicant.
b. The application form or forms are to be completed and
returned to the Department of State Police for supervising trooper
processing the application within 45 days.
c. The application shall include the names, addresses, email
addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and social security numbers for
the applicant and each person who will supervise or otherwise participate in
the program. Each person will also be required to execute an Authorization for
Release of Information Form and a Criminal History Record Request (Form
SP-167). When a corporation with other established inspection stations is
applying for an additional location, it shall not be necessary for the
corporate officers to complete the Form SP-167 or undergo the usual background
investigation. In these situations, the Department of State Police is only
concerned with the personnel who will be responsible for handling and securing
the safety inspection supplies.
2. Each inspection station application will be reviewed and
the applicant must meet the following criteria:
a. The facility must have been in business at its present
location for a minimum of six months.
(1) This requirement will not apply to a change in location
for a previously appointed station or a change in ownership which does not
affect the station's ability to perform safety inspections.
(2) This requirement will not apply to a repair garage that is
an established business and is expanding its mechanical convenience to the
general public by the addition of other repair locations.
(3) This requirement will not apply to a business license as a
franchised dealer of new vehicles.
b. The facility must perform motor vehicle, motorcycle, or
trailer repairs routinely.
c. The station must have on hand or be willing to purchase the
necessary equipment as identified by the Department of State Police for
performing safety inspections.
d. The station must employ or be willing to employ at least
one full time safety inspector with the appropriate license for the desired
station's classification.
e. The facility's physical plant must meet the specific
standards for the station classification for which the appointment is required.
3. Each applicant station must undergo a background
investigation to determine if the business and associated personnel meet the
following minimum criteria:
a. A review of the history of management and all persons
employed who will participate in the inspection program must reflect general
compliance with all federal, state, and local laws.
b. The character, attitude, knowledge of safety inspection
requirements, mechanical ability, and experience of each individual who will
perform or supervise safety inspections must be satisfactory.
c. The applicant and all participants must be familiar with
and agree to comply with the Official Motor Vehicle Inspection Manual. Each
vehicle presented for safety inspection must be inspected in strict compliance
with the Code of Virginia and the Official Motor Vehicle Inspection Manual.
d. The business establishment must be financially stable. Its
future existence should not be dependent upon appointment as an inspection
station. The applicant and all persons to be associated with the inspection
program must be in compliance with any judgment order or meeting all financial
obligations, or both. The applicant and all persons to be associated with the
inspection program must be in good financial standing for a period of at least
one year.
4. Each business must agree to provide the necessary space,
equipment, and personnel to conduct inspections as required by the Department
of State Police. Facilities and equipment will be maintained in a manner
satisfactory to the superintendent. All safety inspectors will read and be thoroughly
familiar with the instructions furnished for Official Inspection Stations and
agree to abide by these instructions and to carefully inspect every motor
vehicle, trailer, and semi-trailer presented for inspection as required by the
Official Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Manual. Businesses must operate
inspection stations in strict accordance with the Code of Virginia and the
Official Motor Vehicle Inspection Manual. The appointment of an inspection
station may be canceled at any time by the superintendent and will be
automatically canceled if any change in address, name, or ownership is made
without proper notification.
5. Any applicant whose application is rejected or withdrawn
may not reapply sooner than six months from the date he is notified of the
rejection of their his application or from the date the
application is withdrawn.
6. Each business to be appointed will be assigned one of 11
classifications based upon the physical plant specifications or other criteria
as follows:
a. Unlimited: The inspection lane shall be level or on the
same plane and in good condition for 60 feet. The front portion of the lane
shall be level or on the same plane for a minimum of 40 feet. The entrance
shall be at least 13-1/2 feet in height and no less than nine feet in width.
(Space should be adequate to allow a tractor truck towing a 53-foot trailer
access to the inspection lane.)
b. Small exemption: The inspection lane shall be level or on
the same plane for 40 feet. The entrance opening shall be at least 10 feet in
height, eight feet in width, and adequate to accommodate vehicles 40 feet in
length. Any vehicle exceeding 10 feet in height may be inspected if the
building entrance will allow such vehicle to completely enter the designated
inspection lane.
c. Large exemption: The inspection lane shall be level or on
the same plane and in good condition for 60 feet. The front portion of the lane
shall be level or on the same plane for a minimum of 40 feet. The entrance
shall be at least 13-1/2 feet in height and no less than nine feet in width.
(Space should be adequate to allow a tractor truck towing a 53-foot trailer
access to the inspection lane.) This classification is required to inspect only
vehicles with a GVWR exceeding 10,000 pounds.
d. Motorcycle: The inspection lane shall be level or on the
same plane. The entrance shall be adequate to accommodate the motorcycle and
the operator.
e. Unlimited trailer: The inspection lane shall be reasonably
level and in good condition for 60 feet. The entrance shall be at least 13-1/2
feet in height and no less than nine feet in width. This classification is
required to inspect all trailers.
f. Small trailer exemption: The inspection lane shall be
reasonably level and in good condition for 40 feet. The entrance shall be at
least 10 feet in height and adequate to accommodate trailers 40 feet in length.
This classification is required to inspect only those trailers not exceeding 40
feet in length or 10 feet in height measured to the highest part of the trailer
but not including racks, air conditioners, antennas, etc.
g. Large trailer exemption: The inspection lane shall be
reasonably level and in good condition for 60 feet. The entrance shall be at
least 13-1/2 feet in height and adequate to accommodate all legal size
trailers. This classification is required to inspect only property-carrying
trailers exceeding 10 feet in height or 40 feet in length.
h. Safety and emissions: The inspection lane shall be level or
on the same plane. The lane must accommodate most passenger cars and light
trucks. The emissions equipment must be placed in the lane at a location to
allow the inspected vehicle to be positioned with all four wheels on the floor
or on an above-ground ramp on a plane to the floor to accommodate headlight
aiming and other required inspection procedures. Any above-ground structure
must be constructed so as to permit proper steering, suspension, brake, and
undercarriage inspection as outlined in the Official Motor Vehicle Safety
Inspection Manual. A list of local inspection stations that can accommodate
vehicles that cannot be safety inspected due to the pretenses of emissions
equipment must be maintained and available for customers. A "bottle"
jack or other appropriate lifting equipment may be used for safety inspection
on above-ground structures.
