Subchapter b

8/10/2019 Subchapter b

1/8

B-1 Vehicle Equipment and Inspection Regulations

Subchapter B - Official Inspection Station Requirements

station on the premises of an official safetyinspection station which has been suspended,if the owner of the suspended station continues

to conduct any type of business which utilizesthe same access. This prohibition shall notapply if the station and the other businesseach have a separate internal access though

sharing a common external access.(g) Cancellation of Appointments- A certificate

of appointment previously issued for a stationwhich does not comply with the restrictionscontained in subsection (e) or (f) will be

cancelled April 28, 1983.

175.22. MAKING APPLICATION.

(a) Form- The applicant shall file one copy ofForm MV-427, Application for Designation asan Official Inspection Station, with the Bureau.A separate application shall be made for eachplace of business.

(b) Bond or Proof of Insurance- Requirementsshall be as follows:

(1) An applicant for a certificate ofappointment shall furnish a bond on aform prescribed by the Department orproof of insurance as required by 75 Pa.C.S. 4722 (c) (relating to certificate ofappointment).

(2) The bond or insurance shall be in theamount of $10,000 for each place of

business and shall provide compensation to a vehicle owner for damage their

vehicle may sustain while it is inpossession of the inspection station.

(3) The bond or proof of insurance shall berenewed each year.

(4) Cancellation of the bond or insuranceshall automatically void the certificateof appointment. Inspections shall ceaseuntil the Bureau receives a new bond orproof of insurance.

(c) Specification of Type - The application shallindicate the type of inspection stationauthorization applied for; that is,Commonwealth, general, fleet, recreationaland utility trailer, or motorcycle.

(d) Applicant - The applicant shall be theowner of the business or, in the case of acorporation, some other person specificallyauthorized to sign the application.

(1) If a natural person, the applicant shall be18 years of age or older.

(2) If the applicant is a corporation,partnership or association, the

SUBCHAPTER B

OFFICIAL INSPECTIONSTATION REQUIREMENTS

175.21. APPOINTMENT.

(a) Authority- For the purpose of establishinga system of official inspection stations, theBureau will issue certificate of appointment toa privately owned facility within thisCommonwealth that complies with therequirements of the Vehicle Code andthis title. An official inspection station isauthorized to inspect vehicles and issueofficial certificates of inspection. See 75 Pa.C.S. 4721 (relating to appointment of officialinspection stations).

(b) Certificate of Appointment - The certificate

of appointment will be issued only when theBureau is satisfied that the station is properlyequipped and has certified personnel to makeinspections and adjustments. Only thosestations fulfilling Department requirementsand complying with this chapter will be issueda certificate of appointment. Prior involvementwith a suspended inspection station may besufficient cause to deny appointment. Thecertificate of appointment at all times shallbe conspicuously displayed at the place forwhich it is issued. See 75 Pa. C.S. 4722(relating to certificate of appointment).

(c) Certificate Not Assignable - A certificate ofappointment shall be valid only for the personin whose name it is issued and for trans actionof business at the place desig nated therein.A certificate of appointment shall not beassign able to another person or location.

(d) Valid Certificate Required- No personshall in any manner represent a place as anofficial inspection station unless the stationis operating under a valid certificate ofappointment issued by the Bureau.

(e) Inspection Stations With Common

Access- No certificate of appointment maybe issued for operation by an official safetyinspection station on the premises of anotherofficial safety inspection station which utilizesthe same access. This prohibition does notapply if the inspection stations have separateinternal accesses though sharing commonexternal access.

(f) Suspended Inspection Stations - Nocertificate of appointment shall be issuedfor operation of an official safety inspection


2/8

B-2Vehicle Equipment and Inspection Regulations

Official Inspection Station Requirements - Subchapter B

application shall be signed by an officer,partner, associate or another personspecifically authorized to sign the

application.

(i) The person who signs the applicationshall be 18 years of age or older.

(ii) Except in the case of an executiveofficer, partner or associate, writtenevidence of the authority of the person

for example, station managertosign the application shall be attachedthereto and attested to by a partner,or a corporation or association officer.

175.23. APPROVAL.

(a) Investigation- An inspection stationsupervisor will conduct an investigation ofeach applicant to determine full compliancewith the Vehicle Code and this chapter.

(b) English Comprehension- The applicant andeach inspection mechanic shall be sufficientlyversed in the English language to read andunderstand this title.

(c) Issuance of Certificate- Upon approval ofthe application by the Bureau, a certificate ofappointment shall be issued to the applicantfor the place of business located within thisCommonwealth, as set forth in theapplication. No inspections shall be madeunless a certificate of appointment has beenissued to and is prominently displayed at the

official inspection station.

