Car Inspection Laws in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is one of several states that requires car owners to have their vehicles inspected each year. Drivers must go to an inspection station to obtain a current vehicle safety inspection decal.
Driving a vehicle that fails inspection or does not have a current inspection decal could result in fines and other penalties.
A car inspection can help ensure that safe vehicles are on Philadelphia, PA roads. However, a vehicle that passes inspection can still be involved in a car accident.
Our Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers have represented thousands of clients since 1985. We work tirelessly to recover compensation for our clients for accident injuries and damages.
Contact our Philadelphia law firm to schedule your free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Philadelphia. We discuss your case free of charge, and you are under no obligation to hire our law firm after your initial consultation.
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What is the Pennsylvania Safety Inspection Program?
Pennsylvania has mandatory vehicle inspections for vehicles registered within the state. An official PennDOT inspection station must perform vehicle safety inspections. Service stations and repair garages are often official inspection stations.
New residents in Pennsylvania must schedule a vehicle safety inspection after they register their vehicle with the DMV. A law enforcement official may compel you to complete a vehicle safety inspection If you fail to obtain an inspection. You could also be fined for noncompliance.
Pennsylvania Vehicle Safety Inspection Requirements
Most drivers own a vehicle that falls into the category of passenger cars and light-duty trucks.
A safety inspection under this category would include checking:
- Brakes
- Body and chassis
- Electrical and lighting systems
- Horns and warning devices
- Turn signal
- Mirrors
- Tires and wheels
- Windshield wipers
- Suspension
- Fuel systems
- Steering
- Defrosters
- Speedometer and odometer checks
An anti-tampering check may be performed. The check involves a visual inspection of the emission system. The anti-tampering check is to ensure that none of the components of the exhaust systems have been removed.
In addition to the above, vehicles registered in the Philadelphia Region must also pass emissions testing. Emissions testing is a requirement based on where you live. Garages and service stations can perform both tests for convenience.
What Happens if a Vehicle Fails the Safety Inspection?
If a vehicle fails the test, the inspector notifies the owner what repairs must be made to pass inspection. The owner can make the repairs themselves or take the vehicle to a repair shop. After the repairs are complete, the vehicle must be reinspected to receive an inspection certificate.
Why Are Pennsylvania Car Inspections Important?
Car inspections help reduce the risk of car crashes because of unsafe vehicles. For example, if a vehicle’s horns and warning lights do not operate, a driver may not be able to warn other motorists of a potential hazard or imminent collision. If a vehicle’s tire treads are worn, it could increase the risk of a car wreck, especially in rainy or icy weather.
Inspecting a vehicle does not guarantee that the vehicle will not be involved in a car accident. It can reduce the chance of a car crash caused by factors related to the safety inspection.
If you are involved in an accident, you could be entitled to compensation for damages in a personal injury case. However, do not wait to contact an attorney. Your time to file a claim is limited by law.
How Our Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help if You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident
Being injured in a car accident can be frustrating. You have to deal with property damage claims and medical bills. If you sustain traumatic injuries, you may lose income because you are out of work.
We understand. At Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers, our Philadelphia personal injury attorneys work to settle your injury claim as quickly as possible. However, we never rush a claim. We give your case the time and care necessary to achieve the best possible outcome.
Since 1985, our personal injury lawyers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Let us work to get you the compensation you deserve.
When you hire our legal team, you can expect us to:
- Provide comprehensive legal services with compassion and respect
- Conduct accident investigations to gather evidence proving fault and liability
- Identify the parties who caused your injuries
- File insurance claims, negotiate settlements, and handle all aspects of your personal injury claims
If the other party or an insurance provider refuses to negotiate a fair settlement, we will discuss the pros and cons of filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Call today to speak with a Philadelphia car accident attorney for free.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Philadelphia Today To Get Help With Your Case
If you have been injured in an accident, we want to help. You should not be required to bear the burdens caused by a negligent driver. To learn more and get the help you deserve, contact Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers.
You can also visit our law firm at 123 S Broad St #1220, Philadelphia, PA 19109.
