What You Need to Pass the Vermont State Inspection in 2025
Your inspection sticker is about to expire, and you’re wondering what it’ll take to pass this year. You’re not alone, and you’ve come to the right place.
At Girlington Garage, it’s more than just checking the boxes. We guide you through the process with clarity, respect, and zero pressure. The more you understand your vehicle, the more confident you can be in every decision you make about it.
Here’s what you need to know to pass your Vermont State Inspection in 2025, straight from Vermont’s inspection manual.
What is the Vermont State Inspection, and Why Does It Matter?
The Vermont State Inspection is an annual requirement for most registered vehicles, ensuring they meet the state’s safety and environmental standards. It’s not just about compliance, it helps catch issues early, promotes safer roads, and reduces harmful emissions.
While the checklist for 2025 remains familiar, the process continues to evolve to improve consistency and reliability. From your vehicle's frame, tires and brakes to emissions and lighting, each part of the inspection confirms your vehicle is operating safely.
Staying up to date with your inspection keeps your car road-legal, and helps protect you and your vehicle for the long haul.
Vermont State Inspection Requirements for 2025
When your vehicle rolls into our shop for its annual inspection, we’re not just glancing at your tires and sending you on your way. The VT state inspection requirements cover a whole checklist of safety and emissions criteria. Let’s break it down.
Vehicle Documentation (Bring Your Paperwork!)
Before we even pop the hood:
Registration and insurance must be current and match your vehicle.
We’ll verify your VIN matches what’s on the paperwork.
To make your upcoming inspection as breezy as possible, remember to bring all your necessary documents! It's also a good idea to quickly confirm they haven't expired. Getting your paperwork sorted ahead of time makes a lovely difference!
Vermont Car Inspection Checklist: What We Check
This is what you came for: the Vermont car inspection checklist, straight from the hands (and eyes) of the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles. Here’s what you can expect:
Safety Components
You might have failed a Vermont state inspection before, but did they really walk you through what the manual expects? Let’s dig a little deeper so you can feel confident and prepared—like a pro—if it ever happens again!
Seatbelts: Must work properly and not be damaged
Brakes: This is a spot on the inspection Vermont focuses on differently than other states
Brake pad: The brake pad's thickness must not be less than 1/8 inch. If brake pads are lower than this, they will fail state inspection.
Brake rotors: If more than 1/2 inch of rust (cumulative per braking surface) exists on any contact surface of the rotor. The rotors will fail state inspection.
Brake hoses & lines: Hoses or tubing can’t leak or be cracked, chafed, flattened, restricted, insecurely fastened, rusted, and/or corroded, if it results in flaking or pitting that alters the original diameter of the brake line. If any of this is found with your brake lines or hoses, it will fail state inspection.
Suspension & Steering: Shocks, struts, ball joints, basically everything that keeps your car from feeling like a roller coaster on potholes. Vermont roads are certainly not clear of potholes! All that impact continuously, could loosen or damage your suspension. If any has become too loose or damaged, it will fail state inspection.
Lights: All exterior lights need to work—headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and, even your license plate lights.
Tires: No bald tires allowed. But it's more than just having a good tread on a tire. Here are a few other criteria:
Any tire is worn so that less than 2/32-inch tread remains in any two major grooves.
Any tire has a worn spot that exposes the cord through the tread.
Any tire has visible bumps, bulges, or knots indicating failure or separation of the tire structure.
Any tire has cuts, snags, or severe ozone or weather cracks in any location.
Tires on the same axle are not the same type, construction, or size.
Any tire is marked "For Farm Use Only," "Off-Highway Use Only," "Racing use Only," etc.
Visibility Checks
Windshield wipers must work.
Glass should be free of major cracks or illegal tinting.
Mirrors (inside and outside) need to be intact and functional.
Emissions System & the OBDII Test
For vehicles made in 1996 or newer, Vermont now requires an On-Board Diagnostics (OBDII) test as part of the Vermont emissions and safety test. This system monitors your engine’s performance and emissions.
Quick note: If your check engine light is on, your car will fail inspection. However, If your vehicle is 16 years or older, you do not need to complete the OBD II test. Check engine lights are a warning that something needs attention. It might not fail your Vermont state inspection, but it still could mean there is an issue with your vehicle.
Exhaust System
In Vermont, the inspection of the vehicle's exhaust systems is very critical— and for a good reason! No noisy, leaky, or cobbled-together exhaust setups are allowed. That means your muffler needs to be securely attached and in good shape. Excessive noise? It might sound kinda cool, but it's not safe for you or the environment! It’s about keeping things safe for everyone!
Every part of your exhaust system must be leak-free from the engine all the way to the tailpipe
Most importantly, there should be no dangerous leaks or fumes escaping beyond the vehicle’s passenger area – this one’s a real lifesaver!
