With around 850,000 registered motorcycles in Pennsylvania, motorcycle safety is very important. The state has strict laws surrounding the inspection of motorcycles each year. As a motorcycle owner, you’re required to have your bikes inspected annually.
This blog will discuss everything that’s included in the yearly motorcycle inspection. Ensure your bike is safe to drive on the road by having an authorized mechanic check out your motorcycle.
What’s Included in a Motorcycle Inspection?
As we mentioned, Pennsylvania requires all vehicles, including motorcycles, to be inspected each year. These inspections need to be performed at official PennDOT Inspection Stations. This typically includes a service station or a repair shop.
You will need to bring your motorcycle’s registration card when you show up at the motorcycle inspection station. Some of the things that are evaluated in a motorcycle inspection include:
- Steering components
- Braking systems
- Lighting and electrical systems
- Suspension components
- Odometer and speedometer
- Horns and warning devices
- Tires and wheels
- Exhaust system
- Body
- Chassis
When Do I Have My Motorcycle Inspected?
You’ll have your motorcycle inspected when you first register it in Pennsylvania. After that, you can schedule the inspection appointment when it comes time to renew your motorcycle’s registration.
Motorcycle inspections are scheduled between May and October. There aren’t any inspections scheduled from November to April.
Some people’s motorcycle registration might fall within the period when no inspections get scheduled. If that’s the case, six months will automatically get added to your registration’s expiration date.
Refer to the following schedule to understand when your motorcycle needs to get inspected:
- Registrations that expire in January and July need to get inspected in May, June, and July
- Registrations that expire in February and August need to get inspected in June, July, and August
- Registrations that expire in March and September need to get inspected in July, August, and September
- Registrations that expire in April and October need to get inspected in August, September, and October
- Registrations that expire in May and November need to get inspected in March, April, and May
- Registrations that expire in June and December need to get inspected in April, May, and June
How Much Do Motorcycle Inspections Cost?
Each motorcycle inspection station sets its prices. The inspection fees will be posted in a clear area in their shop.
The cost can range from $20 to $150. You will have to pay additional fees on top of that cost.
For example, motorcycle inspection stickers are around $9. This fee may or may not be part of the inspection cost. You might have to pay additional costs for any repairs that need to get done to your bike.
Are Emissions Tests Included in Motorcycle Inspections?
Motorcycles are exempt from a safety and emissions test. Keep in mind that other vehicles will need to pass an emission test each year.
Schedule a Motorcycle Inspection Appointment With First Choice Automotive
Staying on top of your motorcycle inspection schedule is key to ensuring your bike complies with the safety inspection program. Partnering with an experienced mechanic’s shop that knows the state’s equipment regulations is key.
The mechanics at First Choice Automotive are here to help with your motorcycle inspection needs. Call our office at (215) 953-1034 or visit our Huntingdon Valley location.
