Your car must have certain equipment in working order to be considered safe and to pass the yearly inspection. The exam loves the exact distances: how fast your brakes stop you, how far reflectors, horns and mirrors must work.
The foot brake must stop the car within 25 feet from a speed of 20 mph
Handbook p. 21 ↗Required lights
| Light | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Headlights | Two, one on each side of the front, plus high-beam indicator |
| Taillights | Two (cars made before 1960: one) |
| Brake (stop) lights | Two working (cars made before 1960: one) |
| Third high-mounted stop lamp | If equipped, all three brake lights must work |
| License plate light | White; lights rear plate when headlights are on |
| Parking lights | White or amber in front, red to the rear |
Know the rule
Two red reflectors, one on each side of the car (may be combined with taillights), must be mounted 15 to 60 inches high and be visible up to 600 feet; on vehicles made before 1960, up to 350 feet.
Handbook p. 21 ↗Know the rule
Every motor vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer and pole-trailer needs electric turn signals, except motorcycles and certain trailers. Passenger cars and trucks under 80 inches wide made before 1960 are exempt.
Handbook p. 21 ↗Minimum distance at which your horn must be heard
Handbook p. 21 ↗Your rearview mirror must reflect a view of the highway at least this far behind
Handbook p. 21 ↗Minimum tire tread depth
Handbook p. 21 ↗Know the rule
All 1968 or later models must have an exhaust emission system to help reduce air pollution.
Handbook p. 21 ↗Know the rule
Passenger and commercial vehicles need one valid plate on the front and one on the rear, except dealer and commercial vehicles issued only one plate.
Handbook p. 21 ↗Also required
- Safety glass in new cars; any replacement glass must be safety glass
- Windshield wipers
- Front safety belts, if belt anchorages were original equipment
- Slow-moving vehicle emblem on vehicles assigned to travel at 25 mph or less
- Fuel cap check on gasoline-powered vehicles 2 to 24 years old
Know the rule
The fuel cap check does not apply to antique, circus and slow-moving vehicles, motorcycles, vehicles running only on a fuel other than gasoline, or vehicles newer than 2 or older than 24 years.
Handbook p. 21 ↗Put it into practice
A 1958 car 78 inches wide rolls into an inspection station with one taillight, one brake light and no electric turn signals. All legal for its age: pre-1960 cars need only one of each, and those under 80 inches wide are exempt from electric turn signals. Its reflectors need only be visible at 350 feet.