Does Florida require vehicle inspections?
No, Florida does not have a statewide mandatory annual inspection or routine emissions testing program for most passenger vehicles. The state once required inspections, but the law was repealed in 2000 under Governor Jeb Bush.
The governor stated that the repeal was due to high costs, minimal environmental benefit, and unnecessary burden on drivers who waited in long queues for hours for a test that took a couple of minutes.
Nonetheless, it’s still important for drivers to maintain a safe vehicle. Driving an unsafe car endangers other road users.
If you are injured by an unsafe car, you may have grounds for seeking compensation from the other driver. Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, helps victims injured in such situations fight for their rights.
Florida Laws on Vehicle Inspections
No Mandatory Annual Safety Inspections
A Florida vehicle safety inspection is not mandatory for most passenger vehicles. The state does this in accordance with legislation changes introduced in 2000. Additionally, the state wants to focus on individual responsibility. The responsibility for vehicle maintenance was shifted from the state to individual owners.
No Statewide Emissions Testing
Unlike many other states, Florida does not require emissions testing for most vehicles. The testing was required until 2000.
Florida encourages drivers to protect the environment by promoting eco-friendly vehicles. Furthermore, tampering with pollution control devices and excessive smoke is prohibited. This includes dismantling, removing, or rendering the system ineffective.
Importance of Voluntary Safety Checks
It’s critical for individuals to perform regular safety checks. Doing this ensures you operate a safe vehicle, protecting yourself and other road users.
Regularly check if you have defects, such as worn/damaged brakes, worn/underinflated tires, wear and tear on the windshield and wipers, faulty lights, leaks, misaligned wheels, and non-functional horn/seatbelts.
An inspection allows you to identify and solve a problem before it leads to an accident.
When Is a Vehicle Inspection Required in Florida?
There are instances in which the state requires a vehicle inspection. You should be well-informed about this to avoid finding yourself in legal trouble.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Inspections
This is the type of inspection that most Floridians encounter. The state will need to verify your car’s VIN if you are:
1. Registering an Out-Of-State Vehicle
When you bring a car into Florida from another state and need to register or title it in the state, a VIN inspection is necessary. The inspection is done to ensure the car matches the details in the provided documentation, and to confirm it’s not stolen.
The parties that can conduct a VIN inspection include a Florida notary public, law enforcement officer, licensed dealer, tax collector employee, or compliance examiner/inspector from the Division of Motorist Services.
2. Registering a Used Vehicle Purchased in Florida
If you purchase a used car in Florida that was not titled in the state, a VIN inspection is required. The process is similar to that followed when registering an out-of-state vehicle.
3. Registering a Rebuilt Vehicle
If you purchase a car that was previously declared a total loss but has since been repaired and deemed roadworthy again, you need to get it inspected. A VIN inspection in this circumstance usually involves stringent requirements considering the history of the car.
Besides confirming the vehicle’s identity and checking its stolen status, the inspector will check if all parts that were repaired and replaced are in good condition. They will also ensure that all replaced major components have corresponding receipts. Additionally, they will inspect for any missing or altered VIN plates.
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has established a Private Rebuilt Vehicle Inspection Program (PRVIP) in various counties. This program allows certified private sector providers to offer inspection services, adding them to the list of professionals who can conduct an inspection in this category.
To register a rebuilt car, you’ll need to complete Form HSMV 82042 (the “Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification” form), which you can download from the FLHSMV website. Then have your car verified by an authorized individual.
Florida Car Inspection Cost for VIN Verification
The state does not set the cost for VIN verification. The individual provider who does the inspection determines the price. Some providers offer free VIN checks, especially when a driver only requires basic information. You can get a free service at a DMV inspection lane.
A mobile notary public will typically charge $75, but it can be higher depending on the distance. Some providers even have an initial fee and a new price for subsequent inspections. For example, $40 for the first inspection and then $20 for subsequent ones.
About Jack G. Bernstein Esq.
Personal Injury Lawyer
For more than 40 years, personal injury lawyer Jack G. Bernstein — a member of the Florida State Bar Association, the Hillsborough Bar Association, and the Clearwater Bar Association — has protected the rights of individuals injured by a negligent party.
Mr. Bernstein has the expertise to handle various injury cases, including, but not limited to, car accidents, medical malpractice cases, cruise ship accidents, accidental drownings, wrongful death lawsuits, along with most injury and catastrophic occurrences, and legal malpractice issues.
With a staff of approximately 40 people, including six lawyers and 34 support personnel, Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, handles every type of personal injury and accident case throughout Tampa, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, FL. Our office has the legal resources to get the justice you deserve and the maximum recovery for your losses. Schedule your free consultation today; we are always here to help.
Can Law Enforcement Officers Stop Unsafe Vehicles?
Yes, if law enforcement officers have reasonable cause to believe a car is unsafe, they can stop it. For instance, if the vehicle has broken headlights, bald tires, or excessive smoke. If, upon checking the car, the officer confirms the car endangers other road users, they will give the driver a written notice requiring an immediate repair or removal from use.
If the car has defects that pose an immediate danger, the officer may order proper repair and adjustment within 48 hours, excluding Sunday.
