A 3-minute lesson from the Delaware course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Delaware inspects vehicles at its four DMV locations before titling and registration—free for Delaware residents. Knowing what commonly fails can save you a return trip.
Know the rule
Bring your certificate of title or registration card. Inspection is free for Delaware residents, and every vehicle gets a performance brake test.
Emissions: 1968–1995 vehicles get an exhaust emissions test; 1996 and newer gas and 1997 and newer diesel vehicles get the Onboard Diagnostic (OBD-II) test.
Models seven years old and newer don't need inspection, except a VIN inspection if never titled in Delaware. Seven-year-old vehicles get one-year renewals without inspection; others get three-, four- or five-year renewals by model year.
Rejected items must be fixed and the vehicle re-inspected before a title, registration or plate is issued. If a non-safety item fails and your registration is about to expire, you may get a $20.00 temporary tag.
Your 10-year-old car fails inspection because of a star chip over 1 inch in the windshield. You must repair it and bring the car back for re-inspection before the registration can be renewed.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
Delaware's vehicle inspection requires a minimum tire tread depth of
1/32 inch
4/32 inch
6/32 inch
2/32 inch
Answer: 2/32 inch
Tread depth must be at least 2/32 inch measured in two adjacent treads to pass inspection.