Sigh, State Inspections

ForceofWill · December 15th, 2011, 10:32 AM

So I go down to the local motorcycle shop today to get my bike inspected. After about a 30 minute wait, I'm informed that my bike has failed. So naturally I ask why?

He says, "Your turn signals are illegal, they're not DOT approved."

Me: I thought you didn't even have to HAVE turn signals period in VA.

Him: That's true, but since you do, they have to be DOT approved.

Me: So if I just disconnect them right now so I don't have blinkers, I would
pass?

Him: Yes, except that your taillight isn't DOT approved either(CustomLED)

Me: So if I come back with the stock tail light and holes in the front fairings where there should be fenders, you'll pass me?

Him: Yes sir

Me: You do see how ridiculous this is?

Him: Yes I do, lol.

In short, screw stupid laws lol. I don't even have to HAVE blinkers. But since I have LED ones that are MUCH brighter than stock, meaning SAFER, it's against the law.

So back to stock tail light and holes in the front fenders for re-inspect.

flynjay · December 15th, 2011, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForceofWill

So I go down to the local motorcycle shop today to get my bike inspected. After about a 30 minute wait, I'm informed that my bike has failed. So naturally I ask why?

He says, "Your turn signals are illegal, they're not DOT approved."

Me: I thought you didn't even have to HAVE turn signals period in VA.

Him: That's true, but since you do, they have to be DOT approved.

Me: So if I just disconnect them right now so I don't have blinkers, I would
pass?

Him: Yes, except that your taillight isn't DOT approved either(CustomLED)

Me: So if I come back with the stock tail light and holes in the front fairings where there should be fenders, you'll pass me?

Him: Yes sir

Me: You do see how ridiculous this is?

Him: Yes I do, lol.

In short, screw stupid laws lol. I don't even have to HAVE blinkers. But since I have LED ones that are MUCH brighter than stock, meaning SAFER, it's against the law.

So back to stock tail light and holes in the front fenders for re-inspect.

I've never heard of tail lights and signals having to be DOT approved. There yes, working yes.
Do a search and find the state inspection requirements document (the one used by the inspection facility that tells them how to do each item), and make sure they are doing it right.

Also, most states have a reinspection clause in that if you fail an inspection, they have to tell you why and you have some amount of time (14 days in TX) to fix it and return to the original inspection facility to have it reinspected at no cost.

Texas is the same with the front signals, if they are there, they have to work.

ForceofWill · December 15th, 2011, 10:45 AM

Yeah, mine all work perfect, still no go. And yeah, it's only $1 when I go back tomorrow for re-inspect. Just ridiculous is all.

Joule · December 15th, 2011, 10:47 AM

I lol'ed. XD

In india there are no such rules. Do whatever you want to do to your bike LOL

BUT i wish they implement strict rules here too. People don't care for any rule here due to such laziness of administration.

flynjay · December 15th, 2011, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForceofWill

Yeah, mine all work perfect, still no go. And yeah, it's only $1 when I go back tomorrow for re-inspect. Just ridiculous is all.

At least you know for next year.

I had a similar expierence last week when I got my inspection. The inspection place would not pass me since there was no place on the rear of the bike to place the inspection sticker near the license plate.

I had to go to the motorcycle shop down the street to get a plate holder that had a spot for the inspection sticker.

The actual wording in the law is the inspection has to be on the rear of the bike, no mention of visible from the rear. But they said the local PD was giving bikers grief over inspection stickers on the swingarm.

"A" · December 15th, 2011, 01:07 PM

With municipal budget crunch, you bet that the LEOs are out to get you whatever way they can.

I rarely get my bikes inspected, the last time I got one of my bike instected was back in 2008.

The last time I got pulled over by LEO was 2006.

NDspd · December 15th, 2011, 01:12 PM

Stupid question, why do you have to have your bike inspected?

ForceofWill · December 15th, 2011, 01:20 PM

State required yearly for all vehicles. Funny thing is they don't do emissions cause my full no cat race area p and k&n filter are all cool lol.

