Drivers need to be able to see at all times, even when it’s dark and inclement weather is settling in.
That’s why it’s important that a vehicle’s headlights are checked regularly. Our technicians look at the lights during courtesy inspections and state inspections.
Do they check your headlights during inspection?
Yes, checking a vehicle’s headlights is part of the Virginia State Inspection.
By inspecting the lights, we can ensure that motorists are able to maintain visibility and travel to their destinations safely.
What headlight problems will fail a car inspection in VA?
Headlights
When conducting a Vehicle Safety Inspection, our technicians keep an eye out for several headlight problems.
A vehicle must have the correct type of headlight to pass the state inspection. Only SAE-certified headlight assemblies may be used.
Headlights also need the right kind of bulbs. For example, an LED bulb shouldn’t be installed on a setup that requires halogen bulbs. When you put a brighter bulb in an assembly, it burns harder and you can melt the assembly.
The aim and mounting of the headlights is checked, as well. If one headlight is aimed up and the other is going down, it will fail the inspection.
Vehicle safety inspectors shouldn’t be able to move the headlight assembly, which would indicate that the assembly is broken.
Headlight aligner machine
We also look at the condition of the headlamps, lenses, wiring and switches.
What are inspectors watching for? A headlight should be functioning properly. Inspectors also want to make sure there aren’t cracks in the lenses or anything that distorts the light’s aiming pattern, including any moisture or water buildup in the headlamps.
Headlights can fail the Virginia State Inspection if they don’t have the correct candlepower — meaning that they’re too dim or too bright. A headlight aligner machine can be used to check the candlepower and aiming.
Discolored headlights is one of the other headlight problems that could cause a vehicle to fail the state inspection. Foggy headlights can be addressed a couple of ways – headlight restoration and headlight replacement.
There also shouldn’t be any tint covering part of the headlight, and the reflectors need to be clean and bright.
Cloudy headlights on BMW
Can I pass a car inspection with a headlight out?
No, a car won’t pass the Virginia State Inspection if the headlight is out.
Will LED headlights pass inspection in VA?
It depends on the headlight assembly’s setup. If the vehicle headlight assembly is designed to use LED bulbs, then LED headlights are fine.
However, LED bulbs can’t be used on assemblies that are designed for other types of bulbs, such as halogen bulbs.
What other light problems do we look for?
Headlights are just one of the lights we inspect during the Vehicle Safety Inspection and courtesy checks.
Our technicians also look at the high beams, fog lights, tail lights, tag lights, brake lights, reverse lights, and daytime running lights.
We check the turn signals, too. We want to make sure they are working correctly and that they don’t show white light.
If you notice that any of your lights are out, mention it to your mechanic or auto repair shop next time you bring it in for maintenance. They can look into the problem and determine if it needs a new bulb or assembly, or if there’s a deeper issue.
Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.
