From Vermont Statutes:
23 V.S.A. § 1222. Inspection of registered vehicles
(a) Except for school buses, which shall be inspected as prescribed in section 1282 of this title,
and motor buses as defined in subdivision 4(17) of this title, which shall be inspected twice
during the calendar year at six-month intervals, all motor vehicles registered in this State shall
undergo a safety and visual emissions inspection once each year and all motor vehicles that are
registered in this State and are 16 model years old or less shall undergo an emissions or on
board diagnostic (OBD) systems inspection once each year as applicable. Any motor vehicle,
trailer, or semi-trailer not currently inspected in this State shall be inspected within 15 days
following the date of its registration in the State of Vermont.
(b)(1) The inspections shall be made at garages or qualified service stations, designated by the
Commissioner as inspection stations, for the purpose of determining whether those motor
vehicles are properly equipped and maintained in good mechanical condition; provided,
however, the scope of the safety inspection of a motor vehicle other than a school bus or a
commercial motor vehicle shall be limited to parts or systems that are relevant to the vehicle's
safe operation, and such vehicles shall not fail the safety portion of the inspection unless the
condition of the part or system poses or may pose a danger to the operator or to other highway
users.
(2) The charges for such inspections made by garages or qualified service stations designated to
conduct periodic inspections shall be subject to the approval of the Commissioner. If a fee is
charged for inspection, it shall be based upon the hourly rate charged by each official
inspection station or it may be a flat rate fee and, in either instance, the fee shall be
prominently posted and displayed beside the official inspection station certificate. In addition,
the official inspection station may disclose the State inspection certificate charge on the repair
order as a separate item and collect the charge from the consumer.
(c) A person shall not operate a motor vehicle unless it has been inspected as required by this
section and has a valid certification of inspection affixed to it. A person shall be subject to a civil
penalty of not more than $5.00, which penalty shall be exempt from surcharges under 13 V.S.A.
§ 7282(a), if he or she is cited for a violation of this section within the 14 days following
expiration of the motor vehicle inspection sticker. The month of next inspection for all motor
vehicles shall be shown on the current inspection certificate affixed to the vehicle.
(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, an exhibition vehicle of
model year 1940 or before registered as prescribed in section 373 of this title or a trailer
registered as prescribed in subdivision 371(a)(1)(A) of this title shall be exempt from
inspection; provided, however, the vehicle must be equipped as originally manufactured,
must be in good mechanical condition, and must meet the applicable standards of the
inspection manual.
§ 1307. Brake equipment required
(a) Every motor vehicle, when operated upon a highway shall be equipped with brakes acting
on all wheels adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold such vehicle, including
two separate means of applying the brakes to at least two wheels. If those two separate means
of applying the brakes are connected in any way, they shall be so constructed that failure of any
one part of the operating mechanism shall not leave the motor vehicle without brakes on at
least two wheels.
(b) Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles need only to be equipped with at least one brake
which may be operated by hand or foot.
(c) Farm-type tractors and motorized highway building equipment required to be registered
need not have brakes on the wheels of the front axle.
(d) Trucks and truck-tractors having three or more axles:
(1) manufactured before July 25, 1980 need not have brakes on the front wheels;
(2) manufactured between July 24, 1980 and October 27, 1986, if any brake components
have been removed, must be retrofitted to replace any brake components so that the
vehicle meets the requirements of subsection (a) of this section, within one year of May
16, 1990;
(3) manufactured with at least two steerable axles, shall have brakes on at least one
steerable axle, except that any such vehicle manufactured after July 1, 1992, shall be
equipped with brakes on all wheels.
(e) Trailers, semi-trailers, trailer coaches, or pole trailers of a gross weight not exceeding 3,000
pounds need not have brakes provided the total weight on, and including, the wheels of the
trailer, semi-trailer, or pole trailer shall not exceed 40 percent of the gross weight of the towing
vehicle when connected to the trailer, semi-trailer, or pole trailer.
(f) Every trailer, semi-trailer, or trailer coach of a gross weight of more than 3,000 pounds but
less than 6,000 pounds when operated upon a highway shall be equipped with brakes on the
wheels of at least one axle, adequate to control the movement of and to stop and to hold the
vehicle and so designed as to be applied by the driver of the towing motor vehicle from its cab.