i. Private station: The inspection lane shall be level or on
the same plane. The entrance and size must be adequate to accommodate any
vehicle in the fleet. An applicant who owns and operates less than 20 vehicles
will not be considered.
j. Private station (fleet service contractor): The inspection
lane shall be level or on the same plane. The entrance and size must be
adequate to accommodate any vehicle in the fleet to be inspected. This
classification will permit the inspection of all vehicles that the applicant
has a written agreement to service and repair. An applicant who does not have
at least six written agreements to service private fleets with at least five
vehicles in each fleet or at least one written agreement to service a private
fleet with at least 30 vehicles in the fleet will not be considered for this
type of appointment. Vehicles not covered by a written agreement for service,
and repair other than the vehicles owned by the applicant's company or
corporation, shall not be inspected by a garage having this type of
classification.
k. Private station (government): The inspection lane shall be
level or on the same plane. The entrance and size must be adequate to
accommodate any vehicle in the fleet to be inspected. This classification will
permit the inspection of all vehicles in the government entity's fleet, the
fleet of any volunteer or paid fire department, or any other unit or agency of
the government structure having a written agreement with such governmental
entity for repair and/or, inspection service, or both. An
applicant for this classification must own or have a written agreement to
inspect 30 or more vehicles. Vehicles not owned by or covered by a written
agreement shall not be inspected by a garage having this type of
classification.
7. Classifications listed in subdivisions 6 a through 6
h of this subsection must be open to the public and have at least one safety
inspector available to perform inspections during normal business hours as set
forth in 19VAC30-70-10.
8. Private inspection station classifications may be assigned
to businesses or governmental entities with fixed garage or repair facilities
operating or contracting with vehicle fleets.
B. A representative of any official inspection station may
apply to the Department of State Police in writing to request a change of the
station's status.
1. An application form or forms will be forwarded to the
applicant.
2. The applicant will complete the application form or forms
and contact the Department of State Police in keeping with the application
instructions. Applications will include all data as set forth in this section.
3. A Safety Division trooper will be assigned to complete the
appropriate investigation to affect the change. A change in status
investigation will include:
(1) A review of the existing station file.
(2) An update of the file to include personnel, facility, or
other significant changes. Criteria for appointment and background
investigation procedures for a change in status will be in keeping with this
section.
(3) Official inspection stations will be permitted to continue
to perform safety inspections during a change of ownership investigation
provided at least one safety inspector is retained from the prior owner.
(4) If disqualifying criteria is revealed, the station's
appointment shall be canceled until final disposition of the application is
made or until issues of disqualifying criteria are resolved.
C. Once an official inspection station has been suspended,
regardless of the cause for the suspension, management may request
reinstatement up to 60 days prior to the expiration of the suspension period.
Stations whose appointments are revoked may complete the application process as
set forth for original appointments after the expiration of the period of
revocation.
1. The applicant station must submit a letter to Safety
Division Headquarters (Attention: Station Files) requesting reinstatement.
2. An application package will be forwarded to the applicant.
3. The completed application forms are to be returned to
Safety Division Headquarters (Attention: Station Files).
4. After review, the application package is forwarded to the
appropriate Safety Division Area Office for investigation.
a. The trooper assigned to the investigation will compare the
information in the new application package to the information in the existing
files.
b. The investigation will focus on any changes or
inconsistencies.
c. The applicant station must meet all criteria for
appointment as set forth in this section.
d. Any applicant whose application for reinstatement is
rejected or withdrawn may not reapply sooner than six months from the date he
is notified of the rejection or withdrawal of the application.
D. Failure to comply with the provisions of this section
shall be grounds for termination of the application process or cancellation of
the official inspection station's appointment. An applicant having an
application terminated or an official inspection station having an appointment
canceled for noncompliance may not reapply for a period of one year.
Part II
Inspection Requirements
19VAC30-70-10. Official inspection station requirements.
A. Official inspection stations, except private appointments,
shall be open at least eight hours of each normal business day and shall be
able to perform inspections 12 months throughout the year, except during
illness of limited duration or normal vacation.
1. Normal business hours, Monday through Friday, are defined
as an eight-hour period of time between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
2. Stations are not prohibited from performing inspections at
times other than during normal business hours.
3. A station that advertises inspections beyond normal
business hours shall be able to perform such inspections.
4. If a station desires to maintain business hours that are
different from those defined in this section, written permission must be
obtained from the safety officer and a sign setting forth the inspection hours
must be posted conspicuously at the station where it can be observed by a
person desiring to have a vehicle inspected.
B. At least one full-time safety inspector to perform
inspections and one inspection lane meeting the minimum requirements shall be
available for inspection at all times during the normal business day. All
inspections must be made only at the locations and in the inspection lane
approved by the Department of State Police. All stations shall have other
lanes, bays, or areas in which repairs can be made so the inspection lane can
remain available.
The designated inspection areas, including any location where
customers are permitted to enter when submitting vehicles for inspection, must
be kept clean and free from excessive dirt, grease, and loose materials. If
requested, customers presenting vehicles for inspection shall be allowed to
observe the inspection process from a safe location designated by the station.
C. Inspection station facilities must be properly maintained
and must present a businesslike appearance to the general public. Property
adjacent to the inspection station that is owned or controlled by the station
must be free of debris, litter, used parts and junk vehicles. Vehicles properly
contained within fenced storage areas shall be deemed to comply with this
requirement.
D. Inspections shall be performed on a first-come, first-served
basis. "First-come, first-served" means a procedure whereby customers
seeking an inspection shall be attended to in the order that they arrive to the
station. Motorists shall not be required to make an appointment to obtain an
inspection, except those appointments required by subdivision A 12 of
§ 46.2-1158.01 of the Code of Virginia. Stations that take in vehicles for
inspection at the beginning of the work day shall not be required to stop
inspecting those vehicles to provide an inspection for a drive-in request,
provided inspections are currently being performed at the time and will
continue throughout the day. Stations must maintain a procedure to validate
when vehicles were brought to the station for inspection. Inspections shall
begin concurrently with repair lanes during the station's normal business
hours, without delay. Stations may suggest to motorists a timeframe of no
greater than three hours during which it may be anticipated that an inspection
may be provided. Stations shall cooperate fully with Department of State Police
personnel regarding any issues detailed in this section, as with all other
investigations.
