Motor Vehicle Division Vehicle Inspection Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a vehicle inspection, which brake component is checked to ensure it can hold a stationary vehicle on a slope?
- Service brake
- Parking brake (Correct answer)
- ABS modulator
- Brake booster
Correct answer: Parking brake
The parking brake (emergency brake) is specifically tested to verify it can hold the vehicle stationary on an incline.
Question 2: What is the minimum tread depth required for front tires on most US inspection standards?
- 1/16 inch
- 2/32 inch
- 4/32 inch (Correct answer)
- 6/32 inch
Correct answer: 4/32 inch
Front tires typically require a minimum tread depth of 4/32 inch because they are critical for steering control.
Question 3: Which of the following windshield conditions would cause a vehicle to FAIL inspection?
- A small chip outside the driver's line of sight
- A crack obstructing the driver's view (Correct answer)
- Minor surface scratches from wipers
- A tinted strip along the top edge
Correct answer: A crack obstructing the driver's view
A crack that obstructs the driver's direct line of vision is a safety hazard and constitutes a mandatory inspection failure.
Question 4: An inspector notices rust around a vehicle's frame rail. When is this considered an inspection failure?
- Any surface rust present
- Rust that reduces frame strength or causes visible holes (Correct answer)
- Rust visible from 10 feet away
- Rust covering more than 10% of the frame
Correct answer: Rust that reduces frame strength or causes visible holes
Frame rust is a failure only when it has compromised the structural integrity of the frame, such as creating holes or weakening load-bearing sections.
Question 5: Which lighting component must emit light visible from at least 500 feet to the rear during a standard vehicle inspection?
- Reverse lights
- Brake lights
- Tail lights (Correct answer)
- License plate light
Correct answer: Tail lights
Tail lights must be visible from a minimum of 500 feet to the rear so other drivers can see the vehicle at night.
Question 6: During inspection, a technician checks the power steering fluid level and finds it low. What action is required?
- Immediate failure; vehicle cannot pass until topped off
- Advisory notice only; no inspection impact
- Failure if steering effort is also abnormal (Correct answer)
- Automatic pass if no leaks are found
Correct answer: Failure if steering effort is also abnormal
Low power steering fluid alone may trigger an advisory, but a failure is noted when it results in abnormal or unsafe steering effort during the functional check.
Question 7: Which of the following is NOT typically checked during a standard safety inspection?
- Horn operation
- Seat belt buckle function
- Fuel economy rating (Correct answer)
- Windshield wiper operation
Correct answer: Fuel economy rating
Fuel economy ratings are not part of a standard safety inspection; they are determined by EPA testing, not roadworthiness checks.
Motor Vehicle Division Vehicle Inspection Standards 2
During a vehicle inspection, which brake component is checked to ensure it can hold a stationary vehicle on a slope?