GENERAL INSPECTION INFORMATION
The Division of Motor Vehicles performs
vehicle inspection's at all four DMV
facilities. Inspections are performed for
no fee. Usually, all vehicles being titled for
the first time in Delaware must be inspected. There
is an exception for new vehicles never titled in any state
sold by dealers who provide the buyer a Delaware Application
for Title (MV212A form);these vehicles are not required
to be inspected. The newest five model years
of vehicles, weighing 10,000 pounds or less and being titled
for the first time in Delaware are only required to have
a vehicle identification number (VIN) verification.
A typical automobile
inspection consists of a safety
inspection covering such items as tires, brakes,
windows and an exhaust
emissions inspection that analyzes
the vehicle's exhaust or On-Board
Diagnostic (OBD) inspection and a test
of the fuel system on some model year vehicles for leaks.Trailers
exceeding a 4,000-pound weight limit must pass brake and
safety inspections. All DMV inspection technicians
are certified and trained in all aspects of the inspection
process.
A vehicle inspection
may occur up to 90 days before the registration expiration
date. An early inspection within this 90-day
cycle will not change the normal expiration date.DMV,
as required by Delaware law, charges a $10.00 late fee
in addition to the normal registration fee for all renewals
performed after the registration expiration date of the
vehicle. Owners are required to provide DMV
with valid proof of Delaware liability insurance and
a Vehicle Inspection Report for their vehicle to renew
their registration.
Most gasoline-powered automobiles and light trucks newer than 1980 model year
will receive a low and high speed (two-speed) exhaust emissions test in addition
to the current tests.Gasoline-powered automobiles and light trucks
1980 model year and older will continue to receive the current (curb idle)
tests.Diesel fueled vehicles are currently exempt from exhaust
emissions testing but must pass safety testing for registration renewal.
The Division mails registration renewal notices to each vehicle owner of record
approximately 90 days before a registration expiration date of a vehicle. The
notification allows some vehicle owners to renew their registration by mail
without having their vehicle inspected. The mail-in registration
renewal option is only available for certain model year vehicles and depends
on the vehicle's weight, type of vehicle and the number of years renewed in
the last renewal cycle. Owners renewing registrations of vehicles
in the first five model years can proceed to the nearest DMV registration renewal
section to complete the registration process. Signs, located at
the entrance of each facility, allow owners to check if their vehicle requires
inspection. Owners who change
their address during a registration period must notify DMV to assure that
the next renewal notice goes to the correct address.Check the Vehicle
Inspection Program FAQ's for more information on the inspection
program and Delaware's emissions waiver program.
Tips for passing inspection:
- Make sure your engine is thoroughly warmed up before you arrive so it is operating at peak efficiency
- Turn off all accessories (air conditioning, heater, radio, etc.) before entering the inspection facility
- Fast idle your engine for 30 seconds just prior to entering the inspection facility
- Make sure that all front seat occupants have their safety belts fastened.All children must be secured in a child restraint seat or safety belt
- Know the location of your vehicle's hood release lever
- Provide the key for fuel caps that lock
- Check your turn signals, lights, horn and windshield wipers.Have obvious defects repaired before inspection
- Pay careful attention to the maintenance of your brakes and tires.For safety reasons inspectors have very strict standards for passage of these two items
- If you have any questions, ask the DMV inspector for assistance
- REMEMBER - smoking is prohibited in the lanes
