Vermont State Inspection
📋 Vermont State Vehicle Inspections (VSI): What You Need to Know
📍 Where Do You Go for an Inspection?
You can't just go anywhere for this. Inspections need to be done at state-approved inspection station. These stations are equipped with the necessary tools and software to ensure your vehicle is up to par and report the results to the state. This software then allows the inspection station to print off a sticker indicating your vehicle passed a Vermont state safety inspection. Our team at Central Vermont Auto Mart is approved to complete Vermont State Safety Inspections on your car, light duty truck or trailers. Give us a call or schedule an appointment on-line we will be happy to help you.
🔍 What Gets Inspected?
Here's a rundown of some of the items our technicians will look at:
- Brakes: They'll check your brake pads, rotors, and overall braking system to make sure you can stop safely.
- Lights: This includes headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals.
- Steering and Suspension: Steering and suspension components need to be in good shape to ensure proper handling and comfort.
- Tires: Inspectors will look at tire tread and condition to ensure they're not worn out.
- Exhaust System: They'll make sure there are no leaks and that your exhaust is functioning properly.
- Windshield and Wipers: Your windshield needs to be free of defects in the critical area of sight, and your wipers need to be in good working order.
- Mirrors: Both your rearview and side mirrors need to be intact and functional.
- Horn: A working horn.
In addition to safety checks, your vehicle's emissions system will be tested. This includes an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) check to ensure your vehicle isn't releasing excessive pollutants. The OBD system helps identify any issues with the engine and emissions control systems.
The above summary touches on the key items; the entire inspection process is governed by the "Vermont Periodic Inspection Manual". This 150-page plus manual covers general information, requirements to be designated an inspection station, general provisions and inspection details. This manual, currently indexed by Vermont DMV as VN-113 can be accessed online.
💵 Costs Involved
When it comes to Vermont State Vehicle Inspections, the Vermont DMV requires inspection stations that charge a fee to clearly post their pricing and provide an itemized invoice to customers. That pricing can be structured one of two ways:
- A posted hourly labor rate, based on the actual time spent performing the inspection or,
- A posted flat inspection fee
🧾 How Central Vermont Auto Mart Handles Inspection Pricing
At Central Vermont Auto Mart, we believe in keeping things simple and transparent. We perform Vermont State Inspections using a flat inspection fee, which is clearly posted in our service department. From time to time, we also offer inspection specials that can further reduce that cost - you can always check our current service specials for the latest offers.
Using a flat-rate inspection fee benefits our customers because, in most cases, it costs less than paying an hourly labor rate for the time required to complete a Vermont State Inspection. With a flat fee, you know the cost upfront - no surprises.
In addition to the inspection fee, the State of Vermont charges an $8.00 inspection sticker fee for vehicles that pass, which we pass directly through to the state.
📝 In Summary
We strive to provide you with information about the condition of your vehicle as it relates to the prescribed standards, without requiring you to go above and beyond what is required to pass the inspection. If we see items that meet the standard but will need to be addressed in the future, we will point them out, so you are aware of future maintenance needs. Examples would be tires that have over 2/32" of tread, but are getting close, or brake pads that meet the requirements but appear to be reaching the end of their serviceable life.
So, the next time your inspection date rolls around, remember it's not just about getting a sticker-it's about making sure your vehicle's critical safety systems and emission controls meet the standards. We are here to help make the process easy for you, happy driving!
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Published Winter 2023-2024 | Updated January 25, 2026