Unit 09, Lesson 03 - Safety Inspection and Equipment
It is illegal to drive any vehicle which is in an unsafe condition or which does not have the equipment required by law. In addition, the owner of such a vehicle shall not knowingly allow it to be driven. You have the responsibility to maintain your vehicle in a safe operating condition. You must also verify the safety of your vehicle once every two years if the vehicle model year is less than eight (8) years old, every year once the vehicle model year is more than eight (8) years old, and every year for a truck registered at 10,001 pounds or greater by submitting the vehicle to an approved inspection. The main purpose of the safety inspection program is to minimize or eliminate vehicle defects and prevent unsafe vehicles from operating on Utah roads and highways. The need for an annual inspection also increases your awareness of the steps which result in a quality inspection.
Inspection Checklist The following information is intended to help you determine whether or not your vehicle has been properly inspected. Keep this checklist in the glove compartment of your vehicle and refer to it each time you have your vehicle inspected.
Brakes
- Visual inspection – Remove at least one front wheel and one rear wheel. Measure the brake linings or pads to be sure they are over 2/32” thick at the thinnest point. There should be no missing or loose rivets. Rotors and drums must not be turned beyond the specifications established by the manufacturer. Check wheel cylinders, brake lines, and hoses. There should be no leakage. Parking brakes must function properly.
- Computerized Plate Brake Inspection - Vehicles using the computerized brake inspection procedure do not have wheels pulled to measure lining thickness. The computerized test measures the braking efficiency of each wheel to determine compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications for the original equipment. This in no way releases the vehicle owner from periodic brake checks for brake pad thickness. The owner may request for all wheels to be pulled at no further expense.
Tires Inspect all tires for tire wear. Measure the tread depth to be sure they are at least 2/32”. Inspect the tires for cuts and cracks that expose the tire cord.
Exhaust System Check the exhaust system for leakage in any part of the system, including the mufflers, tailpipes, and all connections. Tailpipes must extend beyond the side or rear of the vehicle body.
Muffler: By Steevven1 at en.wikipedia, CC-BY-2.5, from Wikimedia Commons
Steering The steering system must be checked for excessive play. Too much play could indicate problems with tie rods, tie rod ends, idler arms, or other steering components. Ball joints must not have movement in them that exceeds the manufacturer’s specifications.
Headlights Headlights must operate properly, including the high beams. They must be properly and securely mounted and be aimed to specifications. Non-clear headlight covers are not authorized.
Windshields/Windows Your windshield will not pass inspection: When there is any damage within the “acute area” larger than one inch (1”) in diameter, a size equal to a quarter coin. The “acute area” on the windshield is defined by measuring six inches (6”) down from the top of the windshield, and six inches (6”) up from the bottom of the windshield, and horizontally, by measuring six inches (6”) from both the right and left side of the windshield. Windshields may not be tinted below four (4) inches from the top or below that AS-1 line. Driver side/passenger side windows may not be tinted below 43% light transmittance.
Windshield Wipers The wipers must operate properly and be capable of clearing the windshield adequately.
Windshield Wiper: By Wesha (Own work), GFDL, via Wikimedia Commons
Mirrors All vehicles are required to have two rear view mirrors: a left outside mirror, and either an interior center-mounted mirror or a right outside mirror. If the side windows or rear window are tinted or obscured, the vehicle must have outside mirrors on both the left and right sides. Rear view mirrors must provide a clear view of the highway at least 200 feet to the rear.
Tail Lights, Stop Lights, and Turn Signals All lamps must operate properly, lenses may not be broken, and must be the proper color for the location. Turn signals must operate properly; Rear window brake light must operate properly and may not have any window tint covering the light. Taillight covers are not authorized.
Fuel System The fuel system must be securely fastened to the vehicle and there must be no leakage in the system.
Muffler A muffler must be on the exhaust system to prevent excessive noise.
Safety Glass Safety glass is required equipment for all car windows and windshields.
All equipment must meet the legal standards for the particular device. If the equipment on your vehicle is in such a condition as to be a menace to your safety and the safety of others, or if the equipment on your vehicle is in violation of the law, the registration of your vehicle may be suspended.