Items of Inspection List:
Backup Lamp
1. Inspect for and reject if:
a. At least one steady burning lamp is not present on bus, truck, or truck tractor.
b. Not securely mounted or properly located.
c. Lamp does not emit proper color (white); lens or bulb, painted; or repaired with repair tape or repair kit.
d. Lens cracked, broken, discolored, missing, or a portion of the lens is missing.
e. Wiring insulation is worn, rubbed bare, or evidence of burning, short circuiting, or poor connection.
f. Lamp is not clearly visible in normal sunlight. LED lights have less than 50% of diodes illuminated.
g. Lamp is not activated properly when bus, truck, or truck tractor is in reverse.
h. Lamp assembly is cracked, allowing water to enter into the lamp assembly or the lamp assembly contains standing water.
Beam Indicator
Every new motor vehicle registered in Texas after January 1, 1948, other than a motorcycle or a motor- driven cycle, which has multiple beam road lighting equipment, shall be equipped with a beam indicator (no certain color required) which shall be lighted whenever the uppermost distribution of light from the head lamp is in use, and shall not be otherwise lighted. Said indicators shall be so designed and located that when lighted it will be readily visible without any glare to the driver of the vehicle so equipped.
1.Inspection Procedure.
a. Check operation and condition visually.
2. Inspect for and reject if: (When required)
a. Vehicle not equipped with a beam indicator.
b. Improper switching indication.
c. Produces glaring light.
d. Inoperative for any reason.
Clearance Lamps
Clearance lamps are required on all:
a. Buses 80 inches or more in overall width.
b. Trucks 80 inches or more in overall width.
c. Trailers and semi-trailers 80 inches or more in overall width.
d. Trailers and semitrailers 30 feet or more in overall length. Rev. 12/24 Page 18 of 47 VI -87 Ch 6
e. Pole trailers.
Clearance lamps shall, so far as is practicable, be mounted on the permanent structure of the vehicle in such a manner as to indicate the extreme height and width of the vehicle. Mounting exceptions for clearance lamps are as follows:
a. On a truck tractor, clearance lamps mounted on the cab may be located to indicate the width of the cab, rather than the width of the vehicle.
b. On a trailer, the front clearance lamps may be mounted at a height below the extreme height if mounting at the extreme height results in the lamps failing to mark the overall width of the trailer.
c. When the rear identification lamps are mounted at the extreme height of a vehicle, rear clearance lamps are not required to be located as close as practicable to the top of the vehicle.
Clearance lamps and side marker lamps may be mounted in combinations, provided illumination is given as required by law.
Clearance lamps mounted on the front or on the sides near the front of a vehicle shall display an amber color.
Clearance lamps mounted on the rear or on the sides near the rear of a vehicle shall display a red color.
Clearance lamps shall be visible under normal atmospheric conditions at a distance between 500 feet and 50 feet from the vehicle on which they are mounted.
On buses and trucks 80 inches or more in overall width and trailers and semitrailers 80 inches or more in overall width:
a. On the front, two clearance lamps.
b. On the rear, two clearance lamps.
1. Inspection Procedures (Refer to Annex #3 for lighting diagrams):
a. Check operation and condition visually.
2. Inspect for and reject if:
a. Lamps are not present.
b. Lamps are not securely mounted, properly located, or repaired with repair tape or repair kit.
c. Lamps do not emit required color; lens or bulb painted; or not steady burning.
d. Visibility requirements are not met. LED lights have less than 50% of diodes illuminated.
e. Lens is discolored, missing, or a portion of the lens is missing.
f. Wiring insulation is worn, rubbed bare, or shows any evidence of burning, short circuiting, or poor electrical connections.
g. Lens is cracked.
h. Any lamp assembly is cracked, allowing water to enter or the lamp assembly contains standing water.
Coupling Devices
1. Inspect Fifth Wheel for and reject if:
a. Mounting to Frame:
1) Any fasteners missing or ineffective.
2) Any movement between mounting components.
3) Any mounting angle iron cracked or broken.
b. Mounting Plates and Pivot Brackets:
1) Any fasteners missing or ineffective.
2) Any welds or parent metal cracked.
3) More than 3/8-inch horizontal movement between pivot bracket pin and bracket.
4) Pivot bracket pin missing or not secured.
c. Sliders:
1) Any latching fasteners missing or ineffective.
2) Any fore or aft stop missing or not securely attached.
3) Movement more than 3/8 inch between slider bracket and slider base.
4) Any slider component cracked in parent metal or weld. Rev. 12/24 Page 20 of 47 VI -87 Ch 6
2. Lower Coupler:
a. Horizontal movement between the upper and lower fifth wheel halves exceeds ½ inch.
b. Operating handle not in closed or locked position.
c. Kingpin not properly engaged.
d. Separation between upper and lower coupler allowing light to show through from side to side.
e. Cracks in the fifth wheel plate. (Exceptions: Cracks in fifth wheel approach ramps and casting shrinkage cracks in the ribs of the body of a cast fifth wheel.)
f. Locking mechanism parts missing, broken, or deformed to the extent the kingpin is not securely held.
3. Inspect Pintle Hooks for and reject if:
a. Mounting to Frame:
1) Any missing or ineffective fasteners (a fastener is not considered missing if there is an empty hole in the device but no corresponding hole in the frame or vice versa).
2) Mounting surface cracks extending from point of attachment (e.g., cracks in the frame at mounting bolt holes).
3) Loose mounting or frame crossmember providing pintle hook attachment cracked.
b. Integrity:
1) Cracks anywhere in pintle hook assembly. Rev. 12/24 Page 21 of 47 VI -87 Ch 6
2) Any welded repairs to the pintle hook.
3) Any part of the horn section reduced by more than 20%.
4) Latch unsecure.
4. Inspect Drawbar/Towbar Eye for and reject if:
a. Mounting:
1) Any cracks in attachment welds.
2) Any missing or ineffective fasteners.
b. Integrity:
1) Any cracks.
2) Any part of the eye reduced by more than 20%.
5. Inspect Drawbar/Towbar Tongue for and reject if:
a. Slider (Power or Manual):
1) Ineffective latching mechanism.
2) Missing or ineffective stop.
3) Movement of more than ¼ inch between slider and housing.
4) Any leaking air or hydraulic cylinders, hoses, or chambers (other than slight oil weeping that is normal with hydraulic seals).
b. Integrity:
1) Any cracks.
2) Movement of ¼ inch between subframe and drawbar at point of attachment.
6. Inspect Safety Devices for and reject if:
a. Safety devices are missing.
b. Unattached or incapable of secure attachment.
c. Chains and hooks:
1) Worn to the extent of a measurable reduction in link cross section.
2) Improper repairs including welding, wire, small bolts, rope, and tape.
d. Cable:
1) Kinked or broken cable strands.
2) Improper clamps or clamping. Rev. 12/24 Page 22 of 47 VI -87 Ch 6
7. Inspect Saddle-Mounts for and reject if:
a. Method of Attachment:
1) Any missing or ineffective fasteners.
2) Loose mountings.
3) Any cracks or breaks in a stress or load-bearing member.
4) Horizontal movement between upper and lower saddle-mount halves exceeds ¼ inch.
Convex (Crossover) Mirror(s)
1. Inspect for and reject if:
a. Crossover mirror mounting is loose or will not adjust to different positions or will not hold firm after adjustment.
b. Crossover mirror offers unsafe interference with driver’s forward vision or hides either front turn signal from view of oncoming driver.
c. Crossover mirror's reflective surface is cracked, broken, peeled, or tarnished, or has sharp edges.