In addition to accepting vehicles on a first-come,
first-served basis, any official inspection station consisting of two or more
inspection lanes may accept prescheduled appointments for the safety inspection
of a motor vehicle pursuant to § 46.2-1157 of the Code of Virginia, so
long as at least one lane is reserved for the sole purpose of first-come,
first-served safety inspections. An additional certified safety inspector shall
be available to perform those inspections that are made by an appointment.
Stations shall make every effort to keep the designated
inspection lanes available. Stations with more than one repair bay shall not
perform work in the designated inspection lanes when customers are waiting for
an inspection. This will not apply to minor adjustments that require minimal
time to perform. Stations shall not let vehicles occupy the designated
inspection lanes while awaiting parts or customer authorization to complete the
inspection pursuant to 19VAC30-70-60.
A station may inquire about accepting safety inspections
by appointment. If the requirements are met, then the official inspection
station may, in addition to having one lane for the first-come, first-served
customers, also have a second inspection lane designated for customers who have
made appointments for a designated time slot. An additional certified safety
inspector shall be available to perform those inspections that are made by an
appointment. If interested, stations should first contact their supervising
trooper for specific requirements and guidelines.
E. Safety inspectors, managers who supervise inspection
activities, and business owners, through participation in the Official Motor
Vehicle Inspection Program, are representatives of the Department of State
Police and should conduct themselves in a manner to avoid controversy in
dealing with customers presenting vehicles for inspection. The use of profanity
or verbal abuse directed at customers presenting their vehicles for inspection
will be grounds for suspension from participation in the inspection program and
will be considered a Class IV offense as set forth in 19VAC30-70-6.
Controversy that cannot be calmly resolved by the safety
inspector, managers, and owners should be referred to the supervising trooper
for handling.
F. The "Certificate of Appointment" must be framed
under glass or clear plastic and posted in the customer waiting area where it
can be observed and read by a person submitting a vehicle for inspection.
Inspection stations must have garage liability insurance in
the amount of at least $500,000 with an approved surplus lines carrier or
insurance company licensed to write such insurance in this Commonwealth. This
requirement shall not apply to inspection stations that only inspect their
company-owned, government-owned, or leased vehicles.
G. The required "Official Inspection Procedure"
sheet and the "Direct Inquiries" sheet furnished to each station must
both be framed under glass or clear plastic and posted conspicuously in the
customer waiting area where they can be observed and read by a person
submitting a vehicle for inspection.
H. The poster designating the station as an official inspection
station shall be posted in a prominent location, outside or visible outside the
station, to alert passersby that inspection services are available. Private
inspection stations shall not display an outside poster.
I. Each official inspection station shall display a list with
the names and license expiration dates of all employees licensed to inspect at
that station, adjacent to the certificate of appointment. The Official Motor
Vehicle Safety Inspection Manual will be kept at or near the point of inspection
for ready reference. The manual may be kept in written or electronic form.
J. Important -- Any change in name, ownership or location of
any official inspection station cancels the appointment of that station, and
the Department of State Police must be notified immediately. The department
shall be notified when an official inspection station discontinues operation.
K. All inspection supplies, inspection binders and manual,
unused stickers, duplicates of certificates issued, bulletins and other forms
are the property of the Department of State Police and must be safeguarded
against loss.
L. Inspection supplies issued to an inspection station can be
used only by that station and are not to be loaned or reissued to any other
station with the exception of inserts.
1. Stations must maintain a sufficient supply of approval
stickers, trailer and motorcycle approval stickers, rejection stickers and
inserts. When reordering supplies, station owners or managers shall request
sufficient supplies to sustain their business for at least six months. However,
it is realized that a few stations will not be able to comply with the
six-month requirement since there is a maximum of 100 books per order limit.
Also, when ordering supplies, the following information should be considered so
that the station does not order an excessive amount of supplies: each book of
approval stickers contains 25 stickers, the rejection book contains 50
stickers, the month inserts are packaged in strips of 50 each, and trailer and
motorcycle decals are five per strip. In December of each year, a supply of
year inserts will be shipped to each station based on the station's previous
year's usage. In November, each station shall check its stock of month inserts
and order what is needed for the months of January through June. In May, the
same should be done for the months of July through December.
2. Inspection stations that exhaust their supply of approval
stickers, trailer and motorcycle approval stickers, rejection stickers, and
inserts shall immediately stop performing new inspections and contact their
supervising trooper or the nearest Safety Division Area Office.
M. All losses of stickers must be reported immediately to the
supervising inspection trooper or the nearest Safety Division Area Office.
N. Every precaution against the loss of stickers must be
taken. If the loss occurs through carelessness or neglect, a suspension of the
station may result.
O. Manuals, bulletins, other regulations and lists of
approved equipment must be available at all times for reference and may be kept
in written or electronic form. Revisions to the Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection
Manual will be sent to each station electronically through the MVIP system.
Station management shall be responsible to see that each safety inspector is
familiar with all bulletins and manual revisions and shall be required to
furnish evidence to the department that all bulletins and manual revisions have
been reviewed by each licensed inspector.
A copy of the diagram drawn by the investigating trooper,
showing the approved inspection lane or lanes, will be maintained for review
and kept available with the station's inspection supplies.
P. Private appointment may be made of company stations or
government stations that own and operate a minimum of 20 vehicles and they may
inspect only company-owned or government-owned vehicles respectively. When
authorized by the department, they may inspect vehicles of a wholly-owned
subsidiary or leased vehicles.
1. A private station may perform inspections during each month
of the year or may elect to inspect only during certain designated months.
2. A private station not electing to inspect vehicles every
month of the year that finds it necessary to inspect a vehicle during a month
other than those selected for inspection may issue a sticker to the vehicle
from the nearest past inspection month.
Q. All official inspection station owners, managers, and
certified safety inspectors shall comply with the Virginia inspection laws and
the inspection rules and regulations and will adhere to all instructions given
by the supervising trooper or the Safety Division. Reports of violations will
be investigated and, if found to be valid, may result in the suspension of the
station, suspension of the inspector, possible court action, or other
appropriate action, or any combination of these actions. Repeated violations or
serious violations may result in a revocation of the station appointment by the
superintendent.
R. The arrest of any person associated with the inspection
program for a criminal offense of a nature that would tend to immediately
reflect upon the integrity and reputation of the Department of State Police may
be grounds for an immediate suspension and the conviction for such an offense
may result in a revocation of the station's appointment.
