PA STATE INSPECTION 2026 STUDY
GUIDE COMPREHENSIVE
QUESTIONS ANSWERS VERIFIED A+
◉ What is done with any unused stickers?
Answer: Keep them until the QAO comes around. You get a 75% refund
on unused stickers.
◉ First offense of faulty inspection and improper inspection?
Answer: Category 1 violation. 2 months suspension.
◉ When checking registration or VIN what do we look for, and what if
there's a problem?
Answer: VIN number and license plate must agree with registration
card.
Allowed to have one number off or two numbers transposed (out of
order) if the owner proves forms have been sent to Penn DOT.
VIN plate can't be loose, defaced, or missing.
If there is a problem owner must get a corrected registration or
show that proper forms have been sent to Penn DOT.
◉ What do you check glazing for?
Answer: Approved safety glass must be in every window and it must be
permanently labeled. See Appendix C(f)
,Non transparent material or glass etchings may not obstructs the
drivers view and may not be higher than 3-1/2 inches from the
bottom of any side or rear window.
Glass may not be shattered, broken or have sharp edges.
No defects in the acute area or the critical area or the
windshield.
Louvers can't obstruct driver's vision.
Dual side mirrors are required when using sunscreen or louvers.
◉ What area of the windshield can there be no imperfections?
Answer: The acute area. (8-1/2 X 5-1/2)
◉ List all the ways to check the wipers.
Answer: Speed at manufactures specs or at least 45 cycles per minute
Blades can't be torn or smear or streak after 5 cycles.
Must have all wipers
Wipers must reset to rest position.
Washer system working on cars/light trucks newer than 1968.
◉ What do you check the doors and trunk lid for?
Answer: Must be original equipment or same type.
Must close securely.
, ◉ List all the ways to check mirrors.
Answer: Mirrors can't be cracked, discolored or broken.,
Mirrors must hold adjustment. Can't be loose.
Cars with louvers and sunscreens must have 2 outside mirrors
(19-1/2 square inches each).
No junk hanging from rear view mirror.
◉ What's the rule for fender flares?
Answer: May not exceed 3 inches.
◉ What do you check floor for?
Answer: Must be able to support weight of people and cargo.
No holes allowed.
◉ What is the bumper height for a car and a truck.
Answer: Must be as strong as and no longer than original bumper.
Can't be broken or torn.
Wood planks on service trucks (wreckers) only.
Height- passenger vehicles 16-20 inches above ground
MPVs, SUV's and light trucks 16-30 inches above ground.
◉ Turn signals should have a frequency of flash between __________
flashes per minute.
GUIDE COMPREHENSIVE
QUESTIONS ANSWERS VERIFIED A+
◉ What is done with any unused stickers?
Answer: Keep them until the QAO comes around. You get a 75% refund
on unused stickers.
◉ First offense of faulty inspection and improper inspection?
Answer: Category 1 violation. 2 months suspension.
◉ When checking registration or VIN what do we look for, and what if
there's a problem?
Answer: VIN number and license plate must agree with registration
card.
Allowed to have one number off or two numbers transposed (out of
order) if the owner proves forms have been sent to Penn DOT.
VIN plate can't be loose, defaced, or missing.
If there is a problem owner must get a corrected registration or
show that proper forms have been sent to Penn DOT.
◉ What do you check glazing for?
Answer: Approved safety glass must be in every window and it must be
permanently labeled. See Appendix C(f)
,Non transparent material or glass etchings may not obstructs the
drivers view and may not be higher than 3-1/2 inches from the
bottom of any side or rear window.
Glass may not be shattered, broken or have sharp edges.
No defects in the acute area or the critical area or the
windshield.
Louvers can't obstruct driver's vision.
Dual side mirrors are required when using sunscreen or louvers.
◉ What area of the windshield can there be no imperfections?
Answer: The acute area. (8-1/2 X 5-1/2)
◉ List all the ways to check the wipers.
Answer: Speed at manufactures specs or at least 45 cycles per minute
Blades can't be torn or smear or streak after 5 cycles.
Must have all wipers
Wipers must reset to rest position.
Washer system working on cars/light trucks newer than 1968.
◉ What do you check the doors and trunk lid for?
Answer: Must be original equipment or same type.
Must close securely.
, ◉ List all the ways to check mirrors.
Answer: Mirrors can't be cracked, discolored or broken.,
Mirrors must hold adjustment. Can't be loose.
Cars with louvers and sunscreens must have 2 outside mirrors
(19-1/2 square inches each).
No junk hanging from rear view mirror.
◉ What's the rule for fender flares?
Answer: May not exceed 3 inches.
◉ What do you check floor for?
Answer: Must be able to support weight of people and cargo.
No holes allowed.
◉ What is the bumper height for a car and a truck.
Answer: Must be as strong as and no longer than original bumper.
Can't be broken or torn.
Wood planks on service trucks (wreckers) only.
Height- passenger vehicles 16-20 inches above ground
MPVs, SUV's and light trucks 16-30 inches above ground.
◉ Turn signals should have a frequency of flash between __________
flashes per minute.