Emissions Exhaust System
The owner or operator of the motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine shall not remove or intentionally make inoperable within the state of Texas the exhaust emission system or any part thereof, except where the purpose of removal of the exhaust emission system or part thereof is to install another exhaust emission system or part thereof, which is intended to be equally effective in reducing atmospheric emissions from the vehicle or engine.
The exhaust emission system was installed by manufacturers of motor vehicles beginning with model year 1968. The inspection of the exhaust emission system will apply only to those vehicles that are equipped with such a system. The following exhaust emission systems will be inspected if installed as original equipment by the manufacturer: thermostatic air cleaner, exhaust gas recirculation system, positive crankcase ventilation system, air injection system, evaporative emission system, and/or catalytic converter.
If installed as original equipment by the manufacturer, the catalytic converter will be considered a part of the exhaust emission system on all 1984 and later model vehicles. It will be inspected as a part of the exhaust system on prior to 1984 model vehicles.
1. Inspect for and reject if:
a. The exhaust emission system has been removed.
b. The exhaust emission system has been disconnected.
c. The plumbing or hoses are loose, broken, leaking, or improperly routed.
d. Air pump (air injection-type) belt is loose, removed, excessively cracked, frayed or has pieces missing.
e. The exhaust emission system has been altered in any manner to make it ineffective.
f. The catalytic converter has been removed, leaking, or disconnected on a 1984 or later model vehicle.
Exhaust System
Every motor vehicle shall always be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation.
Muffler defined: A muffler is a device consisting of a series of chambers or baffle plates or other mechanical design for the purpose of receiving exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine and/or turbine wheels for the purpose of receiving exhaust gas from a diesel engine, both of which are effective in reducing noise.
On vehicles manufactured or equipped with a muffler and a turbo, the muffler must be present and in good working order.
The exhaust system includes the manifolds, gaskets, exhaust lines, mufflers, resonators, tail piping, and supporting hardware.
Motor vehicles cannot be equipped with a muffler which is perforated, or which was perforated and has been repaired, either by a muffler repair jacket or by patching or in any other way. In those cases where a muffler is perforated at the time of an inspection or has been perforated and has been repaired previous to the inspection, the muffler must be replaced, or the vehicle rejected. Rev. 12/24 Page 23 of 47 VI -87 Ch 6
Some pickups are equipped with a camper or hard-shell cover and are sometimes used for the transportation of passengers. The tailpipe should discharge the exhaust at the rear or sides. This truck modification will be considered as a passenger compartment.
The entire structure of a passenger vehicle or a motor home-type vehicle is considered a passenger compartment. The cab only of all other truck- type vehicles is considered a passenger or luggage compartment.
If the vehicle is equipped with lake pipes or similar devices, such pipes or devices must be securely plated and bolted or capped. Dual exhaust systems may be modified to single exhaust systems and single exhaust systems to dual exhaust systems provided the modification does not violate requirements concerning exhaust emission systems.
Inspection of exhaust systems covers the discharge of exhaust fumes and is not concerned with the noise level.
Holes in the exhaust system made by the manufacturer for drainage are not cause for rejection. The tailpipe must direct the exhaust fumes out from under the passenger compartment.
On pickups not equipped with a camper or hard-shell cover, holes or leaks in the tailpipe extending beyond the passenger compartment will not be cause for rejection.
1. Inspection Procedure.
a. The exhaust system shall be examined visually while the engine is running to determine efficiency of the system.
2. Inspect for and reject if:
a. Vehicle is not equipped with a muffler.
b. Any joint is loose or leaking, including manifolds. Does not include minor leakage at exhaust control valve (manifold damper or heat riser valve).
c. Manifold is cracked or broken causing leakage.
d. Holes, leaking seams, or patches on the muffler, resonators, exhaust pipe, tailpipe, or catalytic converter.
e. Exhaust system is not secured to the vehicle by mounting brackets designed for exhaust systems (wire is not acceptable).
f. Any brackets are loose, broken, or missing.
g. There is excessive vibration of the exhaust line.
h. Any part of the exhaust system passes through the passenger compartment.
i. The tailpipe is broken, pinched, or eroded off to the extent to allow exhaust fumes to penetrate into the interior of the passenger compartment.
j. The tailpipe fails to discharge exhaust from the rear, sides, or top of the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
k. Any exhaust system determined to be leaking at a point forward of or directly below the driver/sleeper compartment.
l. A bus exhaust system leaking or discharging to the atmosphere:
1) Gasoline powered – excess of 6 inches forward of the rearmost part of the bus.
2) Other than gasoline powered – in excess of 15 inches forward of the rearmost part of the bus.
3) Other than gasoline powered – forward of a door or window designed to be opened (exception: emergency exits).
m. No part of the exhaust system of any motor vehicle shall be so located as would be likely to result in burning, charring, or damaging the electrical wiring, the fuel supply, or any combustible part of the motor vehicle.
Fire Extinguisher
1. Inspect for and reject if:
a. Fire extinguisher is not of required capacity, proper type, or in good condition and properly located.
Frame
1. Inspect for and reject if:
a. Frame Members:
1) Any cracked, broken, loose, or sagging frame members.
2) Any loose or missing fasteners including fasteners attaching functional component such as engine, transmission, steering gear, suspension, body parts, and fifth wheel.
b. Tire and Wheel Clearance:
1) Any condition, including loading that causes the body or frame to be in contact with a tire or any part of the wheel assembly.
c. Adjustable Axle Assemblies (Sliding Subframe):
1) Adjustable axle assembly with locking pins missing or not engaged on.
Fuel System
1. Inspect for and reject if:
a. A fuel system with a visible leak at any point.
b. A fuel tank filler cap is missing.
c. A fuel tank not securely attached to the motor vehicle because of loose, broken or missing mounting bolts or brackets (some fuel tanks use springs or rubber bushing to permit movement).
Gas Cap
Every gasoline-powered vehicle, from 2-24 model years old, will be checked for presence of and by a department approved "Gas Cap Testing Device" to determine if the gas cap is missing or defective. The following vehicles are exempt:
a. Antique vehicles.
b. Slow-moving vehicles.
c. Motorcycles.
d. Vehicles operated exclusively by fuel other than gasoline.
e. Vehicles newer than 2 years old and older than 24 years old.
1. Inspect for and reject if:
a. Conduct daily calibration check of gas cap testing device.
b. Check for presence (all gas caps must be checked).
c. Check for correct type of gas cap(s).
d. Remove gas cap(s) and test using an approved testing device. (Gas cap present but not testable will not be cause for rejection.)
e. Any gas cap(s) failing the initial test will be tested a second time to verify failure.
f. Vehicle not equipped with required gas cap(s).
h. Vehicle not equipped with proper type gas cap(s).
i. Gas cap(s) fails both tests.
A motor vehicle that uses liquefied petroleum gas that is operated by a public school district or county in this state is not required to have a liquefied gas tax decal or special use liquefied gas tax decal. Vehicles using liquefied petroleum gas as fuel or a combination of liquefied petroleum gas and any other fuel must bear a liquefied gas tax decal on the windshield lower right-hand corner showing this vehicle uses liquefied petroleum gas, before a safety inspection certificate can be issued. The inspection of the exhaust emission system shall not apply to motor vehicles altered and modified to use only fuel other than gasoline. The owner or operator of any new motor vehicle or new motor vehicle engine beginning with the model year 1968 equipped with an exhaust emission system shall maintain the exhaust emission system in good operable condition and shall use it at all times that the motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine is operated.
Headlamps
Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with at least two head lamps, at least one on each side of the front of the motor vehicle, which head lamps shall comply with the requirements and limitations set forth in these regulations.
