Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 280 - Department of Revenue
Chapter 30 - Division of Motor Vehicles
Subchapter 15 - Safety and Emissions
Part 3 - Official Manual for Vehicle Inspection
Section 280-RICR-30-15-3.4 - Requirements for Approved Inspection Stations

Universal Citation: 280 RI Code of Rules 30 15 3.4

Current through September 18, 2024

A. In accepting the appointment as the owner and/or the responsible agent of an official inspection station, you are responsible for, and required to maintain: qualified personnel, space, tools, approved testing equipment, a bond or liability insurance, inspection reports, printing supplies and/or approval stickers, rejection reports and a copy of all the rules and regulations. Any violation of these requirements will be cause for immediate suspension of your inspection permit.

B. Application for permit shall be made upon an official form and shall be granted only when the Director of the Department of Revenue or his designee, is satisfied that the station is properly equipped and has competent personnel to make such inspections and adjustments. The Director of the Department of Revenue, or his designee, before issuing a permit will require the applicant to file a bond or a Garage Keeper's Legal Liability and Garage Liability Insurance Policy conditioned that it will make compensation for any damage to a vehicle during an inspection road test or adjustment due to negligence on the part of such station owner or its employees.

3.4.1 STATION CLASSIFICATIONS
A. Stations will be issued inspection permits for a 12-month period and classified according to the size and type of vehicles to be inspected and are required to maintain inspection tools of capable size and type to inspect all the vehicles designated according to the approved station classification as follows:
1. CLASS EA: All motor vehicles and all trailers registered with a gross weight of more than 1,000 pounds EXCEPT livestock trailers, livestock semi-trailers and motorcycles.

2. CLASS EB: All motor vehicles that are registered with a gross weight of 8,500 pounds or less, EXCEPT trailers, livestock trailers, livestock semitrailers and motorcycles.

3. CLASS C: All motor vehicles registered with a gross weight of more than 8,500 pounds and all trailers registered with a gross weight of more than 1,000 pounds, EXCEPT livestock trailers, livestock semi-trailers and motorcycles.

4. CLASS D: May be added to any class for diesel inspections.

5. CLASS F: May be added to any class that is limited to Fleets only.

6. CLASS L: Livestock trailers and livestock semi-trailers.

7. CLASS LD: Light duty vehicles only. Motor vehicles registered with a gross weight of 8,501 thru 15,000 pounds, EXCEPT: trailers, livestock trailers, livestock semi-trailers and motorcycles.

8. CLASS M: Motorcycles, motorized bicycles and motorized tricycles.

B. No inspection permit shall be assigned or transferred or used at any location other than therein designated.

C. No inspection permit shall be assigned to a location that is currently assigned a permit of a similar class.

3.4.2 INSPECTION LANE OR BAY REQUIREMENTS
A. All inspection lanes or bays should be enclosed in a building with a smooth, flat substantial floor on which the vehicle will stand. It is to be available for the purpose of vehicle inspection during the entire calendar year.

B. The size requirements of every inspection lane or bay will be approved based on the type and the size of the vehicles required to be inspected. All required inspection equipment shall be located in the inspection lane or bay and kept reasonably clean.

C. Every appointed inspection station will be required to have at least one approved inspection lane or bay meeting the following requirements according to the station's classification.
1. CLASS EA: The inspection lane or bay shall be at least 55 feet long by 12 feet wide with an entrance door at least 11 feet in height and spaced so as to meet the class B requirements.
a. Large vehicles will be allowed to be inspected outside the inspection lane if the vehicle or combination of vehicles cannot fit into a Class A or C lane or bay.

2. CLASS EB: The inspection lane or bay shall be at least 25 feet long by 12 feet wide. This is to allow for a 20 foot long vehicle plus an additional 5 feet for the inspector's work area.

3. CLASS C: Same as Class A (trailers and vehicles over 8,500 pounds)

4. CLASS F: The space and equipment requirements of these inspection lanes or bays will be determined according to the type of vehicles registered by the fleet owner.

5. CLASS L: Same as Class A (livestock vehicles of any weight).

6. CLASS LD: Light duty vehicles only. The inspection lane or bay shall be at least 40 feet long by 12 feet wide with an entrance door at least 11 feet in height. Limited to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 8,501 thru 15,000 pounds. The equipment requirements are the same as Class A.

7. CLASS M: The inspection lane or bay shall be at least 15 feet long by 6 feet wide. This is to allow 10 feet of space for the vehicle plus an additional 5 feet for the inspector's space. Additional motorcycle, motorized bicycles and motorized tricycle requirements may be found in § 3.4.16 of this Part.