The brakes shall be so designed and connected that in case of an accidental break-away of the
towed vehicle, the brake thereon shall be automatically applied, and remain applied for not less
than 15 minutes.
(g) Every trailer, semi-trailer, or trailer coach of a gross weight of 6,000 pounds, or more, when
operated upon the highways of this State, shall be equipped with brakes on all wheels adequate
to control the movement of and to stop and to hold the vehicle and so designed as to be
applied by the driver of the towing motor vehicle from its cab. The brakes shall be so designed
and connected that in case of an accidental break-away of the towed vehicle, the brakes
thereon shall be automatically applied and remain applied for not less than 15 minutes.
(h) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a farm trailer with a load which exceeds
3,000 pounds, nor to a motor vehicle manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1931, if
the vehicle has brakes on at least two wheels, nor to a trailer coach with two or three axles with
a gross weight in excess of 6,000 pounds manufactured prior to January 1, 1977, provided
there are brakes on the wheels on one axle of a two-axle trailer coach and brakes on the wheels
of two axles of a three-axle trailer coach.
From Virginia Administrative Code:
22-1-5:4. SPECIAL MOTOR VEHICLES
INSPECTION OF SPECIAL VEHICLES
Antique vehicles, kit cars, and replicas must be inspected as prescribed in the Pleasure
Car/Truck Section. Street rods, neighborhood electric vehicles, homebuilt vehicles, and
exhibition vehicles must be inspected according to the procedures below.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPMENT OF SPECIAL MOTOR
VEHICLES:
Of passenger vehicles and trucks with an unladen weight of 10,000 pounds or less equipped
with two or more axles having at least two wheels per axle, the term “special motor vehicles”
includes the following types:
1. Antique: Exhibition vehicles to which “Antique Car” number plates are to be issued must be
25 years old or older to qualify. 23 V.S.A. § 373, DMV Rules.
2. Exhibition: These vehicles are generally very unique. Homebuilt vehicles registered as
exhibition vehicles are exempt from OBD II.
3. Homebuilt Vehicles: All homebuilt vehicles 1996 and newer registered as a pleasure car or
truck must meet all the requirements of the inspection manual, including OBD II.
4. Kit Car: These vehicles have a commercially manufactured body and/or body and frame that
may resemble a regularly manufactured vehicle or are vehicles whose body may be of a unique
design but is manufactured to fit on a commercially manufactured frame.
5. Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs): NEVs must conform to the minimum safety
equipment requirements in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 500, Low Speed
Vehicles (49 CFR. 571.500). NEVs must be equipped with the following:
Headlamps, Seat belt(s), VIN, Parking/hand brake, Stop lamps, Windshield, Rearview mirror(s),
Tail lamps, Reflex reflectors, Turn signals
6. Replica: These vehicles are often equipped in the same manner and with the same
components as the original duplicated vehicle and should be inspected using the same criteria
as for the original vehicle.
7. Street Rod: These may be inspected using the criteria specified below only after having been
certified as a street rod by a person authorized by the commissioner to make such
determination. At the time of inspection, the owner or operator must present the certificate of
verification properly executed.
Type I street rods are restored to their original body configuration and may contain changed
steering, brake, power train, or suspension systems and may include “replicas of street rods,”
“replicas,” or “kit cars.”
Type II street rods are changed from the recognized vehicle manufacturer's original body
configuration but retain the general appearance, including changes to the body chassis or
engine of the original vehicle. This type may also include changes and modifications to engine,
chassis, brake system, power train, steering, and suspension systems and may include “replicas
of street rods,” “replicas,” or “kit cars.”
Note: You may call the area investigator or the Inspections Unit in Montpelier to obtain the
name and contact of the nearest authorized person to obtain certification as a street rod.
DEFROSTER AND DEFOGGING DEVICE
Every special vehicle manufactured in 1964 or later must be equipped with a device capable of
defogging or defrosting the windshield.
