Virginia Safety Inspection
The state of Virginia requires motor vehicles to be inspected on an annual basis. Inspection stations and the conduct of the inspection program are closely monitored by the Virginia State Police Safety Division.
We worked very hard to qualify five of our employees to perform state safety inspections. Inspectors undergo a State Police background check and are required to take a written test and a practical exam and meet minimum experience requirements to become certified. In addition, the facility has to be certified by the State Police. The State Police periodically visit our facility and monitor us on a continuing basis to insure that we are adhering to the regulations. The inspection regulations are complex, thorough, arcane and sometimes difficult to interpret and apply. The inspection manual that documents the program can be found here.
A summary of the inspection requirements is posted near our service desk as are the credentials for each of our inspectors. Our inspection certification was difficult to obtain and is critical to our business. Our inspectors’ livelihood is based on continued certification, so you can rest assured we do inspections “by the book.”
Shore Drive Shell currently has multiple certified inspectors and two inspection bays. We don’t make appointments for inspections – it’s first come, first serve. A typical inspection for a car usually takes about thirty minutes or so, but sometimes the bays get tied up with cars awaiting parts, etc. and there may be a wait to get your car in, but there’s free coffee!
The fees for state inspections are as
follows:
- Cars $16.00
- Trailers $16.00
- Motorcycles $12.00
Frequently asked questions:
Q: I have out-of-state tags on my car. Can I get an inspection sticker?
A: Yes. We will perform the inspection and apply a sticker regardless of your state registration.
Q: Do I need my registration or proof of insurance to get my car inspected?
A: No. We need the car and the keys.
Q: What if I don’t agree with the rejection of my vehicle?
A: First, the inspector and management of First Landing Autocare will be happy to show you the appropriate reference in the state inspection manual. If you still have issues with the decision, you can contact the Virginia State Police Safety Division.