175.24. REQUIRED CERTIFICATES

AND STATION SIGNS.

After appointment, the owner of each inspectionstation shall prominently display all signs requiredby the Bureau, including the following:

(1) A certificate of appointment for eachtype of station approved for the location.

(2) A sign clearly stating the fee for thecertificate of inspection separate fromthe fee for inspection. The fee for

inspection shall be the same whetherthe vehicle passes or fails. The feefor inspection shall include the cost oflabor for the inspection, including pullingwheels, but it shall not include the costof parts, repairs or adjustments. Thesign shall clearly indicate the fee fordifferent types of vehiclesfor example,passenger cars, trucks, trailersto theextent that the fee varies amongvehicles. Fleet and Commonwealth

stations are exempt from thisrequirement.

(3) A current list of certified inspectionmechanics, Form TS-443.

(4) An official inspection station sign outsidethe garage, clearly visible to the public.This sign shall have a keystone design

which is 24 inches high and 21 incheswide. The station number plate shall be23

4inches high and 133

8inches wide.

The background shall be navy blue withgold lettering. If hung from a bracket thesign shall be double faced. A previouslyissued sign will still be permitted. Fleetand Commonwealth stations areexempted from this requirement.

175.25. INSPECTION AREA.

(a) General - The following requirements apply to

inspection areas: (1) Except as provided in subsection (b)(1)

(iii) and (3), the inspection area shallbe entirely within a sound, enclosedbuilding, shall be in good repair; andshall be kept in good condition.

(2) Any anticipated alterations or changeaffecting the condition or size of theinspection area shall be reported to theinspection station supervisor at once.

(3) The floor shall be of a hard surface andin sound condition. Dirt floors will not be

approved. (4) The floor of the inspection area shall be

level. No more than 1% slope from frontto rear or side to side is acceptable.

(5) The inspection area shall be free fromobstructions, including shelves, workbenches, partitions, displays, machineryand stairways. If the inspection area orany part is located outside the building,the area shall also be kept clear of snowor other substances which would curtailor interfere with inspections.

(6) Hoists and lifts are permitted in theinspection area if a thorough and properinspection can be performed.

(b) Minimum Requirements - The followingminimum dimensions apply to inspectionareas:

(1) Commonwealth, fleet, and generalinspection stations:

(i) Twelve feet wide by 22 feet long,if the station uses an approvedheadlight aimer or tester.


3/8



(ii) Twelve feet wide by 43 feet long, if thestation uses an approved headlightaiming screen.

(iii) A motor carrier vehicle may beinspected either as single unit or incombination if, in the case of a stationmeeting the requirements of

subparagraph (i), the inspection areahas an additional unobstructed lengthof 42 feet or, in the case of a stationmeeting the requirements ofsubparagraph (ii), an additionalunobstructed length of 21 feet.

(2) Motorcycle inspection stations:

(i) Ten feet wide by 18 feet long, if thestation uses an approved headlighttester.

(ii) Ten feet wide by 32 feet long, if thestation uses an approved headlight

aiming screen. (3) Trailer inspection stations: 12 feet wide

by 55 feet long.

(c) Inspections Conducted in the Inspection Area-An inspection shall be conducted entirelywithin the inspection area with the exceptionof the road test.

175.26. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT.

(a) General Requirements- An inspectionstation shall have tools and equipment in goodoperating condition sufficient to inspect each

type of vehicle to be inspected, including all ofthe following:

(1) Hammers - a ball-peen hammer, oneplastic or brass hammer and one rubberhammer.

(2) A workbench.

(3) A portable light.

(4) Socket sets.

(5) Assorted open end and box endwrenches.

(6) Torque wrenches - foot-pound and

inch-pound. (7) Screw drivers - assorted.

(8) Pliers - assorted.

(9) Test light - continuity tester.

(10) Floor stands - four.

(11) Floor jack or hoist - wheels shall spin freely.

(12) Tire pressure gauge.

(13) Brake drum gauges.

(14) Micrometer gauges or thickness gauges,with measurements in 1/1000 inch,capable of measuring both the rangeof rotor thickness and the depth of thescores.

(15) A ball joint gauge - not required forrecreational, utility and motorcycle

stations. (16) A tread depth gauge capable of

indicating amount of usable tire tread inincrements of 1/32 inch.

(17) A brake - lining gauge capable ofindicating the amount of usable liningon both riveted and bonded lining inincrements of 1/32 inch.