DOOR LATCHES
Every special vehicle equipped with doors leading directly into a compartment that contains
one or more seating accommodations must be equipped with mechanically activated door
latches that firmly and automatically secure the door when pushed closed and that allow each
door to be opened from the inside using a convenient lever, handle, or other suitable device.
Note: No special vehicle should have electronically activated door latches installed after January
1, 2018.
FLOOR PAN
Every special vehicle must be equipped with a floor pan under the entire passenger-carrying
compartment. The floor pan must support the weight of the number of occupants the vehicle is
designed to carry. The floor pan must be constructed to prevent the entry of exhaust fumes.
GLAZING
Refer to the glass guidelines in the Pleasure Car and Light Truck section.
Note: The minimum vertical height of the unobstructed windshield glass must be 6 inches or
greater, or as originally equipped by a recognized manufacturer.
SIDE AND REAR GLASS
These items are not required, but if they are present, they must comply with the provisions of
current ANSI Z 26.1 Standard. (AS1, AS2, AS4, AS6, AS10 or AS11.) Glass to the rear of the driver
may be Lexan or tempered glass in a street rod.
WINDOW TINTING
Refer to the glass guidelines in the Pleasure Car and Light Truck section.
CRACKS, CHIPS, OR DISCOLORATION
Refer to the glass guidelines in the Pleasure Car and Light Truck Section.
DRIVER VISIBILITY
The vehicle must have a windshield and side windows or openings that allow the driver a
minimum outward horizontal vision capability of 90 degrees to each side of a vertical plane
passing through the fore and aft centerline of the vehicle. This range of vision may be
interrupted by window framing not exceeding 2 inches wide and windshield-door post support
areas not exceeding 4 inches wide at each side location.
HOOD LATCHES
A front-opening hood should be equipped with primary and secondary latching systems to
remain in a closed position.
INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROLS
1. Odometer: Every special vehicle must be equipped with an operating odometer calibrated to
indicate total miles driven.
2. Speedometer: Every special vehicle must be equipped with an operating speedometer.
3. Steering Wheel: Every special vehicle must be equipped with a circular steering wheel with
an outside diameter of 13 inches or more.
REARVIEW MIRROR
Every special vehicle must be equipped with two rearview mirrors, each having substantial unit
magnification. One must be mounted on the inside of the vehicle in such a position that it
provides the driver a clear view to the rear. The other must be mounted on the outside of the
vehicle on the driver's side in such a position that it provides the driver a clear view to the rear.
When an inside mirror does not offer a clear view to the rear, a right-side outside mirror is
required. The mirror mounting must allow horizontal and vertical mirror adjustment. Each
mirror must have a minimum of 10 square inches of reflective surface or, if round, must be a
minimum of 3 inches in diameter.
SEAT BELTS
Every special vehicle must be equipped with a safety belt system for each occupant. Any safety
belt system must, at a minimum, be a Type 1 (lap belt) and must meet Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard 209. All safety belt systems must be securely anchored to the vehicle body.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS
Every special motor vehicle must be equipped with at least one windshield wiper with a blade
at least 5 1/2 inches long, properly centered upon the driver's position, that effectively clears
the windshield area directly in front of the driver. The operation of the windshield wiper(s)
must be controlled by the driver from within the vehicle and must be manually, electrically, or
vacuum operated.
ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEM
Every special motor vehicle must be equipped with an accelerator control system that returns
the engine throttle to an idle position when the driver removes the actuating force from the
accelerator control.
BRAKES: SERVICE BRAKES
Every special motor vehicle must be equipped with hydraulic brakes acting on all wheels. The
service brakes, upon application, must be capable of meeting all the requirements specified in
the Pleasure Car and Light Truck Section.
CHASSIS REQUIREMENTS
PARKING/HAND BRAKE
The parking/hand brake must meet all the requirements listed the Pleasure Car and Light Truck
Section.
BUMPERS
1. Every motor vehicle registered in this state and operated upon the public streets or highways
must be equipped with front and rear bumpers if the vehicle was equipped with such bumpers
as standard equipment. Bumpers are optional on street rods, as defined earlier in this section.
