Official Manual for Vehicle Inspection

Regulation Authority:

RIGL 31-38-4

Purpose and Reason:

These proposed rules seek to amend the Official Manual for Vehicle Inspections to comport with the applicable changes in the laws since the manual was filed with the Office of the Secretary of State in 1993. First, in order for the manual to convey information in a more effective manner, the placement of some sections within the manual have been changed and many of the graphics have been removed as it was determined that they were unnecessary. In response to changes in the applicable laws over time, the weight of vehicles subject to emissions testing was increased from 8000 pounds to 8500 pounds and the time period during which a new vehicle must be inspected was lengthened from within twelve months of purchase to within 24 months of purchase. In response to the recent change in vendors implementing the state emissions testing program, the inspection fees have been changed to reflect the new lower fees. In addition, emissions testing standards are listed including record keeping requirements for inspection stations and notice of possible penalties in the event of non-compliance. Based on changes in laws, the section regarding inspection of windshields now sets forth standards to be applied in cases where sunscreening material has been added to a windshield. Similarly, based on implementation of new laws, sections have been added to the manual to address inspections of livestock trailers, motorcycles, motor driven cycles, motorized bicycles and motorized tricycles.