How an Unsafe Vehicle Relates to a Car Accident in Tampa
After a car accident, the police usually inspect the cars involved to give a report. If an officer discovers defects that might have contributed to the crash, this information will be included in their report. A car being deemed unsafe post-accident can be used to show the driver was negligent.
As a driver, you have a legal duty of care to other road users. You should ensure your vehicle is not a hazard. Regular inspections and maintenance can help you protect other road users.
Common Safety Issues To Monitor
Pay attention to your:
- Brakes: Due to friction and heat generated during braking, a car’s brake pads can wear over time. If your car produces squeaking/grinding noises or vibrates when you brake, your brake pads may be worn out. Other signs are a soft or spongy brake pedal, increased stopping distances, your vehicle pulling to one side, and the brake warning light.
- Tires: Always check if your tires have low tread depth, punctures, uneven wear, and improper inflation.
- Lights: Check your headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, fog lights, and hazard lights for any defects.
- Windshield wipers and windshield integrity: Your windshield wipers should not have worn or damaged blades, or wiper arm issues. You also need sufficient washer fluid. Also, check your windshield for cracks/chips and worn/torn seals.
- Steering and suspension: Your vehicle pulling to one side, excessively bouncing, making grinding noises when you turn, and failing to respond to steering may be signs of safety issues with the steering and suspension.
How Negligent Maintenance Can Cause Accidents
Various factors stemming from negligent maintenance can cause accidents. For example, brake failure can cause a driver to crash into another car, and a tire blowout can lead to loss of control.
Non-functioning lights, such as a broken headlight, brake lights, or turn signals, reduce a driver’s visibility and make it impossible for them to signal their intentions to other road users. A driver with faulty wipers may have reduced visibility during rainy conditions, and so forth.
How To Prove Negligence in a Car Accident
If a vehicle’s poor condition due to the owner’s neglect contributes to an accident, the owner can be held liable. You can confirm the driver was neglectful using police reports, witness statements, and post-accident inspections by experts.
For instance, if a police report indicates a defect in the vehicle caused the accident, this can strengthen your claim. A witness who observed the car before the accident, noticing defects like faulty brakes, can also help prove negligence.
The Role of a Car Accident Lawyer in Tampa
If you are involved in a car accident in Tampa, it’s essential to work with a lawyer to obtain adequate information. At Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, we investigate all factors in a car accident, including vehicle condition, to establish if poor maintenance played a part in the crash.
We help victims recover the compensation they deserve when another driver’s negligence harms them. Our car accident lawyers in Tampa have helped many residents fight for their rights.
What To Do if You’re in an Accident Involving a Potentially Unsafe Vehicle
If you are involved in an accident, you should:
- Seek medical attention even if your injuries seem minor.
- Report the accident to the police. A crash that involves an injury, property damage exceeding $500, or death should be reported to the police.
- Document the scene. It’s vital to collect evidence after a car accident. Take photos of your injuries, the surroundings, and the vehicles (their positions and any obvious defects) if safe to do so.
- Gather witness information (names and contact information).
- Do not admit fault. Avoid apologizing or using statements that may be interpreted as admitting fault.
You should also contact our car accident lawyer in Tampa to discuss your case.
How Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, Can Help With a Vehicle Negligence Claim
Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, values in-depth investigation. We use our expertise and work with other professionals to investigate all potential causes of a car accident, including lack of maintenance.
Additionally, we help clients identify all liable parties. We go beyond just the driver. If any other party acted negligently, such as the vehicle owner, mechanic, or manufacturer, we help clients to hold them accountable.
Our lawyers are skilled in dealing with insurance companies. We handle all communications and negotiations, allowing clients to focus on recovering.
We help our clients calculate their damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage, to ask for a fair settlement. We have served Tampa for years. Our attorneys are familiar with local courts and procedures and are passionate about helping residents.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
FAQ
If Florida Doesn’t Require Inspections, Can You Still Be Ticketed for an Unsafe Vehicle in Tampa?
Yes. Even though it’s not mandatory to have your vehicle inspected, if an officer with reasonable cause that your car is unsafe stops you, they can give you a notice requiring you to repair it or remove it from use.
What’s the Difference Between a VIN Inspection and a Safety Inspection in Florida?
A VIN inspection verifies the identity and ownership of the car. The car is checked against the documents provided. A safety inspection checks brakes, tires, windshield, lights, steering, suspension, and other major components to confirm if the car is roadworthy.
If You Buy a Used Car in Tampa, Should You Get It Inspected Even if the State Doesn’t Require It?
If the used car is not titled in Florida, you should get it inspected and registered in the state.
In addition to verifying the identity of the car, doing this helps you check if the car was stolen or has hidden mechanical issues.
How Long Do You Have To File a Claim if a Defective Vehicle Caused Your Car Accident in Tampa?
The statute of limitations for a car accident claim in Florida is two years from the date of the accident.
Are Commercial Vehicles in Florida Subject To Different Inspection Laws Than Personal Cars?
Florida has specific regulations for inspecting commercial vehicles. For instance, commercial vehicles exceeding a certain weight threshold are required to undergo annual inspections.
Sources:
Are Vehicle Inspections Required in the State of Florida? (n.d.).
FLA. STAT. § 316.065. (2024).
FLA. STAT. § 316.610. (2024).
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