§ 175.190. Inspection procedure.
(a) External inspection. An external inspection of motor-driven cycles only shall be performed as follows:
(1) Verify ownership, legality and proof of financial responsibility. For the purpose of this subchapter, ownership and legality shall be proven by a vehicle registration card, certificate of title or manufacturer’s statement of origin. When a vehicle being held for resale is presented for inspection by a dealer licensed to sell vehicles in this Commonwealth, a VIN-specific auction slip or VIN-specific secure power of attorney evidencing the dealership’s acquisition of the vehicle, or both, may be presented instead of a vehicle registration card, certificate of title or manufacturer’s statement of origin. Reject if one or more of the following apply:
(i) When vehicle ownership and legality are demonstrated by presentation of certificate of title, manufacturer’s statement of origin, VIN-specific auction slip or VIN-specific secure power of attorney:
(A) The VIN is not in agreement with the certificate of title, manufacturer’s statement of origin, VIN-specific auction slip or VIN-specific secure power of attorney. Exception: If only one digit is incorrect or two digits are transposed, and the owner provides evidence that the appropriate Department form has been completed to correct the error or transposition.
(B) The VIN plate is not securely fastened or is defaced, misplaced or missing.
(ii) When vehicle ownership and legality are demonstrated by presentation of vehicle registration card:
(A) The license plate is not in agreement with the numbers on the vehicle registration card. Exception: If only one digit is incorrect or two digits are transposed, and the owner provides evidence that the appropriate Department form has been completed to correct an error or transposition.
(B) The license plate is hanging loosely from its mounting bracket.
(C) The license plate is obscured so that the numbers cannot be identified.
(D) The license plate lamp, if so equipped, does not illuminate the license plate.
(iii) Acceptable proof of financial responsibility is not provided. For the purpose of this chapter, financial responsibility shall be proven by one of the following documents:
(A) A valid financial responsibility identification card issued in accordance with 31 Pa. Code (relating to insurance).
(B) The declaration page of a valid insurance policy.
(C) A valid self-insurance identification card.
(D) A valid binder of insurance issued by an insurance company licensed to sell motor vehicle liability insurance in this Commonwealth.
(E) A valid insurance policy issued by an insurance company licensed to sell motor vehicle liability insurance in this Commonwealth.
(2) Check the glazing.
(i) Reject if any of the following apply:
(A) Approved safety glazing is not used in the windscreen.
(B) A sign, poster or other material whose design prevents a driver from seeing through the material, obstructs, obscures or impairs the driver’s clear view of the highway or an intersecting highway. Under FMVSS No. 205, this restriction does not apply to the rear side windows, rear wings or rear window of vehicles subject to this subchapter, if so equipped.
(C) A vehicle displays a sticker other than those prescribed under § 175.176(c) (relating to glazing), or displays a parking sticker in a location described in § 175.176(d).
(D) Glass is shattered or broken or has any exposed sharp edges.
(E) There are defects in an acute area of the windscreen—center of the critical area on the driver’s side of the vehicle directly in the driver’s normal line of vision 8 1/2 inches wide and 5 1/2 inches high—or discolorations or hazardous cracks which would interfere with the driver’s vision.
(ii) This paragraph does not prohibit the use of a product or material along the top edge of the windscreen as long as the product or material is transparent and does not encroach upon the AS-1 portion of the windscreen as provided by FMVSS No. 205 and the product or material is not more than 3 inches from the top of the windscreen.
(3) Check the mirrors and reject if one or more of the following apply:
(i) The mirror is cracked, broken or discolored.
(ii) The mirror will not hold adjustment.
(iii) The mirror does not provide a minimum reflective surface of 12 1/2 square inches for a flat mirror or 10 square inches for a convex mirror.
(iv) Outside rearview mirrors, with a minimum reflective surface as described in § 175.177(b) (relating to mirrors), are not installed on both sides of the vehicle, if a certificate of exemption for a sun screening device or other material has been issued by the Department. See § 175.264 (relating to mirrors). A vehicle for which a certificate of exemption has been issued for medical reasons may be equipped with only a left outside rearview mirror, unless originally equipped with an outside rearview mirror on both sides of the vehicle.
(4) Check the fenders and reject if any of the following apply:
(i) A fender—front or rear—has been removed:
(ii) A fender is not of a type and size used as original equipment.
