Roadworthy inspections are often required for those who want to renew their vehicle's registration, and it's good to get this inspection done well ahead of time, so you can also schedule any needed repairs before that registration expires. Note a few important details about such inspections, and then contact a local driver's license office if you still have questions about this process.

Newer vehicles are usually exempt

If you haven't gotten a notice that your vehicle is required to get a roadworthy inspection, it may be new enough to be exempt from such an inspection. This rule will vary by state; you can call your local licensing office to check, or check their website to note the age of vehicles that are exempt. However, don't assume that you need such an inspection to renew your registration for a vehicle that's a few years old; call or go online and confirm before you pay for the inspection and waste that fee for a newer vehicle.

Get the inspection done first

You may assume that your vehicle won't pass inspection because of certain defects, but it's good to have the inspection done first, before you have repairs made. It may be that certain defects are not severe enough to have your car fail inspection or aren't part of that inspection. Whatever the case, if your vehicle fails the inspection, you can typically have another inspection done for free within a certain timeframe, after you have those necessary repairs made. Having that inspection done first can then save you the cost of unnecessary repairs and also ensure your repairs are done properly so that your vehicle will actually pass the inspection.

Cosmetic fixes typically aren't sufficient

Don't assume you can cover a severe crack in the windscreen with a filler, cover over rust with paint, or perform other such cosmetic fixes and your vehicle will pass inspection. While some minor damage might be "touched up" with fillers, such as a small chip in the windscreen or a small dent that is starting to rust, major damage to the vehicle often needs an actual repair or replacement part in order to pass inspection. This is also a reason to have the inspection done first, so the mechanic can outline exactly what needs to be done to the vehicle, but don't assume he or she won't notice dents, broken pieces under the car's body, a severe crack in the windscreen, and other such damage because of your cosmetic fixes.

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