Car Inspection Laws in Florida

Each state has the option of requiring car inspections; these car inspection laws vary by state. Inspection laws may cover everything from mechanical requirements to emissions testing.

A motor vehicle’s condition can be a factor in the cause of a car accident. For that reason, many states continue to require annual safety inspections for motor vehicles.

At the Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers, our Miami car accident lawyers consider all factors that could contribute to the cause of a car crash. By doing so, we build a strong case against the at-fault parties.

If you sustained injuries in a car accident, contact our law firm or give us a call at (305) 937-0191 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with an experienced car accident attorney in Miami, FL.

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How Do Our Miami Car Accident Lawyers Help You with Your Accident Claim?

Our Miami car accident lawyers at the Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers have over 100 years of legal experience. You can trust that we understand personal injury law and how to build a successful case against the driver who caused your accident.

When you hire our award-winning legal team to handle your case, you can expect us to:

Investigate the cause of your car accident to gather evidence and determine fault and liability
Review insurance coverage and file insurance claims
Work with you to document your injuries and damages
Consult with and retain expert witnesses to work with us on your case, if necessary
Negotiate fair settlement agreements.
File a lawsuit and argue the case in court if that is in your best interest

The car insurance company has a team of professionals working to protect it from liability. You deserve to have a legal team on your side that aggressively pursues a car crash claim.

Call us today to schedule a free case evaluation. It costs nothing for you to meet with one of our car accident lawyers in Miami to discuss your legal options after a traffic accident in the Miami-Dade County.

Why Do States Require Vehicle Inspections?

As stated above, a vehicle’s condition could be a factor in a car crash. Vehicles with mechanical problems could increase the risk of a car crash. For example, poorly maintained brakes could lead to a rear-end accident.

Therefore, many states require car inspections that include testing the vehicle’s safety components, including:

Horn
Seatbelts
Airbags
Brakes
Head and tail lights
Tires
Windshield wipers

Additionally, some states require a carbon emissions inspection. The vehicle emissions inspection determines if the vehicle exceeds standards to minimize pollution. The purpose of emissions tests is to reduce the harm to air quality caused by carbon-based fuel vehicles.

However, there are problems with vehicle inspections. First, many low-income families may not be able to afford the fees for car inspections. The government makes money from car inspections, but it could place an unnecessary financial burden on some individuals.

Also, most newer vehicles on the road far exceed the standards required to pass a state car inspection. Therefore, car inspections are time-consuming and unnecessarily costly for many vehicle owners.

Does Florida Require Vehicle Inspections?

Today, the State of Florida does not require vehicle inspections or emissions testing except in two situations. However, Florida law did require vehicle inspections at one time; in 1991, the state added a vehicle emissions test.

However, many Florida residents complained about the time-consuming emissions tests. The actual test took just a couple of minutes, but there were long lines and wait times to have the test performed.

As a result, vehicle inspections and emission inspections were rescinded except for two situations. You must have a motor vehicle inspected if:

You purchase a new vehicle outside of the state
You purchase a used car within the state

Non-compliance with the vehicle inspection statutes means that you cannot register your vehicle or obtain auto insurance. The cost of an inspection varies by the service provider and could cost up to $100. Many mechanics and police officers are authorized to perform inspections.

Inspections for Emissions in Florida

Even though owners are not required to have their vehicles tested for emissions, state law prohibits tampering with any air pollution control device that the manufacturer installed on the vehicle.

Additionally, driving a vehicle that is visibly producing exhaust could result in police officers pulling the driver over and issuing a traffic ticket. The result could be a fine and points against your driver’s license.

The state does not require emissions testing, but it offers some incentives for environmentally friendly owners. For example, if you drive a Low Emissions Vehicle, you can drive in the High Occupancy Vehicle Lane for only $5 a year, even if you are the only person in the car.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Car Accident Law Firm in Miami, Florida

Your time to file a car accident claim is limited by Florida’s statute of limitations. Therefore, prompt action on your part protects your right to pursue a claim or lawsuit in court. We are happy to review your case, if you are injured in any of the following car accidents:

Call us today to talk with a member of our legal team. We’ll schedule a free consultation with one of our Miami personal injury attorneys for you and can help ensure you are abiding by any relevant car inspection laws in Florida.