(5) Check the lamps and lenses and reject if one or more of the following apply:
(i) An exterior bulb or sealed beam, if originally equipped or installed, fails to light properly, except ornamental lights.
(ii) The turn signal lamps do not flash between 60—120 flashes per minute.
(iii) The turn signal lamps do not properly indicate the right or left when so switched.
(iv) The lamp shows a color contrary to Tables IV or V (relating to required motor vehicle lighting equipment; and location of required equipment), as applicable.
(v) The lamp or filament indicated at switch position does not light when the correct switch indicates the lamp should be on.
(vi) The lamp has a missing or broken lens.
(vii) A required lamp is missing.
(viii) Auxiliary equipment is placed on, in or in front of any lamp.
(ix) The fog lamps operate with high beams of headlamps.
(x) Auxiliary driving lamps operate with the low beam of standard headlamp system or alone.
(xi) The headlamps are out of adjustment as follows:
(A) Mechanical aimer:
(I) The horizontal aim is more than 4 inches to the left or right.
(II) The vertical aim is higher or lower than 4 inches from center.
(B) Screen or photo electric type tester. See Charts 1—3 (relating to headlight aiming screen distance and marking identification; high beam inspection limits; and low beam inspection limits):
(I) Turn the lamps on high beam and reject if the center of the beam is horizontally more than 4 inches to the right or left of straight ahead or if the center of the light beam is vertically more than 4 inches above or below horizontal line.
(II) Turn the lamps on low beam and reject if upper edge of beam is more than 4 inches above or below horizontal centerline of headlamp or if inner edge of beam is more than 4 inches to right or left of vertical line.
(6) Check for protruding metal and reject if torn metal, glass or other loose or dislocated parts protrude from surface of vehicle so as to create a hazard.
(7) Check the fuel tank cap and reject if the fuel tank filler cap is missing.
(8) Check the battery and reject if the battery is not securely fastened.
(b) Internal inspection. An internal inspection of motor-driven cycles only shall be performed as follows:
(1) Check the high beam and turn signal indicator lamps and reject if the indicator lamps are not working.
(2) Check the horn and reject if any of the following apply:
(i) There is no horn or other acceptable audible warning device.
(ii) The horn or other warning device is not audible under normal conditions for a distance of not less than 200 feet.
(iii) A vehicle is equipped with a siren, bell, whistle or a device emitting harsh or unreasonably loud sound except emergency vehicles and vehicles equipped with an anti-theft device.
(3) Check the brake system and reject if any of the following apply:
(i) There is excessive friction in the control linkage or components, or if the control levers are misaligned or improperly positioned.
(ii) There is mechanical damage other than wear.
(4) Check the motor mounts and reject if motor mounts are broken.
(5) Check the fuel systems and controls and reject if any of the following apply:
(i) There is liquid fuel leakage at any point in system.
(ii) Part of the fuel line is not securely fastened.
(iii) The fuel tank or line was not specifically designed or manufactured as fuel tank or line.
(iv) The fuel line is in contact with high temperature surfaces or moving parts.
(v) The fuel tank or line intrudes into a driver, passenger or cargo compartment, except if the vehicle was originally so designed. If the vehicle is equipped with an alternate fuel system, see Subchapter M (relating to alternate fuel system and controls).
(vi) The throttle, if originally equipped, does not return to the idle position when actuating force is removed.
(c) Beneath the vehicle inspection. A beneath the vehicle inspection of motor-driven cycles only shall be performed as follows:
(1) Inspect the tires and wheels and reject if one or more of the following apply:
(i) A tire has two adjacent treads with less than 1/32-inch tread remaining.
(ii) Part of the ply or cord is exposed.
(iii) A tire has been repaired with blow-out patch.
(iv) There is a bump, bulge or separation.
(v) A tire is marked ‘‘not for highway use,’’ ‘‘for racing purposes only’’ or ‘‘unsafe for highway use,’’ or has a similar designation.
(vi) There are other conditions or markings reasonably believed to render tire unsafe for highway use.
(vii) A tire has been regrooved or recut.
(viii) The wheel nuts or bolts are missing or loose or have improper thread engagement.
(ix) The stud or bolt holes are worn out of round.
(x) Part of the wheel is bent, cracked, welded or damaged so as to affect safe operation of vehicle.
(xi) The rear wheel does not track front wheel track in the straight ahead position within 1 inch to either side.
(xii) Studded tires are in use after April 15 and before November 1.