Every head lamp upon a CMV shall be located at a height of not more than 54 inches nor less than 24 inches to be measured from the center of such lamp to the level ground upon which the vehicle stands when such vehicle is without a load.
Motorcycles, Motor-Driven Cycles, Mopeds. Every motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, and moped shall be equipped with at least one and not more than two head lamps which shall comply with the requirements and limitations of these regulations.
General Provisions. All motor vehicles including motorcycles sold new after January 1, 1948, other than motor-driven cycles (motor scooters and motorbikes), must be equipped with multiple beam head lamps. Single beam head lamps will be permitted on those vehicles sold new prior to January 1, 1948, and on all motor-driven cycles (motor scooters, motorbikes, and mopeds).
There shall be an uppermost distribution of light or composite beam, so aimed and of such intensity as to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 450 feet ahead for all conditions of loading (motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, and mopeds at a distance of at least 300 feet).
There shall be a lowermost distribution of light or composite beam, so aimed and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 150 feet ahead.
a. Single beam head lamp: A head lamp which provides only one fixed beam, which is not adjustable from the driver’s seat (usually on motor-driven cycles and mopeds only).
b. Multiple beam head lamp: A head lamp which provides more than one beam, which may be selected as required from the driver’s seat.
c. Dual head lamp system: Those vehicles using the dual or four head lamp system must be equipped with a combination of a #1 and a #2 type head lamps on each side of the vehicle. The use of any other type of lamp in those sockets is illegal and does not meet the inspection requirements for head lamps.
The four head lamp system must be wired to burn as originally designed.
a. Other lamps: Fog lamps, auxiliary passing lamps, auxiliary driving lamps, and parking lamps are not required to be inspected.
Headlight Identification:
a. Sealed Beam Lamps: Glass headlamps whether round or rectangular and marked with a #1 or #2, which indicates the number of filaments in the headlamp. Sealed Beam Lamps are a one-piece unit with a non-replaceable inner bulb.
b. Composite Head Lamps: Consist of a lens, usually contoured to the grill and fenders of the vehicle, a reflector, and one or two halogen bulbs, and marked DOT or SAE on the lamp housing or the bulb. The bulb on this type of headlamp is replaceable.
c. Projection Head Lamps: Consist of a lens, usually contoured to the grill and fenders of the vehicle, a reflector, and one bulb with a projection lens.
d. High Intensity Discharge (HID) Head Lamps: Produce light via an electric arc rather than through a glowing filament. Aftermarket HID bulbs installed in composite headlamps are illegal and will not pass state inspection.
e. Head lamps approved for use on motorcycles and motor-driven cycles cannot be used on an automobile or truck and vice versa.
f. On motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, and mopeds without batteries, the engine should be run at high idle speed to observe operation of the head lamp.
Preparation for Head Lamp Inspection.
a. Clean head lamp lenses, if necessary.
1. Inspection Procedure.
a. Check operation and condition. (Refer to Annex #3 for lighting diagrams) Rev. 12/24 Page 26 of 47 VI -87 Ch 6
1) Sealed Beam Head Lamps
a) will be inspected and rejected if:
(1) Lamp or Lamp assembly is not securely fastened to the vehicle. Lamps can be easily moved by hand, due to broken fender or loose support.
(2) Lamp is improperly connected or does not light the proper filament for different switch positions.
(3) Lamp’s lens is cracked, broken, discolored, or missing.
(4) Lamp is not of a type meeting Department, DOT, or SAE standards.
(5) Wiring insulation is worn, rubbed bare, or shows any evidence of burning, short circuiting, or poor electrical connections. Wiring is dangling or connections are loose.
(6) Lamp lens is rotated, upside down, canted, or is marked “Right”, “Left”, #1, or #2 and is not installed as marked.
(7) Lamp fails to function properly in any manner, such as any filament in a head lamp that fails to burn.
(8) Lamp has dirt, any contamination, discoloration, or moisture on the inside.
(9) Lamp switch or dimmer switch does not operate properly or is not conveniently located for the driver.
(10) Foreign material placed on the headlamp lens, such as shields, paint, tape, tinting, etc… that interferes with light beam of the lamp.
(11) Vehicle is not equipped with head lamps as required or lamp is missing.
(12) Lamp or lens is other than clear.
(13) Headlamps are not of equal intensity.
(14) Headlamps are mounted more than or less than the prescribed mounting heights.
(15) Lamp is covered by any lens or cover located on the front of the headlamp, which is any shade of color other than clear.
(16) There is physical damage that would obviously cause the headlamps to fail to illuminate the roadway ahead of the vehicle.
(17) Retractable Lamps: Must fully open and lock in position.
2) Composite Head Lamps
a) will be inspected for and rejected if:
(1) Lamp or lamp assembly is not securely fastened to the vehicle. Lamps can be easily moved by hand due to a broken fender or loose support.
(2) Lamp is improperly connected or does not light the proper filament for the different switch positions.
(3) Lamp lenses are broken, missing, or discolored.
(4) Lamp is not of a type meeting Department, DOT, or SAE standards.
(5) Wiring insulation is worn, rubbed bare, or shows any evidence of burning, short circuiting, or poor electrical connections. Wiring is dangling or connections are loose.
(6) Lamp lenses are rotated, upside down, or canted.
(7) Lamp fails to function properly in any manner, such as any filament in a head lamp that fails to burn.
(8) Lamp has dirt, standing water, or discoloration inside.
(9) Lamp switch or dimmer switch does not operate properly or is not conveniently located for the driver.
(10) Foreign material placed on headlamp lens, such as shields, paint, tape, tinting, etc… that interferes with the light beam of the lamp. Rev. 12/24 Page 27 of 47 VI -87 Ch 6
(11) Headlamp is covered by any lens or cover located in front of the headlamp, which is any shade of color other than clear.
(12) Vehicle is not equipped with headlamps as required or lamp is missing.
(13) Lenses are other than clear.
(14) Headlamps are not of equal intensity.
(15) Headlamps are mounted more than or less than prescribed mounting heights.
(16) There is physical damage that would obviously cause a headlamp beam to fail to illuminate the roadway ahead of the vehicle sufficiently.
(17) Retractable lamps: must fully open and lock in position.
3) Projection Head Lamps
a) will be inspected for and rejected if:
(1) Lamp or lamp assembly is not securely fastened to the vehicle. Lamp can be easily moved by hand, due to a broken fender or loose support.
(2) Lamp is improperly connected or does not light the proper filament for the different switch positions.
(3) Lamp lenses are broken, missing, or discolored.
(4) Lamp is not of a type meeting Department, DOT, SAE standards.
(5) Wiring insulation is worn, rubbed bare, or shows any evidence of burning, short circuiting, or poor electrical connections. Wiring is dangling or connections are loose.
(6) Lamp lenses are rotated, upside down, or canted.
(7) Lamp fails to function properly in any manner, such as any filament in a head lamp that fails to burn.
(8) Lamp has dirt, standing water, or discoloration inside.
(9) Lamp switch or dimmer switch does not operate properly or is not conveniently located for the driver.
(10) Foreign material placed on headlamp lens, such as shields, paint, tape, tinting, etc… that interferes with the light beam of the lamp.
(11) Headlamp is covered by any lens or cover located in front of the headlamp which is any shade of color other than clear.
(12) Vehicle is not equipped with headlamps as required, or lamp is missing.
(13) Lenses are other than clear.
(14) Head lamps are not of equal intensity.
(15) Headlamps are mounted more than or less than prescribed mounting heights.
(16) There is physical damage that would obviously cause a headlamp beam to fail to illuminate the roadway ahead of the vehicle.
(17) Retractable lamps: must fully open and lock in position.
