Pennsylvania State Vehicle Inspections: What You Need to Know

Pennsylvania requires that all vehicles be inspected annually to ensure all cars, trucks, and SUVs on the road comply with established safety and emissions standards. Not only does this help keep you and other drivers safer in Pittsburgh, Bethel Park, and beyond, but it also minimizes harmful emissions and detrimental effects on the environment. What Pennsylvania state vehicle inspections do you need? What are the requirements for PA state inspections? Subaru of South Hills answers these questions below with an overview of the two main types of inspections mandated for Pennsylvania vehicles.

PA State Vehicle Safety Inspections

A PA state vehicle safety inspection confirms that your vehicle is safe for the roads of Canonsburg and those throughout the state. Your service technician will check all major vehicle systems and may replace parts as needed to bring your vehicle up to code. So, what does a typical PA state vehicle safety inspection include? What are the requirements for PA state inspections? Let’s break it down:

• A current and valid vehicle registration and insurance, with the VIN on the registration matching the VIN on the vehicle
• A working horn, doors, and tailgate
• Engine mount, brakes, tire tread, exhaust system, steering, and suspension must all be in good condition
• Fully operational headlights and taillights
• No excessive body damage
• No extreme rust on the frame or floor bed
• No windshield cracks or glazing and no mirror defects
• Satisfactory completion of a test drive to guarantee there are no issues with noise or problems with the powertrain or brakes
• Working seatbelts

Bear in mind that this is not an exhaustive list. Our service technicians can review everything that will be performed at your Pennsylvania state vehicle inspection.

Pennsylvania Emissions Inspections

Most vehicles must pass a Pennsylvania state inspection for emissions before owners can get their registration stickers issued or renewed. This helps reduce pollution, keep the air cleaner, and, in general, lessen any potentially damaging impacts on Mother Nature. This Pennsylvania state vehicle inspection involves testing your engine and emissions efficiency and how much pollution your vehicle emits into the environment.

With that said, certain vehicles do not need emissions inspections. This includes:

• New vehicles with less than 5,000 miles
• Vehicles driven 5,000 miles or less in the year since your last emissions inspection
• Vehicles registered in the Pennsylvania counties of Adams, Armstrong, Bedford, Bradford, Butler, Cameron, Carbon, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Crawford, Elk, Fayette, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lawrence, McKean, Mifflin, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Somerset, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Venango, Warren, Wayne, and Wyoming

Schedule a Pennsylvania State Inspection at Subaru of South Hills

The Subaru of South Hills service team is here to perform all required Pennsylvania state inspections. Schedule an appointment online or contact our service team directly. And don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or want more information. Also, be sure to check out our latest specials for ways to save on your service visit. We look forward to partnering with you to keep your vehicle safe and sustainable for years to come.