S. When a station has been suspended or revoked, it must
release to an employee of the Department of State Police all inspection
supplies, posters, and papers including the certificate of appointment. Failure
to do so is a violation of § 46.2-1172 of the Code of Virginia.
T. The authority of the superintendent to suspend the
designation or appointment of an official inspection station as provided in § 46.2-1163
of the Code of Virginia, or to suspend the certification of an inspector
designated to perform inspections at an official inspection station, and, in
keeping with the provisions of § 46.2-1166 of the Code of Virginia, is hereby
delegated to any of the following supervisory ranks of the Department of State
Police: Lieutenant Colonel, Major, Captain, Lieutenant, First Sergeant and
Sergeant.
U. Each station must purchase and keep in proper operating
condition the following equipment: computer, printer, internet connection,
paper hole punch, black ball point pen or pens or black marker or markers,
sticker scraper with replacement razor blades, tire tread depth gauge, amp
meter, headlight and auxiliary lamp adjustment tools, 12-inch ruler, 25-foot
measuring tape, torque wrench or torque sticks, brake pads/shoes/disc/drum
measuring device, dial indicator, micrometer, pry bars, roller jack (at least
4-ton), and an approved type optical headlight aiming device. Each station that
requests an additional inspection lane that is not in close proximity to the
originally approved inspection lane must purchase an additional approved
headlight machine for each lane that meets the minimum requirements. Stations
are required to have one of the following headlight aiming devices effective
January 1, 2013: the Hopkins Vision1, Hopkins Vision 100, American Aimers
Vision 100, American Aimers Vision 2 Pro, or the Symtech (former L.E.T.) HBA-5,
PLA-11, and PLA-12. This shall not apply to "trailer-only" inspection
stations.
19VAC30-70-20. General inspection requirements.
A. Each official inspection station must inspect every
vehicle presented for inspection as prescribed by this chapter, either
approving or rejecting it. Inspections will not be performed unless requested.
1. Dealers' vehicles shall be inspected according to these
standards. The dealer's name rather than the license number shall be shown on
the rear of the approval/rejection approval or rejection sticker.
2. Out-of-state vehicles may be inspected, but shall not be
approved unless they meet the requirements of the Official Motor Vehicle Safety
Inspection Manual.
3. When a vehicle is presented for inspection, the entire
previous approval sticker, if any, on the vehicle must shall
be removed and destroyed before any inspection is begun conducted
(except a rejection sticker). For purposes of the safety inspection program,
"destroyed" shall mean that the previous inspection sticker will be
disposed of in a manner so it cannot be reused or placed on another vehicle's
windshield. After removing the inspection sticker, the safety inspector who
is to perform the inspection must drive the vehicle into an approved inspection
lane unless the safety inspector is not qualified to operate the vehicle.
During the operation of the vehicle, the safety inspector must make application
of the service and parking brakes and check for conditions as set forth in the
Service Brake Section of the Official Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Manual
applicable to the vehicle being inspected.
WARNING: No razor blades or similar devices should be used to
remove stickers from "Securiflex,",
"Anti-Lacerative" or "Inner Shield" type windshield. These
windshields are identified as AS-14. Any questions concerning removal should be
directed to the nearest Safety Division Area Office.
B. Each inspection shall be a complete, uninterrupted
inspection and shall include a check of all applicable items in the Official
Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Manual. All repair tools and testing equipment
required prior to a station's appointment shall be properly maintained and
available for use during each inspection.
C. The term "inspection" as used in this chapter
shall not include repairs or adjustments. Repairs or adjustments necessary to
bring the vehicle in conformity with these regulations this chapter
may be made by agreement between the owner and such station or whatever repair
shop the owner may select. When requested to do so by the person submitting a
vehicle for inspection, any repairs or adjustments necessary to bring the
vehicle into compliance with the inspection program rules and regulations shall
be made by the inspection station performing the inspection. The inspection
station management may utilize the option of subcontracting the repairs or
adjustments provided the application filed for the station appointment
reflected that such repairs or adjustments will be subcontracted.
D. Each vehicle that meets the requirements as set forth in these
regulations this chapter shall be issued an approval sticker. Those
vehicles that do not meet the inspection requirements shall be issued a
rejection sticker. Any trailer required to be inspected under the provisions of
the Code of Virginia may, only if the size or configuration of the trailer and
the size and configuration of the facilities of the inspection station prevent
the trailer from being inspected inside the inspection station, be inspected
outside the inspection station. The location on the outside of an inspection
station where trailers may be inspected shall be approved by the Department of
State Police and shown on the station diagram.
E. Inspections may be made when it is raining or snowing.
Care must be exercised when making inspections in inclement weather. Vehicles
covered with ice, snow, mud or other debris to the extent that required parts
cannot be inspected, may be refused inspection until the operator removes such
debris.
19VAC30-70-30. Inspector requirements.
A. The inspection of motor vehicles required by these rules
and regulations shall be made only by those individuals who are certified and
licensed as safety inspectors by the Department of State Police. The procedures
outlined in this section are applicable to the processing of applications for
initial certification, reclassification of safety inspector's licenses, and
reinstatement of suspended or revoked safety inspector's licenses.
B. All certified inspectors shall: 1. Be be at
least 18 years of age; and 2. Have a. In addition, all certified
inspectors shall have:
1. A minimum of one year's year of
practical experience as an automotive mechanic, or have
satisfactorily six months of practical experience as an automotive
mechanic combined with an additional and separate six months of mirroring a
certified state inspector, or
satisfactorily 2. Satisfactorily completed a
training program in the field of automotive mechanics approved by the
Superintendent of State Police.
A person who has a minimum of one year's practical
experience met either of the practical experience requirements in
repairing motorcycles may be certified to inspect motorcycles only and a person
who has one year's practical experience meets them in repairing
trailers may be certified to inspect trailers only.
C. All mechanics Each mechanic entering the
inspection program will be required to satisfactorily pass a written and
practical examination exhibiting his knowledge of the inspection procedures.
D. Each certified inspector shall possess a valid Virginia
driver's license with the following exceptions:
1. An inspector who is a resident of an adjoining state
holding a valid driver's license in that state and who commutes regularly to
work in Virginia; or
2. A member of the armed forces of the United States on active
duty who holds a driver's license from his home state.