(18) An approved headlight testing device - SAE approved No. J600a for photo -

electric type and J602c for mechanicalaimers. Not required for recreational and

utility trailer stations. (19) A paper punch with a minimum

diameter or width of 1/4 inch and amaximum diameter or width of 3/8 inch.

(b) Discontinued testers- An inspectionstation equipped with discontinued testersmay continue to use them as long as they arein good working order and capable of testingall types of headlights.

175.27. HOURS.

An inspection station shall be open for business

a minimum of 40 hours, Monday through Fridaybetween 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. This section may bewaived by the Bureau upon written request of theinspection station owner and prior approval of theinspection station supervisor. To be consideredfor a waiver of this section, 50% of the workinghours shall be between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Mondaythrough Friday. This section does not apply toCommonwealth or fleet inspection stations.

175.28. CERTIFIED INSPECTION

MECHANICS.

(a) General- An official inspection stationshall have at least one certified inspectionmechanic. Every inspection shall beperformed by a certified mechanic. Themechanic shall only inspect the type ofvehicle for which he is certified. The mechanicsigning the inspection sticker shall conductand be responsible for the entire inspectionof the vehicle, including the road test, exceptthat the Department may exempt a mechanic


4/8



from the requirement to perform a road testbecause of a physical disability. See 75Pa. C.S. 4726 (relating to certification ofmechanics).

(b) Multiple Stations- A certified inspectionmechanic may work part time at more thanone official inspection station if the mechanic

notifies the inspection station supervisor andthe Vehicle Control Division of the namesand station numbers of all current employers.Failure to do so may result in suspension ofthe mechanics inspection privileges.

(c) Number of Inspections - A cert ifiedmechanic may not inspect more than:

(1) Two vehicles other than motorcyclesper hour.

(2) Three motorcycles per hour.

(d) Certification Requirements- A mechanicdesiring to become certified:

(1) Shall be 18 years of age or older.

(2) Shall have a valid drivers licensefor each class of vehicle which themechanic will inspect; except that acertified mechanic who inspects schoolbuses is not required to hold a Class 4license but is required to hold a Class2 or 3 license. For the purposes of thischapter, a valid drivers license shall notinclude a learners permit. A mechanicexempted from the requirement to

perform the road test shall also be ex empt

from the requirement of this paragraph. (3) Shall have attended an approved 9-hour certification course and successfully

completed the required writtenexamination.

(4) Shall pass the required tactile testadministered by a certified/qualifiedautomotive instructor at an approvededucational facility.

(e) Recertification- A mechanic shall be certifiedevery 3 years by passing the required writtenexamination within 180 days of receipt of

notice from the Department that the mechaniccard is due to expire.

(f) Prior Certification- A mechanic card withoutan expiration date shall remain valid for 180days after the date of notice to the mechanicto attend the certification course. Failure tocomplete the certification course and pass therequired tests within 180 days will result incancellation.

(g) Mechanic License Codes- A mechanic willbe issued the following codes for the types ofvehicle the mechanic is authorized to inspect:

(1) Passenger cars, trucks 17,000 poundsor less, and trailers less than 10,000pounds.

(2) Motorcycles.

(3) Trucks over 17,000 pounds, trailers over10,000 pounds, and buses.

(4) All vehicles.

(5) Codes 1 and 2.

(6) Codes 2 and 3.

(7) Codes 1 and 3.

(8) (Reserved).

(9) Electrical speed timing:

(i) Electronic speed timing.

(ii) Mechanical speed timing.

(iii) Speedometer. (iv) Electrical-mechanical speed timing.

(h) Mechanic Card- The valid mechanic cardshall be carried by the mechanic whenperforming inspections.

175.29. OBLIGATIONS AND

RESPONSIBILITIES

OF STATIONS.

(a) Personal Liability- It is the responsibility ofthe owner of an inspection station to do all ofthe following:

(1) To conduct the business of the officialinspection station honestly and in thebest interests of this Commonwealth,in accordance with the provisions ofthe Vehicle Code and this chapter,and, except in the case of a fleet orCommonwealth inspection station, tomake every reasonable effort to inspectall vehicles upon request.

(2) To make official inspect ion regulations,and supplements available for the use ofcertified inspection mechanics and other

employes involved in inspection.

(3) To notify the inspection stationsupervisor and the Vehicle ControlDivision when a certified mechanic ishired.

(4) To keep current inspection records at theinspection station for examination andaudit by the inspection station supervisorand other authorized persons.


5/8



(5) To keep, for a period of 2 years,duplicate copies of all garage reportsheets and certificate of inspectionrequisition forms for each inspectioncampaign.

(6) To assume full responsibility, with orwithout actual knowledge, for:

(i) Every inspection conducted by anemploye of the inspection station.