4) High Intensity Discharge Head Lamps
a) will be inspected for and rejected if:
(1) Lamp or lamp assembly is not securely fastened to the vehicle. Lamp can be easily moved by hand, due to a broken fender or loose support.
(2) Lamp is improperly connected or does not light the proper bulb for the different switch positions.
(3) Lamp lenses are broken, missing, or discolored. Rev. 12/24 Page 28 of 47 VI -87 Ch 6
(4) Lamp is not of a type meeting Department, DOT, SAE standards.
(5) Wiring insulation is worn, rubbed bare, or shows any evidence of burning, short circuiting, or poor electrical connections. Wiring is dangling or connections are loose.
(6) Lamp lenses are rotated, upside down, or canted.
(7) Lamp fails to function properly in any manner.
(8) Lamp has dirt, standing water, or discoloration inside.
(9) Lamp switch or dimmer switch does not operate properly or is not conveniently located for the driver.
(10) Foreign material placed on headlamp lens, such as shields, paint, tape, tinting, etc… that interferes with the light beam of the lamp.
(11) Headlamp is covered by any lens or cover located in front of the headlamp, which is any shade of color other than clear.
(12) Vehicle is not equipped with headlamps as required, or lamp is missing.
(13) Lenses are other than clear.
(14) Headlamps are not of equal intensity.
(15) Headlamps are mounted more than or less than prescribed mounting heights.
(16) There is physical damage that would obviously cause a headlamp beam to fail to illuminate the roadway ahead of the vehicle.
(17) Retractable lamps: must fully open and lock in position.
Horn
Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a horn (electric or air) in good working order and capable of emitting a sound audible for a distance of 200 feet or more, but no horn shall emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or a whistle.
Bulb or hand-operated horn is acceptable if original vehicle equipment.
1. Inspection Procedure
a. Sound horn.
b. Check actuating device.
c. Examine wiring - mounting.
2. Inspect for and reject if:
a. Vehicle is not equipped with a horn.
b. Horn or horn switch is not securely fastened.
c. Wiring insulation is worn, rubbed bare, or shows any evidence of burning, short circuiting, or poor connections.
d. Horn switch is not readily accessible to a vehicle operator.
e. Horn is actuated by grounding two naked wires or similar method.
f. Sound is not audible under normal conditions for 200 feet.
g. Horn emits an unusually loud or harsh sound or whistle.
h. Operation of the horn interferes with the operation of any other circuit.
i. Horn switch missing or inoperative
Identification Lamps
All buses, trucks, and truck-tractors 80 inches or more in overall width must be equipped with three identification lamps of amber color mounted on the cab of the vehicle, one as close to the vertical center line of the vehicle as practicable and one on each side of the center line, not less than 6 inches or more than 12 inches.
All buses, trucks, and trailers 80 inches or more in overall width must be equipped with three identification lamps of red color mounted on the rear of the vehicle as high as practicable. One mounted as close as possible to the center line of the vehicle and one on each side of the center line of not less than 6 inches or more than 12 inches.
1. Inspect for and reject if: (Refer to Annex #3 for lighting diagrams)
a. Lamps are not present.
b. Not securely mounted, properly located or repaired with repair tape or repair kit.
c. Lamp does not emit proper color; lens or bulb painted; or not steady burning. d. Lens cracked, broken, discolored, missing, or a portion of the lens is missing.
e. Wiring insulation is worn, rubbed bare, or evidence of burning, short circuiting, or poor connection.
f. Lamps are not clearly visible in normal sunlight. LED lights have less than 50% of diodes illuminated.
g. Any lamp assembly is cracked, allowing water to enter or any lamp assembly contains standing water.
Insurance
1. Check for evidence of financial responsibility.
a. A commercial motor vehicle defined in 06.00.00(1)(a), (b), and (c) is not required to display the standard proof of liability insurance form. The primary method for a commercial motor vehicle to show proof of financial responsibility is found in Annex #1 – Item #8 via cab card or certificate. (Refer to Annex #1).
b. A commercial motor vehicle not required to register with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles under Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 643, may display the standard proof of liability insurance form.
License Plate Lamp
Either a tail lamp or a separate lamp shall be so constructed and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate and render it clearly legible for a distance of 50 feet to the rear. Any such lamp shall be so wired as to be lit when the head lamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted. On vehicles such as truck-tractors which require no rear registration plate, a license plate lamp would not be required. If two license plates are issued, a license plate lamp is required.
Do not reject a vehicle because the rear registration plate is obstructed.
1. Inspection Procedure.
a. Check operation and condition visually.
2. Inspect for and reject if: (Refer to Annex #3 for lighting diagrams)
a. Lamp is not present, steady burning, or operational. LED lights have less than 50% of diodes illuminated.
b. Lamp is not securely mounted to the vehicle.
c. Lamp is not placed to illuminate with a white light, the rear registration plate. (Only one lamp is required.)
d. Wiring insulation is worn, rubbed bare, or shows any evidence of burning, short circuiting, or poor electrical connections.
e. Lamp is not wired so as to be lighted when head lamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted. Rev. 12/24 Page 30 of 47 VI -87 Ch 6
f. Lamp emits a glaring light to the rear.
g. Lens is cracked or repaired with repair tape or repair kit. Lens or a portion of the lens is missing.
h. Lamp assembly is cracked, allowing water to enter or the lamp assembly contains standing water.
i. Lamp does not meet the visibility requirement
Mirrors
Every bus, truck, and truck-tractor shall be equipped with two rear-vision mirrors, one at each side, firmly attached to the outside of the motor vehicle, and so located as to reflect to the driver a view of 200 feet to the rear, along both sides of the vehicle.
Only one outside mirror shall be required, which shall be on the driver’s side, on trucks which are so constructed that the driver has a view to the rear by means of an interior mirror.
In driveaway-towaway operations, the driven vehicle shall have at least one mirror furnishing a clear view to the rear.
1. Inspect for and reject if:
a. Proper number of mirrors not present.
b. Mirror does not provide clear view to rear of 200 feet.
c. Mirror creates interference with driver’s forward vision.
d. Reflective surface of mirrors is cracked, broken, peeled, tarnished, or has sharp edges.
e. Mirror not mounted securely to prevent swing or excessive vibration.
Parking Brake System
The parking brake system shall be adequate to hold the vehicle or combination on any grade upon which it is operated under any condition of loading, on a surface free from ice and snow. The parking brake system shall be capable of being applied by the driver’s muscular effort or by spring action. The parking brake system may be assisted by the service brakes or other sources of power, provided that failure of the service brakes or other power assisting mechanisms will not prevent the parking brake system from being applied. The parking brake system shall be so designed that when applied, it shall remain in the applied position despite exhaustion of any source of energy or leakage of any kind. If the means of applying the parking brake and the service brake are connected in any way, they shall be so constructed that failure of any one part shall not leave the vehicle without operative brakes. Brake lock systems will not meet the parking brake requirement (i.e. placing the transmission in park).
1) Inspection Procedure. Apply only the parking brake system. Verify that brakes are applied on the vehicle or combination upon actuation of the parking brake control.
2) Inspect Parking Brake for and reject if:
a) Vehicle is not equipped with a parking brake.
b) Operating mechanism, when fully applied, does not hold the brakes in applied position without manual effort.
c) Actuating mechanism is not fully released when the release control is operated.
d) Any mechanical parts are missing, broken, badly worn, or not operating properly.
e) Pull cables are badly worn, stretched, frayed, or not operating freely.
f) Parking brakes will not hold the vehicle in place when, with the engine running, the vehicle is placed in forward gear and the engine is accelerated enough to cause a pull on the braking mechanism.