E. An inspector whose driver's license is suspended or
revoked, including the seven-day administrative suspension for a DUI arrest,
must immediately notify the station's supervising trooper or the local Safety
Division Area Office of the suspension or revocation. The suspension or revocation
of an inspector's driver's license shall automatically act as a suspension of
his privilege to inspect motor vehicles until such suspension or revocation is
terminated and the reinstatement has been made by the Superintendent of State
Police.
F. Each licensed safety inspector must have a valid safety
inspector's license in his possession at all times while conducting
inspections.
G. Each safety inspector with a valid safety inspector's
license need only present such valid license to his new employer to commence
participation in the program at his new place of employment. Management of the
inspection station is required to notify the Safety Division when a safety
inspector begins or ends employment. This may be handled by contacting the
Safety Division Headquarters in Richmond by telephone.
H. An inspector must promptly notify the Safety Division in
writing of any change in his home address as shown on the safety inspector's
license. In the event the license becomes mutilated, lost or stolen, the inspector
must notify the Department of State Police immediately in writing, requesting a
duplicate. The Safety Inspector Notification Form shall be used and all
requested information should be printed plainly and completely. For those
inspectors who are not employed, write "Inactive" in the station name
block. In those cases where notification is being made due to an address
change, it will be necessary to: (i) fill out the form completely and (ii)
retain a copy of the form and license until a permanent (new) license is
received. In those cases where the license has been lost, stolen or mutilated,
complete steps in clauses (i) and (ii) as set forth in this section
subsection. The notification form may be duplicated as necessary.
I. An inspector must immediately notify the station's
supervising trooper or local Safety Division Area Office of an arrest for a
criminal offense or the institution of a civil action.
J. Requirements for safety inspector applicants with a
specific learning disability:
1. Applicants will be required to furnish documentation from
the particular school division where the applicant was classified as having a
learning disability. The specific learning disability will be clearly
identified.
2. Once the learning disability has been documented, and if
applicable, the applicant will be allowed to test with the written exam being
orally presented.
3. The station management where the applicant is employed or
to be employed must agree to have someone present during the hours the employee
is conducting inspections to assist with the reading of the Official Motor
Vehicle Safety Inspection Manual when necessary during the initial three-year
certification period. If the inspector changes stations within the first
three-year period, it is the inspector's responsibility to notify station
management of his disability and this requirement.
19VAC30-70-50. Approval stickers and decals.
A. If the vehicle meets all inspection requirements, the
certified safety inspector performing the inspection shall immediately enter
the receipt information via the MVIP system.
The inspection sticker is not valid unless the rear portion
is completed with the vehicle make, year built, license plate number (dealer
name if a dealer tag is displayed), body type, and the complete vehicle
identification number (VIN). The inspection sticker shall be completed using
black indelible ink.
B. Approval stickers and decals shall be issued according to
the following schedule:
ANNUAL PROGRAM
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Vehicles inspected in January are issued stickers bearing
the Number "1"
Vehicles inspected in February are issued stickers bearing the Number
"2"
Vehicles inspected in March are issued stickers bearing the Number
"3"
Vehicles inspected in April are issued stickers bearing the Number
"4"
Vehicles inspected in May are issued stickers bearing the Number
"5"
Vehicles inspected in June are issued stickers bearing the Number
"6"
Vehicles inspected in July are issued stickers bearing the Number
"7"
Vehicles inspected in August are issued stickers bearing the Number
"8"
Vehicles inspected in September are issued stickers bearing the Number
"9"
Vehicles inspected in October are issued stickers bearing the Number
"10"
Vehicles inspected in November are issued stickers bearing the Number
"11"
Vehicles inspected in December are issued stickers bearing the Number
"12"
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All February annual inspection stickers for trailer and
motorcycle decals (#2) due to expire at midnight, February 28 automatically
will be valid through midnight February 29 each leap year.
C. The numeral decal indicating the month of expiration shall
be inserted in the box identified as month and the numeral decal indicating the
year of expiration shall be inserted in the box identified as year of the
approval sticker and the trailer or motorcycle sticker. Extreme care should be
used by inspectors in applying these inserts. On all windshields, except school
buses, the sticker is to be placed at the bottom of the windshield so that the
inside or left edge of the sticker is one inch to the right of the vertical
center of the windshield when looking through the windshield from inside the
vehicle. (If the vehicle is normally operated from the right side, the sticker
must be placed one inch to the left of the vertical center of the windshield.)
On passenger vehicles not equipped with a windshield, the
sticker shall be placed on or under the dash and protected in some manner from
the weather.
The approval sticker on official yellow school buses is to be
placed at the bottom and in the right corner of the windshield when looking
through the windshield from inside the vehicle.
EXCEPTIONS: The approval sticker shall be placed one inch to
the right of the vertical center of the windshield when looking through the
windshield from the inside on all new flat-face cowl yellow school buses. On
vehicles equipped with heating and grid elements on the inside of the windshield,
the sticker shall be placed one inch above the top of the grid element and the
inside left edge of the sticker shall be one inch to the right of the vertical
center when looking through the windshield from the inside.
Stickers or decals used by counties, cities and towns in lieu
of license plates affixed adjacent to the old approval sticker and which are
affixed in the location where the new approval sticker is required to be placed
will not be removed. In these cases, the approval sticker will be placed as
close to one inch to the right of the vertical center of the windshield as it
can be placed without removing or overlapping the county, city or town decal.
D. The Code of Virginia requires that the inspection sticker
be displayed on the windshield or at other designated places at all times. The
inspection sticker cannot be transferred from one vehicle to another.
EXCEPTION: If the windshield in a vehicle is replaced, a
valid sticker may be removed from the old windshield and placed on the new
windshield.
E. The sticker issued to a motorcycle shall be affixed to the
left side of the cycle where it will be most visible after mounting. The
sticker may be placed on a plate on the left side where it will be most visible
and securely fastened to the motorcycle for the purpose of displaying the
sticker. The sticker may be placed horizontally or vertically.
F. Trailer stickers will be issued to all trailers and
semitrailers required to be inspected. (No boat, utility, or travel trailer
that is not equipped with brakes shall be required to be inspected.)