Malicious Logic · December 15th, 2011, 08:16 PM

Glad Oklahoma doesn't have state vehicle inspections..

"A" · December 15th, 2011, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malicious Logic

Glad Oklahoma doesn't have state vehicle inspections..

Consider yourself lucky. It will change in time, it will be another revenue for your state.. not only to have inspections, but also fines if you don't get inspected.. double wammy..

Skippii · December 15th, 2011, 11:06 PM

Motorcycle shops in VA have to know all these silly laws. Some are more lenient with their application than others. I've passed with flushmount turn signals, HID lights, things like that.
But any car mechanic is also required to do motorcycle inspections, and they generally will just follow some checklist--make sure your brakes, horn, headlights, signals (if any) etc work, and then pass you. I've never known any car shop care if your lights is stock or not.

Skippii · December 15th, 2011, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flynjay

At least you know for next year.

I had a similar expierence last week when I got my inspection. The inspection place would not pass me since there was no place on the rear of the bike to place the inspection sticker near the license plate.

I had to go to the motorcycle shop down the street to get a plate holder that had a spot for the inspection sticker.

The actual wording in the law is the inspection has to be on the rear of the bike, no mention of visible from the rear. But they said the local PD was giving bikers grief over inspection stickers on the swingarm.

Here in VA we get our inspection stickers on our fork tubes.

hoodadooda · December 16th, 2011, 02:13 AM

Last time I took the bike in for inspection, it passed. What skipii said, some places are more lenient than others. I've got a LED setup in the back too with the stock signals because the way I see it, the more flashing lights, the better.

n4mwd · December 16th, 2011, 05:17 AM

There's a guy on ebay selling "DOT Approved" stickers that you can use on your turn signals and tail lights. If I lived in a state that had inspections like that, then I would get some for sure.

In FL, there are no state safety, equipment or emission inspections for cars or motorcycles. Not sure about big commercial trucks and stuff. However, you can be pulled over for equipment violations such as burned out lights and such.

I heard a rumor from a salesman at the local motorcycle shop who said that the blue LED accent lighting is illegal here in FL. Cops claim its their color and if anybody else uses it, its a $2500 fine. I thought it was OK as long as it didn't flash, but he said no. So I'm wondering why the cops don't arrest all those people with the blue headlights.

akima · December 16th, 2011, 02:21 PM

The UK government force everyone to do an MOT test on their vehicle[s] every year. When you buy a new motorcycle you're not forced to have your first MOT test for 3 years.

There's an overview of what they check for here.

alex.s · December 16th, 2011, 02:53 PM

lol @ people who have to have their bikes inspected.

akima · December 16th, 2011, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex.s

lol @ people who have to have their bikes inspected.

* bites Alex *

alex.s · December 16th, 2011, 02:59 PM

as long as you aren't biting my nuts. i only have so many.

akima · December 16th, 2011, 03:00 PM

nickjpass · December 16th, 2011, 03:23 PM

I don't get it. Why don't people get inspections?

HKr1 · December 16th, 2011, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n4mwd

There's a guy on ebay selling "DOT Approved" stickers that you can use on your turn signals and tail lights. If I lived in a state that had inspections like that, then I would get some for sure.

Dont think a sticker would cut it. The markings of DOT are in the plastic or glass.

n4mwd · December 16th, 2011, 04:07 PM

I think its probably a "Cover Inpector's Butt" kind of issue. If he sees a DOT sticker, he can say for a fact that it was there. Then you could yank it off until the next inspection so it doesn't block the light.

But that does create another question as to why it doesn't have DOT approval for real. From what I hear, its pretty easy to get. Some people don't like DOT helmets for that very reason.

I'm just glad I don't have to worry about it.

n4mwd · December 16th, 2011, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickjpass

I don't get it. Why don't people get inspections?

Because its not required in some states. Its really just a racket in other states. Some states even fail cars that have rust on them. Some inspections are good (brakes, lights, etc.), but they also have a lot of BS like what the OP was talking about when they failed him for having the wrong brand of turn signals.