(xiii) A tire extends beyond body line, a tire is smaller than the manufacturer’s recommended minimum size or below the manufacturer’s recommended load rating or a tire makes contact with the body or chassis.
(2) Inspect the steering system and reject if one or more of the following apply:
(i) The handlebars, grips or steering system are not of sturdy construction.
(ii) The handlebars or steering system restrict the front fork movement.
(iii) The handlebars do not provide a minimum of 18 inches between the grip ends. If equipped with a steering wheel instead of handlebars, the steering wheel, except if specially designed for handicapped drivers, is not circular or equivalent in strength to original equipment or has an outside diameter less than 13 inches.
(iv) The handlebars are not equipped with grips of nonslip design and material.
(v) Measured movement at the front or rear of the tire is greater than 1/4 inch in relation to the axle shaft.
(vi) The linkage components are not secured with cotter pins or other suitable devices.
(vii) The steering stops allow a tire to rub on the frame or chassis parts.
(viii) The front wheel is incapable of being turned to the right and left steering stops without binding or interference.
(3) Inspect the vehicle frame and reject if any of the following apply:
(i) The vehicle frame is not in solid condition.
(ii) A repair is made with tape, tar paper or cloth, or is made in another temporary manner.
(iii) The frame components are missing, cracked, rotted or broken or are in a deteriorated or dangerous condition.
(iv) The chain guard or other covering device is missing.
(v) The stand does not operate or is not strong enough to support vehicle.
(vi) The hand-hold device is not provided if motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person.
(vii) The footrests or pedals are not provided for each person operating or footrests are not provided for each person riding upon the vehicle.
(viii) The highway bars exceed maximum width of 26 inches or are located more than 15 inches from foot controls.
(4) Inspect exhaust system and reject if one or more of the following apply:
(i) The vehicle has no muffler or muffler has external repair.
(ii) There are loose or leaking joints.
(iii) There are holes, cracks or leaking seams in the exhaust system.
(iv) There is a muffler cutout or similar device.
(v) The elements are not securely fastened with proper clamps and hangers.
(vi) The exposed exhaust system does not have an adequate heat shield or protective system or is not located to prevent contact with riders.
(d) Road test. Perform a road test and reject if any of the following apply:
(1) The vehicle is not capable of stopping within the maximum stopping distance prescribed in Table I.
(2) There is a malfunction of the braking or steering mechanism—particularly shimmy, wander, or pull—or another questionable operating behavior that affects safe operation of vehicle.
(3) The speedometer, if originally equipped, does not operate.
(4) The odometer, if originally equipped, does not operate, except motor-driven cycles at least 25 years old.
(5) The vehicle cannot be driven forward.
(e) Exemption. A motorized pedal cycle is exempt from inspection.
Authority The provisions of this § 175.190 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4301, 4501, 4521, 4524, 4702 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 175.190 adopted October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; delayed February 11, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 708; except subsection (c)(1)(xiii), effectiveness of which has been indefinitely postponed until further notice, to the extent that these portions of the regulations prohibit placement of oversize tires that remain within the body line of vehicles and require the rejection of inspected vehicles equipped with these tires; amended December 30, 1983, effective December 31, 1983, 18 Pa.B. 4023; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362; amended February 18, 1994, effective February 19, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 962; amended September 27, 1996, effective September 28, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4640; amended November 13, 1998, effective May 13, 1999, 28 Pa.B. 5670; amended October 25, 2013, effective October 26, 2013, 43 Pa.B. 6349. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (250432) to (250437).
Cross References This section cited in 67 Pa. Code § 175.172 (relating to steering); 67 Pa. Code § 175.173 (relating to braking systems); 67 Pa. Code § 175.174 (relating to tires and wheels); 67 Pa. Code § 175.175 (relating to lighting and electrical systems); 67 Pa. Code § 175.176 (relating to glazing); 67 Pa. Code § 175.177 (relating to mirrors); 67 Pa. Code § 175.178 (relating to fuel systems); 67 Pa. Code § 175.181 (relating to exhaust systems); 67 Pa. Code § 175.182 (relating to horns and warning devices); 67 Pa. Code § 175.183 (relating to body); 67 Pa. Code § 175.184 (relating to chassis); 67 Pa. Code § 175.203 (relating to braking systems); 67 Pa. Code § 175.206 (relating to glazing); 67 Pa. Code § 175.207 (relating to mirrors); and 67 Pa. Code § 175.208 (relating to body).
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