Rear Impact Guard
General requirements for trailers and semitrailers manufactured on or after January 26, 1998. Each trailer and semitrailer with a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 kg (10,000 pounds) or more, and manufactured on or after January 26, 1998, must be equipped with a rear impact guard that meets the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 223 (49 CFR 571.223) in effect at the time the vehicle was manufactured. When the rear impact guard is installed on the trailer or semitrailer, the vehicle must, at a minimum, meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 224 (49 CFR 571.224) in effect at the time the vehicle was manufactured. The requirements of paragraph (A) of this section do not apply to pole trailers (as defined in § 390.5 of this chapter); pulpwood trailers, low chassis vehicles, special purpose vehicles, wheels back vehicles, and road construction controlled horizontal discharge trailers (as defined in § 393.5); and trailers towed in driveaway-towaway operations (as defined in § 390.5).
Certification and labeling requirements for rear impact protection guards. Each rear impact guard used to satisfy the requirements of paragraph (A) of this section must be permanently marked or labeled as required by FMVSS No. 223 (49 CFR 571.223, S5.3). The label shall be placed on the forward or rearward facing surface of the horizontal member of the guard, provided that the label does not interfere with the retroreflective sheeting required by S5.7.1.4.1(c) of FMVSS No. 108 (49 CFR 571.108) and is readily accessible for visual inspection. The certification label must contain the following information:
a. The impact guard manufacturer's name and address.
b. The statement “Manufactured in” (inserting the month and year that the guard was manufactured); and,
c. The letters “DOT”, constituting a certification by the guard manufacturer that the guard conforms to all requirements of FMVSS No. 223.
1. Inspect for and reject if:
a. Missing guard.
b. Guard is not securely attached to trailer, including broken or missing fasteners, any welds or parent metal cracked, or other damage that compromises secure attachment of the guard.
c. Guard horizontal member does not extend to within 100 mm (4 inches) of each or extends beyond either side extremity of the vehicle.
d. Guard horizontal member is more than 560 mm (22 inches) above the ground.
e. Guard horizontal member is more than 305 mm (12 inches) forward of the rear extremity of the vehicle.
f. Guard horizontal members do not have a cross-sectional vertical height of at least 100 mm (4 inches) across its entire width.
Rear Reflector
Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer shall carry on the rear, either as a part of the tail lamps or separately, two or more red reflectors. Motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, and mopeds shall have mounted on the rear, either as a part of the tail lamp or separately, at least one red reflector.
Every reflector upon any vehicle shall be of such size and characteristics and so mounted as to be visible at night from all distances within 600 feet to 100 feet from such vehicle when directly in front of the lawful lower beams of head lamps, except that reflectors on passenger cars, motorcycles, and motor-driven cycles manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1972, shall be visible at night from all distances within 350 feet to 100 feet when directly in front of lawful upper beams of the head lamps.
Reflectors on passenger cars, motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, and mopeds shall be mounted at a height of not less than 15 inches nor more than 60 inches measured from the center of such reflector to the level ground upon which the vehicle stands when the vehicle is without a load. On commercial vehicles the height shall not be less than 24 inches and not higher than 60 inches above the ground on which the vehicle stands.
If the highest part of the permanent structure of the vehicle is less than the height required, the reflector shall be mounted as high as that part of the permanent structure will permit.
Rear reflectors on a vehicle shall reflect a red color.
Red reflectors required on the rear of a vehicle may be incorporated with the tail lamp assembly.
Required rear reflectors may be suspended on straps of not more than 6 inches in length.
Required rear reflectors shall be mounted with one on each side of the center of the vehicle.
Rear reflectors on pole trailers may be mounted on each side of the bolster or load.
1. Inspection Procedure.
a) Check condition and mounting.
2. Inspect for and reject if:
a) Reflector is not present.
b) Reflector is not of red color.
c) Reflector is not properly and/or securely mounted to the vehicle.
d) Reflector is cracked to the extent that the reflecting ability is impaired.
e) Reflector is discolored, deteriorated, or painted.
f) Visibility distance is not as required.
g) Requirements shown on lighting diagram are not met (Annex #3). Reflector height requirements are not met.
Red Warning Lamps
1. Inspection Procedure.
a. School bus RED signal lamps are not present, properly working, and in good condition.
Safety Guards/Flaps
Safety guards or flaps are required on all trucks, trailers, or semi-trailers (in combination with a towing vehicle), if the rearmost axle of the vehicle (or combination) has at least four tires or at least two super single tires. A super single tire is a wide-based, single tire that may be used in place of two standard tires on the same axle.
Safety guards or flaps are not required on:
a. Buses.
b. Motorhomes.
c. Pole trailers.
d. Truck-tractors.
Safety guards or flaps shall be located and suspended behind the rearmost wheels of such vehicle or if in combination behind the rearmost wheels of such combination to within 12 inches of the surface of the roadway. Safety guards or flaps shall be of metal, rubber, rubberized material, or other substantial material, capable of remaining in place behind the rear wheels by their own weight while the said vehicle is being operated.
When trailers and semitrailers are presented for inspection in combination, each trailer or semitrailer will be considered a separate vehicle and safety guards or flaps will be required on the rearmost axle of each trailer or semitrailer.
1. Inspection Procedure.
a. Check for presence and condition.
2. Inspect for and reject if:
a. Safety guard or flap is not present.
b. Safety guard or flap is not securely mounted.
c. Safety guard or flap is not as wide as the tires that it is protecting.
d. Safety guard or flap is split or torn to the extent that it is ineffective.
e. The bottom edge of safety guard or flap is more than twelve (12) inches from the surface of the roadway.
School Bus Signage
1. Inspect for and reject if:
a. Signs are not present, readable, and of proper height.
Seat Belts
Front seat belts are required on every motor vehicle in which front seat belt anchorages were a part of the manufacturer’s original equipment on the vehicle.
Anchorages defined: A seat belt anchorage consists of a threaded hole in a suitable structure to receive the seat belt attachment fittings or a circular anchor which is welded to the vehicle chassis. Self-treading bolts are inserted into the anchor to form the complete seat belt anchorage assembly. Rev. 12/24 Page 35 of 47 VI -87 Ch 6
1. Inspection Procedure.
a. Inspect front lap seat belts for frayed, split, or torn webbing; malfunctioning buckles; and loose or damaged anchorages to the floor pan. Vehicles originally equipped with automatic seat belts (shoulder belts) without front lap seat belts will have the automatic belts inspected.
b. Front lap belts only will be inspected in all other vehicles. The ignition seat belt interlock system is not an item of inspection.
2. Inspect for and reject if:
a. Front lap seat belts are required and not present.
b. Seat belt webbing is frayed, split, or torn.
c. Belt buckles loose or inoperative.
d. Belt Anchorages or attachment fittings are loose, badly corroded, missing, or not fastened to belt.
e. All seat belt anchor bolts are not securely fastened to floor or are missing.
f. Pelvic restraint is not present.
g. Seatbelt will not adjust to allow proper fit.
Service Brake System
A brake system is used for retarding, stopping, and controlling the vehicle under normal operating conditions. This brake is sometimes referred to as the “foot brake.”
1. The service brake test on commercial motor vehicles will be conducted using one of the following methods:
a. On Road (Decelerometer)
b. On Road (Brake Test Area)
c. Platform-Type Tester; or
d. Roller-Type Tester (Dynamometer-Force Measuring Type).
2. Service Brake Tests
a. On Road (Decelerometer): Mount an approved Decelerometer at centerline of the vehicle. Level the Decelerometer. At a speed of 20 mph, apply service brake firmly. Observe Decelerometer reading.