(ii) Every inspection conducted on thepremises.

(iii) Every certificate of inspection issuedto the inspection station.

(iv) Every certificate of inspection issuedby the inspection station.

(v) A violation of the Vehicle Code orthis chapter related to inspectionscommitted by any employe of theinspection station.

(7) To assure that each inspect ion isperformed by an inspection mechaniccertified to inspect that type of vehicle.

(8) To have available, at all times, a currentcertificate of inspection for all types ofvehicles inspected at that station.

(b) Change of Ownership- The following applyto change of ownership:

(1) In the case of any change of ownership,the certificate of appointment, allunissued certificates of inspection, and all

inspection material shall be surrenderedimmediately to the inspection stationsupervisor. The new owner shall submita Form MV-427 application to theBureau. An investigation of the premiseswill be conducted by the inspectionstation supervisor.

(2) In the following circumstances, it shallnot be necessary to surrender unissuedcertificates of inspection; however, noinspections shall be conducted until thenew ownership has been approved anda new certificate of appointment issued:

(i) Creation, modification or termination ofa partnership.

(ii) Incorporation of a business.

(iii) Transfer of the controlling interest ina corporation.

(iv) Transfer of ownership to a spouse,child or parent.

(c) Change of Location- In the case of achange of location of an inspection station, allof the following apply:

(1) A Form MV-427 application shall becompleted and submitted to the Bureau.

(2) An investigation of the premises willbe conducted by the inspection stationsupervisor.

(3) Certificates of inspection will be auditedby the inspection station supervisor and

shall be retained by the station owner. (4) No inspections shall be made at the new

location until it has been investigatedand approved and a new certifi cate ofappointment issued by the Bureau.

(5) If the new location is not approved at thetime of the investigation, the inspectionstation supervisor will pick up all currentcertificates of inspection and will retainthem until the new location is approved.

(d) Discontinuance of Business- Inspectionsshall be discontinued in any of the following

circumstances: (1) If the owner vacates, abandons or

discontinues the inspection business.Immediate notice shall be provided tothe Bureau and the inspection stationsupervisor. The inspection stationsupervisor will pick up the certificate ofappointment, and all certificates ofinspection, records and other inspectionmaterials and return them to the Bureau.

(2) If the owner is deceased. If a member ofthe family or partner wishes to continue

the business, a new application forappointment shall be submitted to theBureau.

(3) If the owner voluntarily discontinuesthe operation of an inspection station,the owner shall immediately notify theinspection station supervisor. Remaininginspection materials shall be returned tothe inspection station supervisor.

(e) Notice Required- The following events shallbe reported at once to the inspection stationsupervisor and the Bureau; however, it is notnecessary to discontinue inspections:

(1) Whenever certificates of inspection aredamaged, lost or stolen.

(2) Whenever a certified mechanic ora person authorized to purchasecertificates of inspection is dismissedor resigns.

(3) A change in the post office address ofan inspection station, not location. Thechange shall be reported at once onForm MV-427.


6/8



(4) A change of the company name, notownership. The change shall be reportedat once on Form MV-427.

(5) When a person who signed the FormMV-427 application for a corporation isno longer in charge of the inspectionstation.

(i) A new Form MV-427 shall besubmitted to the Bureau at once.

(ii) A new letter of authority is required forthe person signing the Form MV-427.

(6) Whenever a person, whose signature ison the signature card, Form MV-417,resigns or is relieved of inspectionresponsibilities, the owner shall requestnew signature cards from the Bureau atonce. Upon receipt of new cards, the oldcards shall be returned to the Bureau.

(f) Customer Relations- The garage owner shall

consult the vehicle owner for permission tomake repairs.

(1) The permission may be establishedat the time the vehicle is brought tothe station for inspection or after it isdetermined the repairs are needed.

(2) The vehicle owner shall be allowed tomake his own repairs or to select anyoneelse he desires to do them for him.

(3) A part replaced as a result ofinspection shall be retained until thevehicle is returned to the customer. The

customer shall have the right to examineall replaced parts.

(4) The vehicle owner shall be informed inwriting on the repair order of any partswhich, although in passing condition,the mechanic believes may becomedangerous before the next inspectionperiod. The brake and tire readings shallbe indicated in writing on the repairorder. If a temporary inspection approvalindicator is issued, the repair order shallalso contain the following information:

(i) A statement which specifies thatfailure to return the vehicle displayinga renewed emission certificate ofinspection to the station prior to theexpiration of the safety certificate ofinspection shall void the temporary

inspection approval indicator andnecessitate a complete reinspectionof the vehicle for which a fee may becharged.

