Lighting Requirements for Inspection

For the safety of yourself and other drivers, vehicle inspections typically include a check of the various lights on your car. In many states, a vehicle won't pass inspection if certain lights do not work, as they are needed in dark, rainy or foggy weather. Even if you reside in a state that does not conduct safety inspections, be sure your lights are in good working order for safety on the road.

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In many states, your vehicle is required to pass an inspection on a regular basis that goes beyond emissions testing. Headlights, taillights, hazard lights, brake lights and directional lights are typically included in this inspection, but regulations vary by state. For instance, in New York, license plate lights are also inspected. In Massachusetts, headlights, taillights, brake lights and directionals are tested. In Texas, headlights, taillights, stop lights, rear reflectors, directionals and license plate lights are all inspected.

In most cases, a broken tail light will not pass inspection. Many state guidelines specifically mention that all lights requiring inspection must be clean, intact, unobstructed and free from cracks. The use of adhesive or tape to repair lights is not permitted. However, if lights are sealed with epoxy so that they are waterproof, they might pass. Some states, like Massachusetts, permit this, while others, like Virginia, do not. If you have a cracked headlight or taillight, be warned that it won’t pass inspection. Do not attempt to tape the light, even with red adhesive tape, as most states specifically prohibit this.

Fog lights are not always a required part of state inspection tests. In New York, for instance, fog lights are not checked when you bring in the vehicle for inspection. In other states, such as Pennsylvania, fog lights are not a required part of a vehicle’s assembly. If they are broken, drivers are permitted to remove them prior to the inspection. The vehicle will pass inspection with no fog lights, but will not pass with broken fog lights. Similarly, in Virginia, fog lamps are not required, but the state’s laws require that if they are installed, they must be fully functioning.

Laws regarding state inspections are highly specific to the state in which you reside. Safety inspection regulations change often, so it’s best to refer to your jurisdiction’s laws prior to scheduling a vehicle check. Regardless of the local laws, it is safer for everyone on the road, including yourself, if all the lights on your vehicle work properly.

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