When you first purchase a car, there are specific laws and regulations that you need to keep up with in order to continue to own and drive the vehicle in Virginia. However, not everyone knows exactly what to do the time comes renew registration or get a state inspection. We’ve compiled some of the most important information you need to know when registration renewal time comes around.
Vehicle Registration Requirements
Renewing your vehicle’s state registration is just as important as getting a drivers license. But that’s for more reasons than ‘the law requires it.’ Without vehicle registration, your car isn’t tied to your name, and because of this it would be extremely difficult to find your car if it is ever stolen. This is also part of the reason why police will ask for your car’s registration when they pull you over, to ensure that your car is tied to your name.
There are quite a few different requirements your car needs to meet before you can get your car registered. Here are the things you’ll need to do before registering:
- Ensure your car is titled in Virginia.
- A completed registration application.
- Proof that your car meets the minimum insurance coverage requirements.
- Your Virginia driver’s license.
- In certain counties, you must complete an emissions inspection before your car can be registered.
There are additional requirements for vehicles that can be rented, including completing the For-Hire Vehicles Registration Form. It’s also important to note in order for your car to legally drive in Virginia, you must complete annual safety inspections to ensure that the vehicle is safe to drive around other people.
Emission Requirements
Certain counties in Virginia require you to get routine smog checks on your vehicle, due to the high levels of pollution and smog in those areas. The counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and Stafford all require smog inspections to meet state regulations. If you live in any of the counties listed, you have to perform an inspection on your car’s emissions systems.
Checking your car’s emissions can be done in a couple different ways. One way is through RAPIDPASS, which tests the air that your car emits as you pass by a sensor. You could also take your car into a certified emission inspection station, which is a slightly slower, but just as effective, option for the test. Your vehicle’s record should be automatically updated within 24 hours no matter the test you take.
Annual Safety Inspections
Driving a car can be a dangerous act, depending on the safety and health of the vehicle. If the headlights are out, the brakes are extremely worn, and the suspension is out, it can be considered a genuine risk not just to you, the driver, but also to pedestrians and drivers around you. By taking your car in for annual state safety inspections, the state can ensure that your car is safe to drive, as well as make sure you’re informed as to what repairs you need to make on the car.
The systems and features the state check in the inspection include:
- Brakes
- Parking brake
- Headlights
- Blinkers and brake lights
- Steering and suspension
- Tires, wheels, and rims
- Mirrors
- Horn
- Windshield and wiper
- Exhaust system
- Seats and seatbelts
- Air bags
- Fuel system
- Air pollution control system
- License plates
Making Sure Your Car Is Safe To Drive
When you need a mechanic to get your car ready for state inspections or emissions inspection, look no further Mission Auto Repair! Our team of expert mechanics have the knowledge to perform any repair your car may need, from oil changes, to steering and suspension services, to factory-recommended maintenance. Call us today to make your appointment!