How to Prepare For Your Inspection

Here are some helpful tips to ensure you and your vehicle are prepared when it is time for your vehicle emission and safety inspection.

Have your vehicle registration document available
Have your driver’s license available
Make sure your vehicle’s odometer is working properly
Make sure there are no excessive fluid leaks
Make sure the gas cap is present and securely fastened (where applicable)
While waiting in line, do no turn your engine off
Prepare to exit your vehicle
Before exiting your vehicle, put the vehicle in park and engage the parking brake
Do not leave pets or passengers in the vehicle

The most common reasons for a vehicle to fail an OBDII inspection are:

OBDII communication fails
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) remains illuminated while the engine is running
OBDII readiness monitors are unset/not ready

To prepare your vehicle for an OBDII inspection, perform the following:

Perform all tasks defined in Basic Vehicle Preparation Tips
Make sure your OBDII diagnostic port is present
Make sure your MIL is not illuminated (examples below)
If your MIL has been illuminated recently, make sure the vehicle has been driven regularly for a week without the MIL illuminating (readiness monitors)

MIL’s may be represented by one of these symbols or a variation of them:

For more information on OBDII, including MIL and
readiness monitors, see “OBDII Explained”.