Brake & Light Safety Inspection

[West Coast GT]

The California DMV is requiring my GT to have a Brake & Light Safety inspection to complete the registration process.

Nowhere can I find a description or list of what, specifically, is examined, tested, or measured. My intent here is to prepare the car so it passes the first time.

I’ve replaced most of the braking system, had rotors & drums turned, and measured them to make sure they’re still within spec. I’m pretty confident regarding the brakes.

Lights all work well.

Besides brakes & lights, does anyone know if they test/examine other safety items on the car such as; windshield wipers, horn, interior lights, mirrors, or fluid leaks?

Also, I have not yet replaced the old ball joints & bushings. Will an inspection include these as well? Ball joints appear ok, but all the rubber is deteriorating and needs replaced. So far, the car exhibits no wobble, shimmy, shaking, or clunking. If an inspection includes an examination of this rubber, I’d like to know ahead of time so I can change them out before the inspection.

Thanks in advance for your answers, suggestions, and comments.
Hope to see many of you in Tacoma next week.

[hrcollinsjr]

In TN we evidently don't care as they'll let anything on the road but it's SUPPOSE to be insured.

I think the safety inspections are pretty standard though. Exhaust system, brakes, lights, horn, good glass (no badly cracked or broken windshields), functional wipers,tires, etc. I doubt they will check the balljoints unless they're popping when you roll in and the wear patterns on the tires indicate the condition of the front suspension.

HTH,
Harold

[wrench459]

Originally Posted by West Coast GT The California DMV is requiring my GT to have a Brake & Light Safety inspection to complete the registration process. Nowhere can I find a description or list of what, specifically, is examined, tested, or measured. My intent here is to prepare the car so it passes the first time. I’ve replaced most of the braking system, had rotors & drums turned, and measured them to make sure they’re still within spec. I’m pretty confident regarding the brakes. Lights all work well. Besides brakes & lights, does anyone know if they test/examine other safety items on the car such as; windshield wipers, horn, interior lights, mirrors, or fluid leaks?

Another necesary step for new "first time registered" vehicles is to take your vehicle to a shop that can issue a "Brake and Light Certification" . These are two individual pieces of paper that say your brakes and lights are safe and properly adjusted. If you are in a remote area where there are no certified brake & light shops a REG 256 (Rev 1/2007), a.k.a. Statement Of Facts, signed by a repair shop will meet the requirement.