FrugalNinja250 · December 16th, 2011, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickjpass

I don't get it. Why don't people get inspections?

Safety inspections are under the purview of the states, though manufacturing safety standards are federally regulated. Some states are more into safety inspections than others, the same for emissions (though some states are encouraged by the feds to do emissions because of pollution problems, such as Texas).

n4mwd · December 16th, 2011, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForceofWill

He says, "Your turn signals are illegal, they're not DOT approved."
...
Him: Yes, except that your taillight isn't DOT approved either(CustomLED)

I just went out and looked very closely at mine which is 100% stock. The tail light lens has "DOT Approved" stamped into it, but I couldn't find any writing or numbers on the turn signals. I checked all four. Nothing.

I think this is nothing more than the inspector jerking your chain.

ForceofWill · December 16th, 2011, 04:41 PM

Yeah, I just took them all off and put the stock tail light back on. Rode there with no turn signals, just holes in the front fairings lol. But they passed me just like they said they would :P

n4mwd · December 16th, 2011, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForceofWill

Yeah, I just took them all off and put the stock tail light back on. Rode there with no turn signals, just holes in the front fairings lol. But they passed me just like they said they would :P

What a pain. I hope there is a way to go to a different inspection center next year. I certainly wouldn't go back there.

nickjpass · December 16th, 2011, 05:06 PM

Stupid laws lol

choneofakind · December 16th, 2011, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex.s

as long as you aren't biting my nuts. i only have so many.

Better check on those again

December 15th, 2011, 10:32 AM	#1
ForceofWill Blind 250 Loving Whore Name: Tom Location: Chesapeake, VA Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R, 02 FZ1, '20 Fat Bob 114 Posts: A lot.	Sigh, State Inspections So I go down to the local motorcycle shop today to get my bike inspected. After about a 30 minute wait, I'm informed that my bike has failed. So naturally I ask why? He says, "Your turn signals are illegal, they're not DOT approved." Me: I thought you didn't even have to HAVE turn signals period in VA. Him: That's true, but since you do, they have to be DOT approved. Me: So if I just disconnect them right now so I don't have blinkers, I would pass? Him: Yes, except that your taillight isn't DOT approved either(CustomLED) Me: So if I come back with the stock tail light and holes in the front fairings where there should be fenders, you'll pass me? Him: Yes sir Me: You do see how ridiculous this is? Him: Yes I do, lol. In short, screw stupid laws lol. I don't even have to HAVE blinkers. But since I have LED ones that are MUCH brighter than stock, meaning SAFER, it's against the law. So back to stock tail light and holes in the front fenders for re-inspect.

December 15th, 2011, 10:47 AM	#4
Joule ninjette.org member Name: Tej Location: Ludhiana, India Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): Black 2011 Ninja 250R FI Posts: 102	I lol'ed. XD In india there are no such rules. Do whatever you want to do to your bike LOL BUT i wish they implement strict rules here too. People don't care for any rule here due to such laziness of administration. __________________________________________________ dat road rash game

December 15th, 2011, 11:06 PM	#11
Skippii Milkshake Drinker Name: Skippii Location: Richmond, Va Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Orange DRZ400-S, 2005 Ninja 250 & Custom Thundercunt Dirt Chopper Posts: A lot.	Motorcycle shops in VA have to know all these silly laws. Some are more lenient with their application than others. I've passed with flushmount turn signals, HID lights, things like that. But any car mechanic is also required to do motorcycle inspections, and they generally will just follow some checklist--make sure your brakes, horn, headlights, signals (if any) etc work, and then pass you. I've never known any car shop care if your lights is stock or not. __________________________________________________ "What a sweetheart."- ninja_sleeper to me

December 16th, 2011, 05:17 AM	#14
n4mwd ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: D Location: Palm Beach, FL Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250R, 2007 EFI Ninja 250R Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	There's a guy on ebay selling "DOT Approved" stickers that you can use on your turn signals and tail lights. If I lived in a state that had inspections like that, then I would get some for sure. In FL, there are no state safety, equipment or emission inspections for cars or motorcycles. Not sure about big commercial trucks and stuff. However, you can be pulled over for equipment violations such as burned out lights and such. I heard a rumor from a salesman at the local motorcycle shop who said that the blue LED accent lighting is illegal here in FL. Cops claim its their color and if anybody else uses it, its a $2500 fine. I thought it was OK as long as it didn't flash, but he said no. So I'm wondering why the cops don't arrest all those people with the blue headlights. __________________________________________________ My Ninja Blog Proud member of ABATE.My NYC Road Rage documentary - CENSORED!