2. Bumpers must extend to the width of their respective wheel track distances. The horizontal
bumper or customized bumper or grill bar structure must be at least 4 1/2 inches in vertical
height, centered on the vehicle's centerline, and attached to the vehicle frame to effectively
transfer impact when engaged.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
Every special motor vehicle must be equipped with an exhaust system free of leaks, including
the exhaust manifolds (including headers), the piping leading from the flange of the exhaust
manifold(s), the muffler(s), and the tail piping. Vehicles registered as exhibition vehicles are
exempt from OBD II requirements.
Exhaust systems on property-carrying vehicles must discharge the exhaust fumes to the rear of
the part of the vehicle designed for, and normally used for, carrying the driver and passengers.
Side-exiting exhaust systems must be vented to the rear of all passenger compartment doors.
FENDERS
All wheels of every special motor vehicle must be equipped with fenders designed to cover the
entire tire tread width that comes in contact with the road surface. Coverage of the tire tread
circumference must be from at least 15 degrees in front to at least 75 degrees to the rear of the
vertical center line at each wheel, measured from the center of wheel rotation. The tire must
not at any time come in contact with the body, fender, or chassis of the vehicle. Fenders are
optional on street rods for any model year before 1935.
FUEL SYSTEM
Every special motor vehicle must have all fuel system components, such as tank, tubing, hoses,
clamps, etc., securely fastened to the vehicle with fasteners designed for this purpose so as not
to interfere with the vehicle's operation, and the system must be leak proof.
Fuel lines must be positioned to avoid contact with high-temperature surfaces or moving
components. The fuel tank must be vented to the outside of the vehicle and must have a sealed
inlet (filler) pipe cap.
STEERING
A special motor vehicle must have no steering components extending below the wheel rims in
their lowest position. The use of unconventional steering components, such as chain drive,
sprockets, or electric solenoids, is prohibited. The steering system must remain unobstructed
when turned from lock to lock.
While the vehicle is in a sharp turn at speeds between 5 MPH and 15 MPH, the release of the
steering wheel must result in a distinct tendency for the vehicle to increase its turning radius.
(Stability tests must be performed on a dry, level concrete or asphalt road having no loose
surface contaminant, and the vehicle tires must be inflated to the recommended pressure, in
accordance with the tire load, per Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.)
SUSPENSION
Special vehicles must be equipped with an operational damping device at each wheel location.
SCRUB LINE
For all special vehicles, as defined earlier in this section, on both the front and rear suspension
of the vehicle, stretch a taut string from the bottom of each wheel rim to the bottom of each of
the other three tires at the road surface. If any part of the steering, suspension, or chassis is
below this string, the vehicle will not pass inspection. Allow an additional 1/4 inch, assuming
the tire will not come off the rim if the tire should go flat. Items that may extend below the
scrub line include body sheet metal, bumpers, exhaust system components, and oil and
transmission pans.
TIRES AND WHEELS
The tires on special motor vehicles must comply with current FMVSS and VESC-1 and VESC-7.
Front tires on street rods must have a minimum of 5 inches of tread width in contact with the
road surface and must be of a type approved for use on pleasure cars or trucks. Tires must
meet all other standards specified in Section 2 of the Pleasure Car and Light Truck Section.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS REQUIREMENTS
DIMMER SWITCH
The headlamp circuit must be equipped with a driver-controlled switch used to select the high
or low beam.
HEADLAMP SWITCH
The headlamp switch must activate the headlamps, tail lamps, license plate lamp, parking
lamps, and the speedometer illumination lamp(s).
HEADLAMP SYSTEM
Every special motor vehicle must be equipped with headlamp units, as described in the
Pleasure Car and Light Truck Section. The headlamps must be mounted between 24 inches and
54 inches above the road surface when measured to the headlamp center. Lamp sub-bodies
must be constructed with adequate adjustment to aim the headlamps.
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
An indicator must be present to show the driver when the high beam of the headlamp system is
energized. The indicator must emit a light other than white, plainly visible to the driver under
normal driving conditions.
HORN
Every special vehicle shall be equipped with a horn that is electrically operated and that will
emit a minimum sound level of ninety-two decibels (92 db) measured at a distance of two
hundred feet (200′) directly in front of the vehicle under clear weather conditions. The switch
used to actuate the horn shall be easily accessible to the driver when operating the vehicle.