1) Decelerometer Test Procedures:
a) This tester is an inertia-type Decelerometer consisting of a scale to measure the vehicle’s deceleration or equivalent braking force (sometimes referred to as brake efficiency) in percentages. The Decelerometer is generally placed as close to the center of the vehicle as practicable (on window of right front door), and the vehicle is operated on the roadway outside the inspection station.
2) Operation:
a) Level Decelerometer and set to “0.”
b) Drive vehicle on a clean, level road (road grade of 5% or less) at 20 mph and apply brakes evenly, without skidding vehicle wheels.
c) Read the dial to see if vehicle stopped within required stopping distance for class of vehicle. Rev. 12/24 Page 9 of 47 VI -87 Ch 6
d) For brake balance (equalization), the vehicle should stop in a straight line. A pull to side, right or left during a test stop indicates brake unbalance.
3) Conditions affecting brake tester readings:
a) Wet tires and roadways may cause readings of braking efficiency to be inaccurate.
b) Oil slicks, sand, or other foreign material on tires or roadways may also cause readings of braking efficiency to be inaccurate.
c) Worn or slick tires may also cause readings to be inaccurate.
d) Any fast, hard application of the brake can cause wheel lockup and tire skid.
Side Marker Lamps
Required on all:
a. Buses 80 inches or more in overall width. Trucks 80 inches or more in overall width.
b. Trailers and semitrailers 80 inches or more in overall width.
c. Trailers and semitrailers 30 feet or more in overall length.
d. Pole trailers.
Side marker lamps shall, so far as is practicable, be mounted on the permanent structure of the vehicle in such a manner as to indicate the length of the vehicle.
Side marker lamps and clearance lamps may be mounted in combination, provided illumination is given as required by law.
Side marker lamps mounted on the front or on the sides near the front of a vehicle shall display an amber color.
Side marker lamps mounted on the rear or on the sides near the rear of a vehicle shall display a red color.
Side marker lamps shall be visible under normal atmospheric conditions at a distance between 500 feet and 50 feet from the vehicle on which mounted.
On buses and trucks 80 inches or more in overall width and trailers and semitrailers 80 inches or more in overall width:
a. Two side marker lamps, one on each side, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear.
All trailers and semitrailers 30 feet or more in overall length are required to have mounted centrally located with respect to the length of the vehicle:
a. On each side, one amber side marker lamp.
On pole trailers:
a. On each side, one amber side marker lamp at or near the front of the load (if loaded).
b. On the rearmost support for the load, one combination marker lamp showing amber to the front and red to the rear and side, or cluster of required color lamps.
1. Inspection Procedure.
a. Check operation and condition visually. Rev. 12/24 Page 36 of 47 VI -87 Ch 6
2. Inspect for and reject if: (Refer to Annex #3 for lighting diagrams)
a. Lamps are not present.
b. Lamps are not securely mounted, properly located, or repaired with repair tape or repair kit.
c. Lamps do not emit required color; lens or bulb painted; or not steady burning.
d. Visibility requirements are not met. LED lights have less than 50% of diodes illuminated.
e. Lenses are discolored, missing, or a portion of the lens is missing.
f. Wiring insulation is worn, rubbed bare, or shows any evidence of burning, short circuiting, or poor electrical connections.
g. Lens is cracked.
h. Any lamp assembly is cracked allowing water to enter or lamp assembly contains standing water.
i. Requirements shown on lighting diagram are not met (See Annex #3). Side marker lamp height requirements are not met.
Side Reflectors
Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer shall carry on the rear, either as a part of the tail lamps or separately, two or more red reflectors. Motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, and mopeds shall have mounted on the rear, either as a part of the tail lamp or separately, at least one red reflector.
Every reflector upon any vehicle shall be of such size and characteristics and so mounted as to be visible at night from all distances within 600 feet to 100 feet from such vehicle when directly in front of the lawful lower beams of head lamps, except that reflectors on passenger cars, motorcycles, and motor-driven cycles manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1972, shall be visible at night from all distances within 350 feet to 100 feet when directly in front of lawful upper beams of the head lamps.
Reflectors on passenger cars, motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, and mopeds shall be mounted at a height of not less than 15 inches nor more than 60 inches measured from the center of such reflector to the level ground upon which the vehicle stands when the vehicle is without a load. On commercial vehicles the height shall not be less than 24 inches and not higher than 60 inches above the ground on which the vehicle stands.
If the highest part of the permanent structure of the vehicle is less than the height required, the reflector shall be mounted as high as that part of the permanent structure will permit.
Side Reflectors
Required on all:
a. Buses 80 inches or more in overall width.
b. Trucks 80 inches or more in overall width.
c. Trailers and semi-trailers 80 inches or more in overall width.
d. Trailers and semitrailers 30 feet or more in overall length.
e. Pole trailers.
Every required reflector upon any of the above described commercial vehicles shall be of such size and characteristics and so maintained as to be readily visible at nighttime from all distances within 600 feet to 100 feet from the vehicle when directly in front of the lawful lower beams of head lamps, except that the visibility for reflectors on vehicles manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1972, shall be measured in front of lawful upper beams of head lamps.
Reflectors on commercial vehicles should be mounted at a height of not less than 15 inches nor higher than 60 inches above the ground on which the vehicle stands.
a. If the highest part of the permanent structure of the vehicle is less than the height required, the reflector shall be mounted as high as that part of the permanent structure will permit.
b. Reflectors mounted on the sides near the front of a vehicle shall reflect an amber color.
c. Reflectors mounted on the sides near the rear of a vehicle shall reflect a red color.
d. On buses and trucks 80 inches or more in overall width and trailers and semitrailers 80 inches or more in overall width:
1. On each side: two reflectors, one at or near the front (amber) and one at or near the rear (red).
e. On trailers and semitrailers 30 feet or more in overall length:
1. On each side: one amber reflector, centrally located with respect to the length of the vehicle.
f. On pole trailers:
1. One amber reflector at or near the front of the load (if loaded).
g. Trailers which are equipped with approved conspicuity material (reflective sheeting) are not required to be equipped with the side reflex reflectors required in this part if:
1. The conspicuity material is placed at the locations where reflex reflectors are required and
2. The conspicuity material when installed on the trailer, meets the geometric visibility requirements for the reflex reflectors.
3. See Annex #4 for conspicuity requirements.
1. Inspection Procedure.
a. Check condition and mounting.
2. Inspect for and reject if:
a. Reflectors are not present.
b. Reflectors are not of the required color for the location on the vehicle.
c. Reflectors are not properly and/or securely mounted to the vehicle.
d. Reflector is cracked to the extent that the reflecting ability is impaired.
e. Reflectors are discolored, deteriorated, or painted.
f. Requirements shown on lighting diagram are not met (Annex #3). Reflector height requirements are not met.
e. Visibility distance is not as required.
Steering System
The steering system of the vehicle must be inspected to determine if excessive wear and/or maladjustment of the steering linkage and/or steering gear exists. Wear and adjustment of the steering system will be checked by measuring lash. The vehicle must be on a dry surface.
Lash defined: Lash is the condition in which the steering control can be turned through some part of a revolution without front wheel motion. The wheels should be loaded and positioned straight ahead. Jamming defined:
Jamming is any obstruction to the turning of the steering control caused by interference between some components of the steering system. The obstruction would include tires too large or damaged fenders that would interfere with a full right or left turn.
1. Inspection Procedure.
a. Lash or Free Play: With steering axle tires in straight ahead position, turn steering wheel until the turning motion can be observed at the steering axle tires. Measure lash. On vehicles equipped with power steering, the engine must be running.