G. All inspected trailers must display a trailer sticker on
that particular vehicle. These stickers are to be placed on the left side of
the trailer near the front corner. The sticker must be affixed to the trailer body
or frame. In those instances where a metal back container with a removable
transparent cover has been permanently affixed to the trailer body, the sticker
may be glued to it. The container must be permanently mounted in such a manner
that the sticker must be destroyed to remove it.
H. In all other cases involving unusually designed trailers
such as pole trailers, the safety inspector is to exercise his own good
judgment in placing the sticker at a point where it will be as prominent as
possible and visible for examination from the left side.
I. Motorcycles have a separate sticker that is orange and
issued with the prefix M. Trailers have a separate sticker that is blue and
issued with the prefix T. The trailer and motorcycle receipts are completed in
the same manner as other inspection receipts.
J. Appointed stations will keep sufficient inspection
supplies on hand to meet their needs. Requests for additional supplies shall be
ordered via the MVIP system. Requests for supplies that are to be picked up at
the Safety Division Headquarters must be made at least 24 hours prior to pick
up.
Packing slips mailed with inspection supplies will be kept on
file at the station for at least 24 months.
K. All unused center inserts used to indicate the month that
a sticker expires, in possession of the inspection station at the end of each
month, shall be retained by the inspection station, properly safeguarded, and
used in the inspection of vehicles for that particular month in the following
year or be disposed of as directed by the Department of State Police.
All inspection supplies that are voided, damaged, disfigured
or become unserviceable in any manner, will be returned to the Safety Division.
New replacement supplies will be issued to the station. Expired stickers will
be picked up by the station's supervising trooper.
L. All voided approval/rejection approval or
rejection stickers will be picked up by the station's supervising trooper.
M. The MVIP system approval or rejection printed receipt
shall be given to the owner or operator of the vehicle.
N. All yellow receipt copies of approval stickers and decals
will be retained in the books and shall be kept on file at the station for at
least 24 six months. They may be inspected by any law-enforcement
officer during normal business hours.
O. Safety Division troopers may replace inspection stickers
that have separated from the windshield of motor vehicles and become lost or
damaged without conducting an inspection of the safety components of the
vehicle. Such replacement of inspection stickers shall be made only in
accordance with the following provisions:
1. A vehicle owner or operator complaining of the loss or
damage to the inspection sticker on the windshield of their vehicle due to
separation of the sticker from the windshield shall be directed to the nearest
Safety Division Area Office or Safety Division trooper.
2. Safety Division troopers, upon receipt of a complaint from
a vehicle owner or operator that their inspection sticker has been stolen, lost
or become damaged due to separation from the windshield, will make arrangements
to meet the person to effect the replacement of the sticker. A vehicle owner or
operator alleging theft of the inspection sticker will furnish proof to the
Safety Division trooper that such theft has been reported to the proper
law-enforcement authority.
3. The vehicle owner or operator must produce the original
safety inspection approval sticker receipt indicating a valid approval
inspection sticker was issued to the vehicle within the past 11 months. (The
vehicle must be reinspected if the expiration of the original inspection
sticker is in the month the request is being made.)
4. The Safety Division trooper will verify by the inspection
receipt that the vehicle was issued an approval inspection sticker within the
past 11 months and will then issue a replacement inspection sticker to the
vehicle. If any obvious equipment defects are detected during the replacement
process, the vehicle will not be issued a replacement approval sticker.
5. The Safety Division trooper will complete the inspection
sticker receipt for the approval sticker from information contained on the
original receipt. The date the replacement sticker is issued will be used in
the date space. In the space for Inspection Related Charges, the trooper will
insert the word "REPLACEMENT" and the sticker number from the
original inspection receipt.
6. The Safety Division trooper will sign the receipt
vertically in the O.K. column in the "Equipment Inspected" blocks.
These blocks will not otherwise be completed.
7. The Safety Division trooper shall place month and year
inserts on the inspection sticker to reflect the expiration as shown on the
original approval inspection sticker and place the inspection sticker on the
windshield in accordance with the requirements of subsection C of this section.
8. The Safety Division trooper will enter the replacement
information into the MVIP system.
P. New vehicle safety inspections.
1. Section 46.2-1158.01 of the Code of Virginia allows an
employee who customarily performs the inspection requirement of a manufacturer
or distributor of new motor vehicles to place an inspection sticker furnished
by the Department of State Police on the vehicle once it has met the
requirements of that manufacturer or distributor. This employee does not have
to be a certified safety inspector.
2. With the addition of other personnel using Department of
State Police inspection supplies, a system shall be developed at each
inspection station to afford accountability of all supplies. The system shall
include proper safeguards to prevent the loss of supplies through carelessness,
neglect, theft, or unauthorized use.
3. Inspection stations shall not mix annual state inspections
with predelivery inspections (PDI) in the same book of inspection stickers.
4. All employees shall be reminded that anyone who performs
inspections, whether it be for the annual inspection or the PDI inspection, is
subject to criminal prosecution if inspection supplies are used illegally or
used in some other unauthorized way.
5. Station management and licensed safety inspectors are
subject to administrative sanctions for any misuse of inspection supplies.
6. The inspection receipts shall be completed as usual with
the following exceptions: On the "inspector" line, the initials
"PDI" (for predelivery inspection) and the printed employee's name
performing the inspection shall be entered. On the "inspector's license
number" line, the letters "N/A" shall be entered. In the
equipment inspected section, the words "New Vehicle" shall be entered
in the "adjust" column. The PDI employee performing the inspection
shall sign his name in the "O.K." column.
19VAC30-70-160. Auxiliary lamps: backup; cornering; driving;
fog; spot and warning.
A. Auxiliary lamps on a vehicle consist of seven general
types: backup lamps (SAE-R), cornering lamps (SAE-K), driving lamps (SAE-Y),
front fog lamps with an amber or clear lens (SAE-F and rear fog lamps with red
lens (SAE-F2), spot lamps (SAE-O), warning lamps (SAE-W, W2, W3), and daytime
running lamps (DRLs) (SAE-Y2).
B. School buses may be equipped with an eight-lamp warning
system of two red and two amber warning lamps of an approved type (SAE-W2) on
the front and rear of such vehicle.
1. School buses may also be equipped with roof-mounted
flashing white or amber warning lamps of an approved type (SAE-W2).