3.4.3 CERTIFIED INSPECTOR
A. Each non-emission inspection station must employ at least one state-certified inspector to inspect vehicles during the normal inspection hours as listed on the license application.

B. Each emission inspection station must employ at least one state-certified inspector to inspect vehicles, who has been trained and certified by the state selected contractor (or their designee), as being capable of operating all the necessary equipment needed to properly inspect vehicles.

C. A person may be appointed as a certified inspector if he/she is at least eighteen (18) years of age with a valid driver's license who has successfully completed a satisfactory training course in vehicle safety and emission inspection that has been approved by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

D. The certified inspector must be able to demonstrate to the authorities that he/she is capable of operating and calibrating all required testing equipment and capable of inspecting vehicles.

E. The 'CERTIFIED VEHICLE INSPECTOR' certification or other certifications issued by the State must be posted in a conspicuous location visible to the public at the inspection station where the inspector is employed to inspect vehicles. The certified vehicle inspector may post or display additional training certifications or recognitions relative to safety and emission inspection and repairs that have been required or approved by the State.

3.4.4 INSPECTION STATION SIGN
A. Each inspection station must be suitably identified by a sign that is visible from the normal main entrance to the inspection station. The sign must be in letters and numbers at least 3" in height and 1/4" in width and must bear the words "Rhode Island Official Inspection Station" along with the station number that has been assigned by the State.

B. The State will accept signs that contain the letters R.I. in place of the words "Rhode Island".

3.4.5 INSPECTION STATION HAND STAMP
A. A rubber stamp with the station number, name and address approximately 2-1 /2" long by 3/4" wide is required.

B. This stamp is to be used on state reports and sticker order purchase cards.

3.4.6 TIRE DEPTH GAUGE

The tire depth gauge must be graduated in 1/32nds of an inch.

3.4.7 BRAKE LINING GAUGE

A gauge suitable for measuring the thickness of drum and disc brake lining material when mounted (either bonded or riveted). The gauge must be graduated in 1/64ths of an inch.

3.4.8 BRAKE DRUM GAUGE

The brake drum inspection gauge or micrometer must be graduated in thousandths of an inch.

3.4.9 BRAKE DISC GAUGE

A micrometer type brake disc inspection gauge, capable of reading measurements in one-thousandths of an inch increments, to determine the thickness of the brake rotor disc.

3.4.10 BALL JOINT GAUGE

A ball joint gauge or similar device which is capable of measuring the vertical and horizontal movement of steering and suspension components including ball joints in order to determine the amount of play or movement. This unit must be a micrometer-type dial indicator instrument capable of reading measurements in one-thousandths of an inch increments.

3.4.11 TAPE MEASURE

The tape measure must be at least 15 feet long and distinctively marked at 24" - 80" and 14 feet.

3.4.12 LIFTS AND JACKS Stations authorized to inspect for safety and emissions must be equipped with at least one vehicle lift capable of lifting vehicles with a capacity weight of 8500 pounds. Stations authorized to inspect trailers must be equipped with a portable jack capable of lifting at least one axle of the trailer.

3.4.13 CLEAN AND FREE OF HAZARDS Inspection areas must be free of hazards that could cause injury to persons or damage to vehicles, such as open fires, exposed gasoline, spraying equipment, pits and slippery floors.

3.4.14 GARAGE LIABILITY INSURANCE

Each inspection station will be required to file a bond with the State, or show evidence of an active GARAGE KEEPER'S LEGAL LIABILITY INSURANCE POLICY with a minimum of $25,000 liability coverage as well as a GARAGE LIABILITY INSURANCE POLICY meeting the minimum state limits which will afford liability coverage for the customer's vehicle while it is being tested or used in connection with the inspection of the vehicle.

3.4.15 EMISSION TESTING EQUIPMENT AND CALIBRATION GASES
A. Emission inspection equipment must be capable of performing the emissions inspection for vehicles required to be inspected for emissions in accordance with the procedures established by the State selected contractor. Each analyzer shall be equipped with all necessary valves, hoses and other equipment to calibrate the analyzer along with a supply of calibration gases in concentrations that meet the manufacturer's specifications for calibration of the analyzer. The State reserves the right to examine any gas or equipment used to calibrate emission analyzers.

B. Any analyzer found out of calibration will be ordered out of service and the station subject to immediate suspension for not being properly equipped.