(ii) A statement indicating that the fee foraffixing a new certificate of inspectionwhich shall be charged upon thereturn of the vehicle for the newcertificate of inspection to be affixed.This fee shall be no greater thanthe posted fee for the certificate ofinspection as required by Section175.24(2) (relating to requiredcertificates and station signs).

175.30. COMMONWEALTH

INSPECTION STATIONS.

(a) Eligibility - This designation will be issued tostations owned and operated by:

(1) The Federal Government.

(2) The Commonwealth.

(3) A political subdivision of the

Commonwealth.

(b) General Requirements - An applicant fora Commonwealth inspection station shallmeet the requirements of this chapter, unlessspecifically exempted, including the specificrequirements for fleet stations.

(c) Certified Inspection Mechanic - Each officialCommonwealth inspection station shall haveat least one inspection mechanic certifiedto inspect each type of vehicle which will beinspected.

(d) Method of Inspection- A Commonwealthinspection station shall inspect and issue

certificates of inspection only to vehiclesregistered in the name of the governmentalbody.

(e) Certificates of Inspection - No fee shallbe charged for certificates of inspectionrequisitioned by Commonwealth inspectionstations.

175.31. FLEET INSPECTION

STATIONS.

(a) Eligibility- Eligibility requirements are as

follows:

(1) A fleet inspection station owner shallown or lease at least 15 or morevehicles.

(2) The certificate of appointment shallauthorize inspection of only thosevehicles registered or leased by thefleet inspection station owner. Privatelyowned or registered vehicles of company


7/8



officers and employes may not beinspected at a fleet inspection stationeven if they are used for businesspurposes.

(3) The inspection certificate shall becancelled if the number of vehiclesowned or leased falls below 15, except

for a temporary delay in ordering or receiving additional vehicles to

supplement the fleet.

(b) Certified Inspection Mechanic- Each fleetinspection station shall have at least oneinspection mechanic certified to inspect eachtype of vehicle which will be inspected.

(c) Requirements- Requirements shall includethe following:

(1) An applicant for a fleet inspectionstation shall meet the requirementsof this chapter, unless specifically

exempted.

(2) In addition to the minimum inspectionarea requirements of 175.25 (b)(1)(i)

(relating to inspection area), theinspection area shall be large enough toaccommodate the largest vehicle to beinspected at the fleet inspection station.

175.32. RECREATIONAL AND

UTILITY TRAILER

INSPECTION STATIONS.

(a) Eligibility- This designation shall be issuedto stations that inspect trailers.

(b) Requirements- An applicant for a trailerstation shall meet the requirements of thischapter, unless specifically exempted.

(c) Certified Inspection Mechanic- Each trailerinspection station shall have a mechaniccertified to inspect trailers present duringnormal business hours.

(d) Record Sheets- Inspections of trailers shallbe recorded on Form MV-480. Inspectionof recreational trailers shall be recorded on

separate Form MV-480 report sheets.(e) Tools- In addition to the tool requirements

of 175.26 (relating to tools and equipment),trailer stations shall have an ammeterlowrange type.

175.33. MOTORCYCLE INSPECTION

STATIONS.

(a) Eligibility - This designation shall be issuedto stations that inspect only motorcycles.

(b) General Requirements- A motorcycleinspection station shall meet all requirements

of this chapter, unless specifically exempted.(c) Certified Inspection Mechanic-

A motorcycle inspection station shall havea mechanic certified to inspect motorcyclespresent during normal business hours.

(d) Record Sheets- All motorcycle inspectionsshall be recorded on Form MV-431.

(e) Tools- In addition to the tool requirementsof 175.26 (relating to tools and equipment),a motorcycle station shall have the followingadditional tools:

(1) A spoke wrench.

(2) A truing stand.

(3) A photo-electric type aimer or approvedheadlight aiming screen.

(f) Exemption- A motorcycle station is notrequired to have floor jacks or a floor stand.

175.34. GENERAL INSPECTION

STATIONS.

(a) Eligibility- This designation will be issued tostations that inspect all vehicles if the stationis so equipped.

(b) General Requirements- An applicant fora general inspection station shall meetthe requirements of this chapter, unlessspecifically exempted.

(c) Certified Inspection Mechanic- Eachgeneral inspection station shall have acertified mechanic present during normalbusiness hours.

(d) Method of Inspection- All vehicles shallbe inspected according to this chapter by amechanic certified to inspect the appropriateclass of vehicle.


8/8

Vehicle Equipment and Inspection Regulations

Notes

NOTES

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

Subchapter b

Documents

Transcript of Subchapter b