2. In addition to required warning lamps, school buses may be
equipped with a stop signal arm consisting of an octagonal sign which meets
FMVSS specifications (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, 49 CFR Part 571).
The stop signal arm shall be reflectorized or be equipped with two red warning
lamps of an approved type.
C. There is no limit on the number of backup lamps that a
vehicle may have so long as they are of an approved type (SAE-R).
D. No more than four lamps, including two headlamps, may be
lighted at any time to provide general illumination ahead of the vehicle.
E. Approved type (DOT or SAE-W) blue or blue and red lights
are permitted on Department of Corrections vehicles designated by the Director
of the Department of Corrections and any law-enforcement vehicle.
1. Approved type secondary warning lights installed only on
the four corners, on law-enforcement vehicles, Department of Corrections, fire
apparatus, government-owned vehicle operated on official business by a local
fire chief or other local fire official, rescue squad vehicle, ambulance, or
any other emergency medical vehicles. These lights shall also have primary
warning lights installed.
2. The hide-away or undercover strobe lights shall be
installed in the side marker lights, tail lights or parking lights. The strobe
itself must be clear and the lens color must continue to be the same type and
color as originally approved. It will not be permissible to install the
hide-away lights in the headlights or in the backup lights.
3. Approved type (SAE-W) red warning lights or red and white
lights showing to the front are permitted on fire department vehicles,
including publicly-owned state forest warden vehicles, ambulances, any rescue
vehicle used for emergency calls, local department of emergency management,
animal warden vehicles, school buses and vehicles used by security personnel at
the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, Bassett-Walker, Incorporated,
the Tultex Corporation, the Winchester Medical Center, or the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration's Wallops Flight Facility.
4. No more than two flashing or steady-burning red lights or
red and white combination lights of an approved type (SAE-W) may be installed
on one vehicle owned by any member of a fire department, volunteer fire company
or volunteer rescue squad, any ambulance driver employed by a privately-owned
ambulance service, and any police chaplain.
F. Vehicles mentioned in subsection E of this section
permitted to be equipped with flashing, blinking or alternating red, red and
white, blue, or blue and red emergency lights (except vehicles owned by any
member of a fire department, volunteer fire company, volunteer rescue squad or any
ambulance driver employed by a privately-owned ambulance service) may be
equipped with the means to flash their headlamps when their emergency warning
lamps are activated provided:
1. The headlamps are wired to allow either the upper beam or
lower beam to flash but not both.
2. The headlamp system includes a switch or device which
prevents flashing of headlamps when headlamps are required to be lighted
pursuant to current statute.
3. Emergency vehicles in Chesapeake, Poquoson, and York County
may be equipped with flashing headlights that will function whenever their
warning lights are activated.
G. Any firefighting vehicle, ambulance, rescue or life-saving
vehicle, Virginia Department of Transportation vehicle, or tow truck may be
equipped with clear auxiliary lamps which shall be used exclusively for
lighting emergency scenes. Such lamps shall be of a type permitted by the
superintendent. Any government-owned police vehicle may be equipped with clear
auxiliary lamps of a type approved by the superintendent.
H. Approved type (SAE-W) amber flashing, blinking or
alternating lights are permitted on vehicles used for the principal purpose of
towing or servicing disabled vehicles or in constructing, maintaining and
repairing highways or utilities on or along public highways and vehicles used
for the principal purpose of removing hazardous or polluting substances from
the state waters or drainage areas on or along public highways. Such lamps are
permitted on vehicles used for servicing automatic teller machines, refuse
collection vehicles, hi-rail vehicles and on vehicles used for towing or
escorting over-dimensional materials, equipment, boats, or manufactured housing
units by authority of highway hauling permit.
1. Approved type (SAE-W) amber flashing, blinking or
alternating lights are permitted on fire apparatus, government-owned vehicles
operated on official business by a local fire chief or other local fire
official, rescue squad vehicles, ambulances, and any other emergency medical
vehicles to be equipped with alternating blinking or flashing red, or red and
white secondary lights mounted inside the vehicle's tail lights or marker
lights.
2. Approved type (SAE-W) amber flashing, blinking or
alternating lights are permitted on vehicles owned and used by municipal safety
officers in the performance of their official duties, businesses providing
security services and vehicles used to collect and deliver the United States
mail, vehicles used by law-enforcement personnel in the enforcement of laws
governing motor vehicle parking, government-owned law-enforcement vehicles
provided the lights are used for giving directional warning and vehicles used
to provide escort for funeral processions.
3. Approved type (SAE-W) amber flashing, blinking or
alternating lights are permitted on vehicles used as pace cars, security
vehicles, or firefighting vehicles by any speedway or motor vehicle race track.
4. An approved type (SAE-W) amber flashing, blinking or
alternating light may be mounted on the rear of any vehicle used to transport
petroleum products. The light must be wired through the reverse gear circuit
and activate in conjunction with the back-up lights and audible alarm.
5. An approved type (SAE-W) green warning light is permitted
on vehicles used by police, firefighting, or rescue personnel as command
centers at the scene of incidents. Such lights shall not be activated while the
vehicle is operating upon the highway.
I. Inspect for and reject if:
1. Vehicle has an auxiliary lamp being used for a purpose
other than for which it was approved.
EXCEPTION: Any lighting device that is both covered and not
illuminated, other than lamps required, shall not be considered for inspection.
Fog and driving lamps mounted below the level of the regular headlamps must be
checked for aim as outlined in subdivisions I 10 i and I 11 g of this
section if not covered.
NOTE: The covers shall be a type that would be installed as
original equipment and not tape, paper bags, aluminum foil or similar materials
per subdivision I 11 g (2) of this section.
2. A vehicle has installed on it a warning lamp (DOT or SAE-W)
that is not of an approved type or has been altered.
Reject if the vehicle has wire, unapproved lens or plastic
covers, any other materials that are not original equipment or any colored material
placed on or in front of any auxiliary lamps: backup, cornering, driving, fog,
spot, or warning lamps.
3. Motor vehicles may be equipped with more than two fog or
auxiliary lights; however, only two of these types of lights can be illuminated
at any time. Reject a vehicle equipped with a headlamp mounted or used as an
auxiliary lamp.
4. Vehicle is equipped with an auxiliary lamp that does not
function properly. (If an auxiliary lamp has been modified by removing the
wiring, bulb and socket, the unit will be considered an ornament and not a lamp
and will not be considered in inspection.)