All parts of the exhaust system need to be properly fastened. Loose or hanging components have a risk of falling and causing harm to you or someone else!
Fuel System
Fuel tanks, lines, and caps need to be secure, rust-free, and not leaking fuel or vapors. Makes sense, right? The heat of the engine or exhaust does not mix with leaking fuel!
Common Reasons People Fail a Vermont Car Inspection
We understand nobody likes surprises, especially when they cost time and money. Here are the most common culprits that keep cars from passing:
Rusty brake rotors or low brake pads
Swollen, corroded, or cracked brake lines/hoses
Tires with low tread or weather cracking
Rust through the frame or rocker panels of the body of the vehicle – this one requires lots of planning to repair!
Active check engine light
Aftermarket lighting or window tinting that isn’t street legal
Missing or expired registration/insurance
Want to make sure you don’t fall into any of these traps? Consider planning ahead of time with our evaluation and a thorough conversation with a Girlington Garage Service Advisor! We’ll walk through it with you, point by point. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles also provides the inspection manual as a free resource on their website: The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles.
What’s New with Vermont Vehicle Inspection in 2025?
The biggest update to Vermont’s vehicle inspection process in 2025 is the rollout of the Automated Vehicle Inspection Program (AVIP), a statewide system designed to improve consistency, accuracy, and accountability across all inspection stations.
Through AVIP, inspection stations use rugged tablets connected to your car’s On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system. These devices collect and transmit inspection data electronically to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), ensuring all results meet uniform state standards.
What does this mean for drivers?
More accurate assessments: OBD data helps identify issues before they become major problems.
Statewide consistency: Every shop now follows the same inspection procedures and reporting requirements.
Better documentation: Inspection records are stored and submitted directly to the DMV, improving transparency and traceability.
Enhanced safety: By standardizing the inspection process, Vermont aims to reduce risk and keep unsafe vehicles off the road.
At Girlington Garage, we stay up-to-date on the latest requirements and continue to prioritize safety, transparency, and exceptional customer service. We’re always working to ensure your vehicle inspection is clear, thorough, and rooted in trust.
For more details about Vermont’s vehicle inspection system and the new AVIP process, visit the official DMV site.
Not Your Average Inspection Bay: How We Do Things Differently
We’re not just another garage ticking boxes, we’re your neighbors. And we care deeply about your experience. Here’s what makes us a little different:
Transparency is our thing: We explain everything. If something fails, we’ll show you why.
Comfortable communication: You’ll never feel talked down to or pressured.
Respect, always: Our shop was built on the idea that everyone deserves honest car care.
Certified techs: We’ve got Senior Master Ford Technicians and ASE-certified pros on staff.
Warranty-backed repairs: All work we do comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty.
Loaner cars available: If your vehicle needs extra love before it passes inspection, we’ve got you covered.
Service Areas
While we’re proudly located in South Burlington, VT, we serve the greater Burlington area and beyond, including Williston, Winooski, Colchester, Shelburne, and Hinesburg.
FAQs About Vermont State Inspections
Can I get my Vermont inspection done early?
Yes. You can get your inspection up to two months before your sticker expires without losing time on your new sticker. It’s a smart move if you’re traveling or just want to avoid the last-minute rush.
Will aftermarket modifications cause me to fail?
They can. Aftermarket lighting, tinted windows, or loud exhaust systems may not meet Vermont’s inspection standards. If you’ve made modifications, it’s best to check with a technician before your appointment.
What if I fail the inspection?
If your vehicle doesn’t pass, you’ll receive a detailed report explaining why. You’ll need to fix the issues and return for a re-inspection. Some shops offer a reduced or waived fee if you return within two weeks after the original state inspection, so ask when scheduling.
What happens if I drive with an expired inspection sticker?
Driving with an expired sticker can result in a fine and may affect your ability to renew your registration. It can also raise red flags with your insurance provider. Don’t risk it, stay current.
Can I pass inspection if my car has rust?
That depends. Surface rust is usually okay, but rust that compromises or softens brake lines, the frame, or fuel components will cause a failure. Vermont winters are tough, addressing rust early will help avoid a surprise!
Time for Your Vermont State Inspection?
We know that car inspections don’t usually top anyone’s “fun things to do” list. But at Girlington Garage, we’ve built something a little different. Here, inspections come with honesty, respect, and people who care about your car and your peace of mind.
So whether this is your first inspection or your fifteenth, we’ll make sure you feel supported, informed, and road-ready.
Schedule your inspection online.
We’re located at:
2 Harbor View Rd, South Burlington, VT 05403
Reach us at: 802-247-7917