Stay Compliant: Preparing for Your Vehicle State Inspection
The idea of a vehicle inspection can be daunting, especially when you don’t know the requirements or type of inspections your car might need. Whether you’re a new resident unsure about registering your vehicle, a car enthusiast concerned about the legitimacy of modified car parts, or a collision victim who needs to confirm their vehicle is safe to operate — the process can be overwhelming.
Here, we break down the different types of inspections in Arizona and how you can prepare.
Understanding the Arizona inspection process
Arizona doesn’t have not just one but three different types of vehicle inspections, each designed to assess various concerns and compliance requirements.
Level I
Level I inspections are the most basic and are generally conducted to verify the vehicle identification number (VIN), a common requirement if you’re registering an out-of-state vehicle in Arizona or if there’s a discrepancy in your vehicle documentation. Drivers can get their inspection done by an approved third-party provider who will check the VIN against the vehicle’s registration and title documents.
Level II
These inspections are more detailed and are typically required if there are concerns over a vehicle’s origin and identity or if you need to register a heavily modified car. In this case, you’ll have to book an appointment with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), where they’ll examine the driver’s documentation and do a basic inspection of the car.
Level III
The most comprehensive inspection, Level III includes all the steps of a Level II inspection, plus more in-depth checks. This level is typically reserved for vehicles that have been restored from salvage, recovered as a stolen vehicle, or involved in a collision and need a safety inspection before getting back on the road.
Car Emissions Inspections
Every one or two years, depending on the vehicle year and model, Arizona drivers must complete an emissions inspection to ensure their cars meet state emissions standards.
Preparing for the inspection
How you prepare for your inspection ultimately depends on the type of inspection required. For Level I inspections, all you’ll need are your vehicle’s documents. The preparation is a bit more involved for Level II and III inspections. In addition to gathering detailed documentation, you should:
Inspect the vehicle yourself: For emissions testing and higher-level inspections, ensure all vehicle parts are in good working order. This includes checking the engine, transmission, brakes, lights, and other essential systems. Make sure any aftermarket modifications comply with state regulations.
Review your vehicle history: Have a detailed vehicle history ready, including records of significant repairs, parts replacements, or alterations. This is particularly important for Level II inspections, which focus on the legitimacy of vehicle parts and modifications.
Know the inspection criteria: Whether you’re going in for an emissions test or Level III inspection, familiarize yourself with the specific criteria. For example, emissions tests primarily focus on the levels of pollutants like carbon monoxide, while Level III inspections involve a thorough check of the vehicle’s structural integrity and safety systems.
Be prepared for a detailed inspection: Level III inspections are especially thorough. Prepare for a comprehensive review of your vehicle, which may take longer than lower-level inspections.
Are you concerned about passing?
If you’re worried about passing your inspection, consider consulting with a professional who can conduct a preliminary inspection beforehand. Sometimes, however, the best approach is simply going through the inspection and seeing what needs fixing. If the car fails, you’ll receive a detailed report listing the reasons, which can (and must) be addressed before retesting.
What if you don’t pass the inspection?
If your vehicle fails the inspection, you’ll typically have a set amount of time to get the necessary repairs done and head back to the ADOT to retest your car. In some cases, like a failed emissions test, the Arizona government will cover some of the repair costs.
Understanding vehicle inspections is just one aspect of being a responsible driver. Register for a driver’s education course today and gain the knowledge and skills you need to become a more informed and proficient driver!
