Virginia State Safety Inspections

Virginia-registered motor vehicles, trailers, and semitrailers subject to the state's inspection requirements must be inspected at least once every 12 months. Check the expiration date on your inspection sticker and schedule early to help avoid last-minute delays.

Virginia State Safety Inspections cover important safety systems including your brakes, steering, suspension, tires, lights, windshield, wiper blades, mirrors, seat belts, horn, exhaust system, fuel system, and other equipment required by state law.

A Virginia State Safety Inspection costs $20 for most passenger vehicles at authorized inspection stations. Virginia establishes the maximum inspection fee for passenger vehicles, so pricing is generally consistent across authorized Virginia inspection stations.

Most inspections are completed in about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your vehicle and current shop traffic.

Appointments are recommended to minimize your wait, although availability varies by location. Many people tend to make an appointment at the last minute at the end of the month, so making an appointment early in the month can help with availability. Contact your local Tire Discounters for scheduling information.

Common reasons include worn brake components, tires with insufficient tread, burned-out lights, damaged windshield wiper blades, steering or suspension wear, windshield damage that affects visibility, and other safety-related concerns identified during the inspection.

If your vehicle doesn't pass inspection, we'll explain the results, discuss any necessary repairs, and answer your questions. Many repairs can often be completed during the same visit so you can return for reinspection as quickly as possible. You may have the work completed at Tire Discounters or choose another repair provider.

A Virginia rejection sticker is valid for 15 calendar days beyond the day it is issued. If you return to the same Tire Discounters location within that period, the reinspection generally focuses on the items that did not pass, unless another obvious safety issue is found. A $1 reinspection fee may apply. If the rejection sticker expires, a complete inspection and the regular inspection fee may be required.

Authorized Virginia inspection stations, including Tire Discounters, can perform Virginia State Safety Inspections. Once your vehicle passes inspection, you'll receive an official Virginia inspection sticker.

No. A Virginia State Safety Inspection evaluates your vehicle's safety systems. Emissions inspections are a separate program that only applies in certain Northern Virginia localities. Tire Discounters' Virginia locations perform Virginia State Safety Inspections.

Virginia law requires most registered vehicles to maintain a current inspection sticker. Driving with an expired inspection sticker may result in a citation.