December 16th, 2011, 02:53 PM	#16
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	lol @ people who have to have their bikes inspected. __________________________________________________

December 15th, 2011, 10:45 AM	#3
ForceofWill Blind 250 Loving Whore Name: Tom Location: Chesapeake, VA Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R, 02 FZ1, '20 Fat Bob 114 Posts: A lot.	Yeah, mine all work perfect, still no go. And yeah, it's only $1 when I go back tomorrow for re-inspect. Just ridiculous is all.

December 15th, 2011, 01:07 PM	#6
"A" vampire Name: A Location: IT Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2 many 2 list Posts: A lot.	With municipal budget crunch, you bet that the LEOs are out to get you whatever way they can. I rarely get my bikes inspected, the last time I got one of my bike instected was back in 2008. The last time I got pulled over by LEO was 2006.

December 15th, 2011, 01:12 PM	#7
NDspd 1/4 English, 3/4 Kick Ass Name: Jeremy Location: Dayton, OH Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Triumph Speed Triple 955i, '05 Suzuki SV650S(retired), '11 Ninja 250R(sold) Posts: A lot.	Stupid question, why do you have to have your bike inspected?

December 15th, 2011, 01:20 PM	#8
ForceofWill Blind 250 Loving Whore Name: Tom Location: Chesapeake, VA Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R, 02 FZ1, '20 Fat Bob 114 Posts: A lot.	State required yearly for all vehicles. Funny thing is they don't do emissions cause my full no cat race area p and k&n filter are all cool lol.

December 15th, 2011, 08:16 PM	#9
Malicious Logic hates stupid people Name: Mark Location: Oklahoma City Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZX6R Posts: 860	Glad Oklahoma doesn't have state vehicle inspections..

December 16th, 2011, 02:21 PM	#15
akima Nooblet Name: Akima Location: England Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R FI Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '13	The UK government force everyone to do an MOT test on their vehicle[s] every year. When you buy a new motorcycle you're not forced to have your first MOT test for 3 years. There's an overview of what they check for here.

December 16th, 2011, 02:59 PM	#18
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	as long as you aren't biting my nuts. i only have so many. __________________________________________________

December 16th, 2011, 03:00 PM	#19
akima Nooblet Name: Akima Location: England Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R FI Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '13

December 16th, 2011, 03:23 PM	#20
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	I don't get it. Why don't people get inspections? __________________________________________________

December 16th, 2011, 04:07 PM	#22
n4mwd ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: D Location: Palm Beach, FL Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250R, 2007 EFI Ninja 250R Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	I think its probably a "Cover Inpector's Butt" kind of issue. If he sees a DOT sticker, he can say for a fact that it was there. Then you could yank it off until the next inspection so it doesn't block the light. But that does create another question as to why it doesn't have DOT approval for real. From what I hear, its pretty easy to get. Some people don't like DOT helmets for that very reason. I'm just glad I don't have to worry about it. __________________________________________________ My Ninja Blog Proud member of ABATE.My NYC Road Rage documentary - CENSORED!

December 16th, 2011, 04:41 PM	#26
ForceofWill Blind 250 Loving Whore Name: Tom Location: Chesapeake, VA Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R, 02 FZ1, '20 Fat Bob 114 Posts: A lot.	Yeah, I just took them all off and put the stock tail light back on. Rode there with no turn signals, just holes in the front fairings lol. But they passed me just like they said they would :P

December 16th, 2011, 05:06 PM	#28
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	Stupid laws lol __________________________________________________

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