PSA: VA State inspections | BMC

Took truck to local Yota dealership in VB for state inspection and oil change...(yes I know bad boy) and first thing service advisor noted was my lift and asked if I had a BMC. Supposedly have a BMC = automatic fail on the state inspections. Anyone else hear of this from other places in VB area?

 

Never heard of this… @Beesta ??

 

I could see this first section applying under strict interpretation:

1. Frame or unitized (monocoque) body of any motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer possesses one or more of the following defective characteristics: rust holes; any area of the frame or its components is broken, cracked, sagging, or bent; or damaged at any location to include any welded joint; the frame is corroded to the point where it is weakened; or any holes are drilled in the top or bottom rail flanges of the frame or the frame or cross-member (except as specified by the manufacturer).

NOTE: Any welded repair of the frame must be in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.

NOTE: All sections of a unitized frame are considered stress-bearing to include pinch and side rails, floors, and all support framework.


https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title19/agency30/chapter70/section120/

 

I live in VA, Richmond, and this does not surprise me one bit. Va is funky about things related to vehicles, state inspection, safety. Id find a local, independent shop for inspections vs. a dealer which is monitored more closely.

They can also be ridiculous about window tint, additional lights, color of lights, exhaust, too high of lift, etc. At least we don't have smog checks, yet.

 

I'm in the area and rule number 1 of state inspection, never go to a dealership. They scrutinize every little detail.

 

man....I thought CA was anal.....

 

just thinking the same thing but wowzers this is nuts

 

ca would never have inspections. Tons of the vehicles on the roads are total jalopies probably full of worn out/broken parts

 

That's true but getting them off the street and forcing ppl to buy a new prius to tax the shit out of and save the world would be right up commiefornias alley.

 

Never had an issues bro. Hey how’s your rig bro ? Anything new ?

 

Yup every year, remove all the LED bulbs and put back the stock ones. Doesnt make any sense failing esp the rear brake, reverse and turn bulbs...i made them brighter so you can see me stopping/turning/reversing.

 

Might want to try a different inspection place. When I lived in VA I had led bulbs, a lift, and led light bar. I was never told to remove or cover any of it by the inspector. I was told to cover the light bar one time by a trooper but wasn’t ticketed.

 

Inspection have great value by making sure that the cars on the road are safe. I believe that the individuals performing the inspections are state employees not employed by the service station while they are doing that work. The question really comes in to play about collaboration between the station and inspector to ensure that they are getting enough work out of giving up their bay or making enough money on gas to have it work for their business model.

I’ve gone to one service station with an older car that I wanted a thorough inspection…they guy put it up on a rack, pulled every wheel and looked closely with under the car with a flashlight at everything. Another stations funnels newer vehicles through quickly without much of a check at all.

unfortunately there is no clear standard that they are checked against.

This post was an observation based on my experience and conversations with the inspectors in VA over the years.

 

Not necessarily. I don’t know if this is the case in some places, but I have two friends who are state inspectors and they’re just normal mechanics employed by their employer where they work. They went through the testing process to become licensed inspectors, but they don’t work for the state.

 

I wish I hadn’t posted and seen your response. I started down the world of Google to understand more and not sure I want to be in that rabbit hole. I would like to understand what is involved in the assessment, do they do what they are supposed to do…think secret shopper, to make sure it isn’t a complete racket.
Thanks for the quick reply and a delicate way!

 

From what one of my friends tells me, it’s as regulated as they can make it, within reason. For example, his shop opens at 8 so they can’t log a state inspection into the computer before 8. And the state has deemed that an inspection should take 45 minutes, so he can’t log inspections more frequently than that. It’s pretty interesting.

 

Gonna use this as an excuse to swap out front halogen headlight units for OEM LED based ones! One less bulb to have to swap out for the inspections!

Waiting on black friday deal...sparks where are you?!?!

 

Yeah, I don't live there but I used to ('97 to '03) and wife was born and raised there (Mechanicsville). Suffice to say I only went to independent shops conducting inspections. LOL

 

Doing fantastic! Hope things are well with you! You back in the states? Just finished the PRO skid plate install so she is done.. got another toy to spend money on a 87 Mustang GT. I see that Corvette in your driveway..thing looks sweet!

 

My county does not require them...

 

Im back since Afghanistan got shut down. Wish i could’ve kept my PRO skid. I bet she is looking good. Nice 87 GT. I had a 90 GT. Vet is my pops. Its a bucket bro. Haha lol.

 

Strictly, it looks like sliders, plates, some bumpers, shock mounts, wire runs and other stuff could be a problem with the wrong inspector.

 

What have you done to that bad ass black beauty of yours lately?

 

Prinsu w/ light bar

 

Well, that, and the fact that you can mount a mini gun to your truck completely legally.

 

Lmfao wow that is too funny hahahaha. The look on your face I bet was classic.

 

Absolutely correct, had to remove all LED bulb, cover up the rear back up lights with a black plastic, and remove my dash cam to pass inspection. VA inspectors are just certified mechanics that are regulated by the State Police and they hold them accountable for the stickers and they way they inspect cars. They have a set list of things that they can give you hassle about and anything outside of that list, you can refuse to repair. I usually could care less if its some bullshit like a wiper blade, or a yellow light housing and they offer some made up service for less than $70, i just pay it to keep them working and at least give them a little change on top of that $15 inspection fee. But yes, VA is a whole new level of fucked up when it comes to the autonomy and authority of state inspectors and their ability to fail you for some stupid BS>
Don't even get me started on the Personal Properly tax here in VA....CAL cant even fathom the tax on new cars for EVERY SINGLE YEAR.....

 

Where is your dashcam mounted? I have one behind the rearview mirror....passed inspection with it in place.