LICENSE PLATE LAMP
At least one white lamp must illuminate the rear license plate.
PARKING LAMPS
Two amber or white parking lamps, in compliance with SAE J222, must be mounted on the
front: one on each side, equidistant from the vertical centerline of the vehicle, at the same
height, and as far apart as practical. The parking lamps must be mounted between 15 inches
and 72 inches above the roadway.
STOP LAMPS
Two red stop lamps, in compliance with SAE Standard J586b, must be mounted on the rear: one
on each side, equidistant from the vertical centerline of the vehicle, at the same height, and as
far apart as practical.
Type I or Type II vehicles that were originally equipped with only one stop lamp need not be
equipped with two stop lamps, provided that the original lamp is located in accordance with
the original design configuration. The stop lamps must be mounted between 15 inches and 72
inches above the roadway. (Combination lighting devices are acceptable.)
TAIL LAMP SYSTEM
Two red lamps, in compliance with SAE Standard J585c, must be mounted on the rear: one on
each side, equidistant from the vertical centerline, at the same height, and as far apart as
practical. The tail lamps must be mounted between 15 inches and 72 inches above the
roadway. Type I vehicles that were originally equipped with only one tail lamp need not be
equipped with two tail lamps, provided that the original lamp is located in accordance with the
original design configuration. (Combination lighting devices are acceptable.)
TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR
If the front signal lamp(s) are not readily visible to the driver, there must be an illuminated
indicator that gives a clear and unmistakable indication that the turn signal system is turned on.
The illuminated indicator must consist of one or more bright lights flashing at the same
frequency as the signal lamps, and it must emit a light other than white. (Combination lighting
devices are acceptable.)
TURN SIGNAL LAMPS
Two Class A red or amber turn signal lamps and two Class A amber turn signal lamps, in
compliance with SAE J588d, must be mounted as follows: At or near the front, one amber lamp
on each side, equidistant from the vertical centerline, at the same height, and as far apart as
practical. On the rear, one red or amber lamp on each side, equidistant from the vertical
centerline, at the same height, and as far apart as practical. All turn signal lamps must be
mounted between 15 inches and 83 inches above the roadway. Type I vehicles that were
originally equipped with only one tail lamp need not be equipped with two tail lamps, provided
that the original lamp is located in accordance with the original design configuration.
(Combination lighting devices are acceptable.)
TURN SIGNAL SWITCH
Every special vehicle must be equipped with a switch controlled by the operator of the vehicle
that causes the turn signal lamps to function.
REPLACEMENT LENSES
On street rods, as defined earlier in this section, where an original lens cannot be found to
replace a cracked or defective stop, tail, or rear lens, it is acceptable to replace the lens with a
portion of a similarly approved lens cut and shaped to the appropriate size, so long as the
original lens was of an approved type.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
For automatic transmission only, regarding the neutral safety starting switch, confirm that the
starter operates with gear selector in “P” or “N” only. If the starter operates in any gear other
than park or neutral, the vehicle cannot pass inspection.
ENGINE ENCLOSURE
Special vehicles must be equipped with an enclosure providing coverage for all pulleys, belts,
and external moving engine parts. The cover must be made of rigid material and completely
cover all moving parts. If a flat cover is used, it must extend at least 1 inch beyond all parts
being covered. If the cover encases the moving parts, it need not extend the required 1 inch
beyond all edges. Engines with pulleys, belts, and other moving parts encased need only
enclose the air intake with rigid mesh material. The openings in the mesh must not exceed 1/4
inch.
If the hood is removed from a vehicle with a front-mounted engine, the fan must be enclosed
within a shroud of substantial rigid material to prohibit anyone from inadvertently being injured
and to prevent the fan from flying up from the engine compartment should it become loose.
FIREWALL
The vehicle must be equipped with a firewall constructed of a metal or comparable insulated
fire-retarding-material protective barrier to separate the engine compartment from the
passenger compartment, capable of withstanding forces normally encountered in collisions and
designed to retard the spread of fire from the engine compartment into the passenger
compartment.