5. Vehicle is equipped with a lighted advertising sign, except
commercial motor vehicles, buses operated as public carriers, taxicabs, and
privately-owned passenger cars used for home delivery of commercially prepared
food. Commercial motor vehicles, buses operated as public carriers, and
taxicabs may be equipped with vacant and destination signs and one steady
burning white light for the nighttime illumination of external advertising.
Privately-owned passenger cars used for home delivery of commercially prepared
food may be equipped with one steady burning white light for the nighttime
illumination of a sign identifying the business delivering the food. Do not reject
approved identification lights.
6. Any lamp is not of an approved type or if lamps to be
burned together as a pair do not emit the same color light.
7. The lens has a piece broken from it. The lens may have one
or more cracks provided an off-color light does not project through the crack
or cracks. Taping or gluing cracks or pieces is not permitted.
8. Backup lamps are not required. However, if installed they
must operate and be inspected.
Inspect for and reject if:
a. Lamps are not of an approved type (DOT or SAE-R) or a lamp
has been altered;
b. Wiring or electrical connections are defective or filaments
do not burn;
c. The lens has a piece broken from it. The lens may have one
or more cracks provided an off-color light does not project through the crack
or cracks. Taping or gluing cracks or pieces is not permitted;
d. Lens is other than clear. LED (light-emitting diode) lights
with a clear lens are acceptable if of an approved type. For those vehicles
that are equipped with a multiple LED light (not filament-burning bulbs), they
will pass inspection if more than 50% of the diode lights are burning;
e. Lamps are not wired into the reverse gear. Vehicles
manufactured without backup lamps may be wired into an independent circuit.
9. Cornering lamps are not required. However, if installed
they must operate and be inspected.
Inspect for and reject if:
a. Lamps are not of an approved type (DOT or SAE-K) or a lamp
has been altered;
b. Wiring or electrical connections are defective or filaments
do not burn;
c. The lens has a piece broken from it. The lens may have one
or more cracks provided an off-color light does not project through the crack
or cracks. Taping or gluing cracks or pieces is not permitted;
d. The color of the light is other than clear or amber;
e. The lamps do not burn in conjunction with the turn signals.
10. Driving lamps are not required. However, if installed they
must operate and be inspected.
Inspect for and reject if:
a. Driving lamps are installed on vehicles equipped with the
four-headlamp system, except the "F" type headlamp system;
b. A vehicle is equipped with more than two driving lamps;
c. Driving lamps are not of an approved type or have been
altered;
d. The color of the lamp is other than white;
e. The lens has a piece broken from it or is rotated away from
its proper position. The lens may have one or more cracks provided an off-color
light does not project through the crack or cracks. Taping or gluing cracks or
pieces is not permitted;
f. Wiring or electrical connections are defective;
g. Any driving lamp is mounted above the level of the regular
headlamps, or is not mounted firmly to prevent excessive vibration;
h. Driving lamps are not wired so that they will burn only
when the high beams of the regular headlamps are activated;
i. Driving lamps are not aimed so that the center of the hot
spot drops three inches in 25 feet so that the hot spot is directly ahead of
the lamp;
NOTE: Driving lamps must be aimed using the optical headlight
aimer. A tolerance of four inches in 25 feet is allowed in both the horizontal
and the vertical adjustment.
11. Fog lamps are not required. However, if installed they
must operate and be inspected.
Inspect for and reject if:
a. A vehicle may be equipped with more than two fog lamps;
however, not more than two fog lamps can be illuminated at any time;
b. Lamps are not of an approved type (DOT or SAE-F on front or
F2 on rear plus two-digit year and manufacturer) or a lamp has been altered;
c. The lens is other than clear or amber. Fog lamps may have
black-end bulbs or small metal caps over the end of the bulb;
d. The lens has a piece broken from it or is rotated away from
its proper position. The lens may have one or more cracks provided an off-color
light does not project through the crack or cracks. Taping or gluing cracks or
pieces is not permitted;
e. Wiring or electrical connections are defective or filaments
do not burn;
f. Any fog lamp is mounted above the level of the regular
headlamps, or is not mounted firmly;
g. Lamps are not wired and aimed according to the following
instructions:
(1) Fog lamps are general illumination lamps as covered in
subsection A of this section. They must burn through the tail light circuit
even if on a separate switch. If installed on a vehicle with a four-headlamp
system, or a vehicle equipped with driving lamps, they must be wired into the
low beam circuit.
(2) Fog lamps must be aimed so that the top edge of the high
intensity zone is set at the horizontal centerline and the left edge of the
high intensity zone is set at the vertical centerline. (Same as low beam
headlights.)
NOTE: Fog lamps must be aimed using the optical headlight
aimer. A tolerance of four inches in 25 feet is allowed in both the horizontal
and the vertical adjustment.
12. Spot lamps are not required; however, if installed they
must operate and be inspected.
Inspect for and reject if:
a. Vehicle is equipped with more than two spot lamps;
b. Lamps are not of an approved type (DOT or SAE-O) or a lamp
has been altered;
c. The lens in any spot lamp is other than clear;
d. The lens has a piece broken from it or is rotated away from
its proper position. The lens may have one or more cracks provided an off-color
light does not project through the crack or cracks. Taping or gluing cracks or
pieces is not permitted;
e. Wiring or electrical connections are defective or filaments
do not burn.
13. Daytime running lamps (DRLs) are not required. However, if
installed they must operate and be inspected. DRLs must be installed in pairs.
NOTE: DRLs may or may not be wired into the tail light
circuit.
Inspect for and reject if:
a. Any lamp, except headlamps, used as DRLs if not an approved
type (SAE-Y2) and is not marked "DRL";
b. Fog lamps or parking lamps are used as DRLs;
c. More than one pair of lamps is used and/or and
designated as DRLs;
d. A DRL is mounted higher than 34 inches measured to the
center of the lamp;
e. The color is other than white to amber;
f. DRLs do not deactivate when the headlamps are in any
"on" position.
Any DRL optically combined with a turn signal or hazard lamp
must deactivate when the turn signal or hazard lamp is activated and then
reactivate when the turn signal or hazard lamp deactivates.
VA.R. Doc. No. R17-5173; Filed July 6, 2017, 10:33 a.m.