2. Inspect for and reject if:
a. Steering Lash (See Chart Below):
For steering wheel diameters not listed, the steering wheel lash shall not exceed 14 degrees angular rotation for manual steering systems and 30 degrees angular rotation for power steering systems.
Stop Lamps
Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer shall be equipped with two or more stop lamps, except motorcycles and motor-driven cycles, which require one stop lamp. Passenger cars and trucks manufactured or assembled prior to the model year 1960 shall be equipped with at least one stop lamp.
A stop lamp on a CMV must emit a red light and be visible from a distance of not less than 300 feet to the rear in normal sunlight. The stop lamp shall be actuated upon application of the service brake, and which may, but need not, be incorporated with one or more other rear lamps.
1. Inspection Procedure.
a. Check operation and condition visually.
2. Inspect for and reject if: (Refer to Annex #3 for lighting diagrams)
a. Required lamp or lamps are not present.
b. Lamp is not securely mounted to the vehicle.
c. Lamp does not emit a steady burning red light, which is actuated on application of the service (foot) brake.
d. Lamp is not visible from a minimum distance of 300 feet to the rear of the vehicle to which it is attached. LED lights have less than 50% of diodes illuminated. Lamp height is less than 15 inches or more than 72 inches.
e. Lamp lens is painted or missing; a portion of the lens is missing, discolored, does not fit properly, or repaired with repair tape or repair kit.
f. Wiring is shoddy or electrical connections are poor.
g. Lamp projects a glaring or a dazzling light.
h. Lamp is not mounted on rear of vehicle.
i. Lens is cracked.
j. Any lamp assembly is cracked, allowing water to enter or the lamp assembly contains standing water.
k. Lamps are not of equal intensity.
3. Number of Stop Lamps Required for a Commercial Vehicle Inspection:
a. Passengers cars manufactured prior to model year 1960: 1 Stop Lamp
b. Passenger cars manufactured in model year 1960 to model year 1984: 2 Stop Lamps
c. Passenger cars manufactured on or after September 1, 1985, to present: 2 Stop Lamps and a High-Mount Stop Lamp Rev. 12/24 Page 39 of 47 VI -87 Ch 6
d. Multipurpose passenger vehicle (e.g. SUV, pickup truck, vans), truck, bus, whose overall width is less than 80 inches, whose GVWR is 10,000 lbs. or less, manufactured before September 1, 1993: 2 Stop Lamps
e. Multipurpose passenger vehicle (e.g. SUV, pickup truck, vans), truck, bus, whose overall width is less than 80 inches, whose GVWR is 10,000 lbs. or less, manufactured on or after September 1, 1993: 2 Stop Lamps and a Center High-Mount Stop Lamp
f. Commercial vehicles 80 inches or more in width and whose GVWR is 10,001 lbs. or more: 2 Stop Lamps
g. Trailers, Semitrailers, Pole Trailers: 2 Stop Lamps h. Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles:1 Stop Lamp
Suspension
1. Inspect for and reject if:
a. U-bolt, spring hanger, or other axle positioning parts are cracked, broken, loose, or missing.
b. Any leaves in a leaf spring assembly are broken or missing.
c. Any broken main leaf in a leaf spring assembly (includes assembly with more than one main spring).
d. Coil spring broken.
e. Rubber spring missing.
f. One or more leaves displaced in a manner that could result in contact with a tire, rim, brake drum, or frame. Rev. 12/24 Page 40 of 47 VI -87 Ch 6
g. Broken torsion bar spring in a torsion bar suspension.
h. Deflated air suspension, i.e. system failure, leak, etc.
i. Any part of a torque, radius, or tracking component assembly or any part used for attaching the same to the vehicle frame or axle is cracked, loose, broken, or missing. Does not apply to a loose bushing in torque or track rods
Tail Lamps
Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, and any other vehicle which is being drawn at the end of a combination of vehicles shall be equipped with at least two tail lamps mounted on the rear which, when lighted, shall emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of 1,000 feet to the rear. Tail lamps shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable.
Every tail lamp upon every CMV shall be located at a height of not more than 72 inches nor less than 15 inches. Tail lamps are used only to designate the rear of a vehicle.
At least two tail lamps are required on all motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, and pole trailers, except that at least one tail lamp is required on motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, and mopeds and all 1959 model year and earlier passenger cars and trucks. Rev. 12/24 Page 41 of 47 VI -87 Ch 6
1. Inspection Procedure.
a. Check operation and condition visually. Vehicles that are equipped by the manufacturer with approved lenses which are clear and lighted by LED lights will pass state inspection. Vehicles that are equipped with aftermarket lenses which are clear and lighted by a red bulb will be rejected. There are no red bulbs currently approved for use on vehicles.
2. Inspect for and reject if: (Refer to Annex #3 for lighting diagrams)
a. Required lamp or lamps are not present.
b. Lamp is not securely mounted to vehicle.
c. Lamp does not emit a steady burning red light plainly visible 1,000 feet to the rear. LED lights have less than 50% of diodes illuminated.
d. Lamp lens is painted, missing, discolored; does not fit properly, or repaired with repair tape or repair kit.
e. Wiring is shoddy or electrical connections are poor.
f. Lamp is not wired so as to be lighted when head lamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted.
g. Lamp is obstructed by any part of the body.
h. Lamp does not emit a red color.
i. Lamps are not mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable. Lamp height is less than 15 inches or more than 72 inches.
j. Lamps are not mounted on rear of vehicle.
k. Lens is cracked, missing, or a portion of the lens is missing.
l. Any lamp assembly is cracked, allowing water to enter or lamp assembly contains standing water.
m. Lamps are not of equal intensity.
Tires
1. Inspect any tire on Steering Axle for and reject if:
a. Has less than 4/32-inch tread when measured at any point on a major tread groove.
b. Has body ply or belt material exposed through the tread or sidewall.
c. Has any tread or sidewall separation.
d. Has a cut where the ply or belt material is exposed.
e. Labeled “Not for Highway Use” or displaying other marking which would exclude use on the steering axle.
f. Any bus equipped with regrooved, recapped or retreaded tires on the steering axle.
g. A truck or truck-tractor with regrooved tires, with a load-carrying capacity equal to or greater than 4,920 pounds on the steering axle.
h. A tube-type radial tire without radial tube stem markings. These markings include a red band around the tube stem, the word “radial” embossed in metal stems, or the word “radial” molded in rubber stems.
i. Mixing bias and radial tires on the steering axle.
j. The tire flap protrudes through valve slot in rim and touches stem.
k. Boot, blowout patch, or other ply repair.
l. Weight carried exceeds tire load limit. This includes overloaded tires resulting from low air pressure.
m. Tire is flat or has noticeable (e.g., can be heard or felt) leak.
n. So mounted or inflated that it comes in contact with any part of the vehicle. Rev. 12/24 Page 42 of 47 VI -87 Ch 6
2. Inspect all other tires and reject if:
a. Weight carried exceeds tire load limit. This includes overloaded tires resulting from low air pressure.
b. Tire is flat or has noticeable (e.g., can be heard or felt) leak.
c. Has body ply or belt material exposed through the tread or sidewall.
d. Has any tread or sidewall separation.
e. Has a cut where ply or belt material is exposed.
f. So mounted or inflated that it comes in contact with any part of the vehicle. (This includes a tire that contacts its mate).
g. Is marked “Not for Highway Use” or otherwise marked and having like meaning.
h. Has less than 2/32-inch tread when measured at any point on a major tread groove.
Turn Signal Lamps
Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer shall be equipped with electrical turn signal lamps, except that passenger cars and trucks less than 80 inches in width and manufactured or assembled prior to the model year 1960 need not be equipped with electrical turn signal lamps.