3.4.16 MOTORCYCLE STATIONS
A. The General Provisions, Station Requirements and Inspection Procedures for motorcycle inspection stations are the same as other inspection stations as provided in the Official Manual for Vehicle Inspection except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application.

B. Each motorcycle inspection station is expected to have at least one (1) STATE CERTIFIED INSPECTOR who has been licensed as a motorcycle operator for at least one (1) year and is familiar with motorcycle repair problems. He shall have had at least one (1) years' experience as a motorcycle mechanic.

C. Each motorcycle inspection station will be held fully responsible for the approval of each and every motorcycle, motorized bicycle or motorized tricycle presented for inspection as to the compliance with all the inspection rules and regulations except as to the strength of the materials used or the quality of the workmanship of any cycle that is presented for inspection.

D. Each motorcycle inspection station is authorized to inspect motorcycles and any motorized bicycle or motorized tricycle that may be required to be inspected by any city or town ordinance.

E. Each motorcycle inspection station must meet all the requirements of regular stations except those requirements that by their nature have no application to the cycle, provided however, that every motorcycle inspection station have:
1. An inspection lane at least 15 feet long and 6 feet wide. This is to allow 10 feet of space for the vehicle plus an additional 5 feet for the inspector's workspace.

2. A rigid tape measure marked at 1/4", 15" and 18".

3. Measuring tools for rake and trail including:
a. An adjustable or collapsible straight-edge (such as a collapsible auto radio antenna or 6 foot folding ruler.)

b. A 6 inch protractor for measuring degrees of a circle.

c. A rigid carpenter's framing square marked off in inches with each side at least 16 inches in length.

3.4.17 FLEET STATIONS
A. The General Provisions, Station Requirements and Inspection Procedures for fleet inspection stations are the same as other inspection stations as provided in the Official Manual for Vehicle Inspection except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application.

B. An establishment (including any town, city, state or federal agency) may be approved as a "Fleet Station" if it owns, services, uses or has registered in Rhode Island ten (10) or more vehicles that are required to be inspected. They may also inspect other vehicles that are leased to them.

C. Fleet stations for vehicles that are not required to be inspected for emissions will be sold inspection stickers in reasonable amounts (increments of 10's) according to the number of vehicles that they own or lease. They will not be allowed to inspect any other vehicles.

D. Fleet stations for vehicles that are required to be inspected for emissions will be required to obtain the inspection approval stickers in accordance with the requirements established by the State selected contractor responsible for the emissions inspection program. They will not be allowed to inspect any other vehicles.

E. The space and equipment requirements for fleet stations will be the same as required for non-fleet stations except for inspection station signs and liability insurance required by the State. Other insurance required by the State selected contractor will have to be met. Other requirements may be exempted upon written request on an individual basis depending upon the needs of the individual station.

F. Fleet stations will be expected to keep their own maintenance records and maintain all other records as required by public stations and such records and equipment shall be available for examination by the proper agent of the Department. Fleet stations must notify the Inspection Division in writing of any increase or decrease of vehicles registered or leased in their name.

G. Any violation of the inspection regulations by a fleet station operator will be sufficient cause for suspension of the permit.

3.4.18 LIVESTOCK TRAILER INSPECTION STATIONS
A. All trailers and semi-trailers used to transport horses or other livestock, irrespective of the registered gross weight, shall be subject to the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 31-38 and shall be inspected for vehicle safety items and other safety requirements needed for the transportation of horses and other livestock before the end of June of each year.

B. All inspection stations appointed to inspect trailers and semi-trailers used for the transportation of horses or other livestock will be identified as "LIVESTOCK TRAILER INSPECTION STATIONS".

C. The General Provisions, Station Requirements and Inspection Procedures for Livestock Trailer Inspection Stations are the same as other inspection stations as provided in the Official Manual for Vehicle Inspection except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application.

D. Each station owner shall employ at least one state certified inspector, who must be at least eighteen (18) years of age with a valid driver's license who has successfully completed a satisfactory training course in auto safety that has been approved by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

E. Each livestock trailer inspection station must employ at least one certified inspector who is also knowledgeable in the safety requirements for the transportation of horses and other livestock and who is available during normal inspection hours as listed on the license application.

F. Each livestock trailer inspection station will be held fully responsible for the approval of each and every vehicle presented for inspection as to the compliance with all the applicable inspection rules and regulations.

G. Any violation of the Inspection Law or Regulations by a Livestock Trailer station operator or employee will be sufficient cause for the suspension of the inspection permit.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Rhode Island may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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