If the bed, body, cab, load, and any other equipment on a vehicle or combination of vehicles exceeds 24 inches or more to the left of the center of the top of the steering post in the same horizontal plane (that is, as high as the center of the top of the steering post) or when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the rear limit of the body or load exceeds 14 feet, then turn signal lamps are required, even though a hand and arm signal can be seen and the vehicle was manufactured or assembled prior to model year 1960.
Required turn signal lamps must be visible to the front and to the rear of the vehicle.
Electric turn signal lamp types:
a. Single-faced units.
b. Double-faced units.
c. Arrow-faced units.
d. Kits designed to be used in conjunction with the parking light assembly.
Electric turn signal lamp flashers. All open-faced and arrow-type turn signal lamps must flash on and off in order to clearly indicate an intention to turn. Turn signal lamps are required on those vehicles manufactured with a right-hand (steering wheel) drive, regardless of model year. A single lamp (large double-faced unit) on each side of a truck-tractor, which is visible to the front and rear, will suffice for turn signal lamps.
Turn signal lamp mounting. The lamps on a CMV showing to the front shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable and when signaling, shall emit amber light.
The lamps showing to the rear shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable and when signaling, shall emit a red or amber light. Rev. 12/24 Page 43 of 47 VI -87 Ch 6
Turn signal lamps on vehicles 80 inches or more in overall width shall be visible from a distance of not less than 500 feet to the front and rear in normal sunlight.
Turn signal lamps may, but need not, be incorporated in other lamps on the vehicle.
Turn signal lamps shall indicate an intention to turn by flashing lamps showing to the front and rear of a vehicle. On a combination of vehicles, turn signal lamps shall indicate an intention to turn by flashing lamps to that side of the vehicle or combination toward which the turn is to be made.
Motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, and mopeds are not required to be equipped with turn signal lamps.
Semaphore or mechanical arm devices are not acceptable as turn signal lamps.
1. Inspection Procedure.
a) Check operation and condition visually.
2. Inspect for and reject if: (Refer to Annex #3 for lighting diagrams)
a) Lamps are required and not present.
b) Device is not securely mounted or properly located on the vehicle. Lamp height is less than 15 inches or more than 83 inches.
c) Device is not of a type meeting Department standard.
d) Lamp lenses are painted, discolored, missing, or a portion of the lens is missing. Lamp lenses cannot be repaired with repair tape or repair kit.
e) Wiring insulation is worn, rubbed bare, or shows any evidence of burning, short circuiting, or poor electrical connections.
f) Switch is not convenient to driver or indicator light does not operate. Selector switch must lock in proper turn position when applied but need not cancel automatically.
g) Signal shows any color other than amber to the front, or signal shows any color other than red or amber to the rear.
h) Signal does not flash or is not operating properly.
i) Signal is not clearly visible to the front and to the rear of the vehicle for the required distance. LED lights have less than 50% of diodes illuminated.
j) Lens is cracked.
k) Any lamp assembly is cracked, allowing water to enter or the lamp assembly contains standing water.
l) Lamps are not of equal intensity.
Wheel Assembly
1. Inspection Procedure.
a. The inspection of all wheels and rims will be visual. Spare wheels and rims will not be inspected. Wheel covers or hubcaps may be removed from the vehicle if the certified inspector has probable cause or reason to believe that wheel or rim defects exist. Rev. 12/24 Page 44 of 47 VI -87 Ch 6
2. Inspect for and reject if:
a. Any loose, missing, broken, cracked, stripped, damaged or otherwise ineffective wheel studs, bolts, nuts, or lugs.
b. Any part of the wheel is bent, cracked, or damaged so as to affect safe operation of the vehicle.
c. Wheel nuts, studs, and clamps which are loose, broken, missing, or mismatched. Adequate thread engagement is imperative. Stud and nut threads on wheel lugs must engage completely through the entire threaded portion of the nut.
d. Lock or side rings which are bent, broken, cracked, improperly seated, sprung or mismatched ring(s) or otherwise damaged. Check for evidence of rim slippage - this is an indication of wear or loose nuts.
e. Disc wheels with elongated bolts, holes, or cracks between hand holes or stud holes, or both.
f. Cast wheels with cracks, evidence of wear in the clamp area, or both.
g. Rims have defects or cracks to the extent that they impair the safe mounting and proper retention of tires.
h. Any wheel cannot be securely fastened to the hub of the vehicle.
i. Welds
1) Any cracks in welds attaching disc wheel disc to rim.
2) Any crack in welds attaching tube less demountable rim to adapter.
3) Any welded repair on aluminum wheel(s) on a steering axle.
4) Any welded repair other than disc to rim attachment on steel disc wheel(s) mounted on the steering axle.
5) On motorcycles and motor-driven cycles, any spokes are bent, loose, broken, or missing.
Window Tint
1. Inspection Procedure.
a. Utilize calibrated tint meter to check window tinting or coating.
2. Inspect for and reject if:(All year models)
a. Coloring or tinting of windshields if the light transmittance through the colored or tinted glazing is less than 70% of the normal light transmittance. The measurement for light transmittance should not be taken in the 2-inch border at the top of the windshield, a 1-inch border at each side of the windshield, or in the area below the topmost portion of the steering wheel. Check tint meter calibration before rejecting vehicle.
b. Windows, immediately to the right and left of the driver, have less than 70% light transmittance. Check tint meter calibration before rejecting vehicle.
c. Tinting is red, blue, or amber in color or is a reflective type.
d. Vehicles with windows immediately to the right or left of the driver that cannot be raised or lowered for inspection of the window tint.
Windshield
Windshield damage should not be assessed in the 2-inch border at the top of the windshield, a 1-inch border at each side of the windshield, or in the area below the topmost portion of the steering wheel.
1. Inspect for and reject if:
a. Any crack over ¼ inch wide.
b. Any damaged area of larger than ¾ inch diameter.
c. Any damaged area of ¾ inch diameter if closer than 3 inches to any other similarly damaged area. Rev. 12/24 Page 45 of 47 VI -87 Ch 6
d. Any crack less than ¼ inch wide intersecting with any other crack.
Windshield Wipers
Every motor vehicle with a windshield must be equipped with a windshield wiper or wipers adequate for cleaning rain, snow, or other moisture from the windshield; in good working order; and constructed so as to permit operation and control by the driver of the vehicle.
All motor vehicles which were originally equipped (manufactured) with one wiper, only one wiper is required; if originally equipped (manufactured) with two or more wipers, all wipers will be required. Replacement of vacuum with electric or electric with vacuum wipers is permissible.
1. Inspection Procedure.
a. Inspect for satisfactory operation. If vacuum operated, engine must be idling and control full on. Inspect for proper contact of blades with windshield. Raise arm away from windshield and release. Arm should return to original position and wiper blade should contact the windshield firmly. The rear window is not considered a windshield and any wiper present on the rear window is not an item of inspection.
2. Inspect for and reject if:
a. Vehicle is not equipped with the number of wipers with which it was originally equipped.
b. Wiper is inoperative, does not operate freely, or is improperly adjusted.
c. Wiper blades have damaged, hardened, or badly worn rubber elements.
d. The portion of the rubber element that contacts the windshield is torn more than one inch on one end or is torn a total of one inch on both ends.
e. Any part of the rubber element is torn loose from the metal backing or blade base.
f. Metal parts of wiper blades or arms are damaged or come in contact with the windshield.
g. Wiper is incapable of adequately cleaning the windshield.
h. Wiper blades are not making proper contact with windshield.
i. Wiper controls are not operating properly or are located beyond the driver’s reach.