If you’re wondering where your inspection sticker is, when it expires, or what happens if it’s expired, you’re not alone. Many drivers in Virginia either forget about their annual inspection or aren’t sure where to go or what to do if something goes wrong.
Virginia law takes vehicle inspections seriously—and failing to keep up with yours can lead to fines, tickets, or worse. Here’s what you need to know about expired vehicle inspection stickers and Virginia law to stay compliant and avoid unnecessary penalties.
Where do I go to get my inspection sticker in Virginia?
To get an inspection sticker in Virginia, take your vehicle to an official Virginia State Inspection Station. These are licensed automotive service providers approved by the Virginia State Police to conduct safety inspections.
You’ll often find inspection stations at:
- Automotive repair shops
- Car dealerships with service departments
- Tire and brake service centers
- Oil change and lube centers
To make sure you’re going to the right place, look for signage that says “Official Inspection Station” or check the Virginia State Police’s online database for a list of approved locations near you.
Once your car passes inspection, the technician will place a Virginia vehicle inspection sticker (also called an inspection decal) on your windshield. This sticker shows the month and year your next inspection is due.
Do I need an appointment?
Some inspection stations accept walk-ins, but many require or recommend scheduling an appointment. If you’re short on time, it’s a good idea to call ahead and ask about wait times or availability.
Can I go to any station?
Yes—as long as the station is certified by the state. You’re not required to return to the same location each year. Just make sure the shop is a licensed Virginia vehicle inspection facility.
Virginia yearly car inspection: what to expect
Every vehicle registered in Virginia must undergo a yearly car inspection to ensure it meets the state’s safety standards. This inspection helps keep dangerous vehicles off the road and protects everyone—drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
If you’re wondering what the process involves or how to prepare, here’s what you need to know.
What do inspectors check during a Virginia vehicle inspection?
During the inspection, a certified technician will examine all major safety systems and components of your vehicle. Items commonly checked include:
- Brakes and brake lines
- Steering and suspension
- Tires, wheels, and tread depth
- Headlights, brake lights, and turn signals
- Windshield wipers and washer function
- Mirrors and visibility
- Horn and seat belts
- Exhaust system and emissions (where applicable)
- Emergency brake
- Airbags and warning lights
- Windshield and safety glass condition
- License plate mounting and lights
If any of these items fail to meet minimum safety standards, you will not receive a valid inspection sticker until the issue is corrected.
When you pass an inspection and receive an inspection decal, how long is it valid?
In Virginia, a vehicle inspection sticker is valid for 12 months from the end of the month it was issued. So, if your car passes inspection on June 10, your new decal will expire on June 30 of the following year.
This applies to all cars registered in Virginia, including those operating on public roads or parked in public areas.
When does my car inspection expire?
To find out when your car inspection expires, just check the small sticker on your windshield. It shows the month and year your inspection is due. You can also refer to your inspection receipt or maintenance records.
Why it matters
Driving with an expired Virginia inspection sticker is a traffic offense—and it could cost you. Once expired, each day your car is operated or parked on a public road can count as a separate violation.
To stay safe and legal, plan ahead and schedule your Virginia yearly car inspection before the expiration date.
What happens if my inspection sticker has expired?
If your Virginia inspection sticker has expired, your vehicle is no longer in compliance with state safety laws—even if it’s mechanically sound. Driving or parking a car with an expired inspection decal can lead to fines, tickets, and legal issues.
Legal consequences of an expired Virginia inspection sticker
Virginia Code § 46.2-1157 requires all registered vehicles to pass an annual safety inspection and display a valid sticker. If your inspection has lapsed:
- You may be issued a ticket. Even if your car is parked, you can receive a citation for an expired inspection sticker.
- Each day counts as a separate violation. After the first ticket, law enforcement can issue additional tickets daily until the car is brought into compliance.
- You may face a Class 3 misdemeanor charge. While this is a minor offense, it still carries potential fines and a court appearance.
Penalties add up quickly if you don’t act fast.
Can the court dismiss the charge?
Yes. If you get your vehicle inspected and pass before your court date, the judge may choose to dismiss the charge. Bring proof of your inspection to court, including the new decal and inspection receipt.
However, you shouldn’t count on dismissal every time. It’s best to avoid the risk altogether by staying on top of your Virginia yearly car inspection.
How long can you drive with an expired inspection sticker in Virginia?
According to the law, you technically have a short grace period. Police officers can’t stop you solely for an expired inspection sticker until the first day of the fourth month after the original expiration date.
So, if your sticker expired at the end of January, you likely won’t be pulled over for it until May 1. However, if you’re stopped for another reason, an expired inspection could still lead to additional penalties.
That said, don’t wait. Get your vehicle inspected as soon as possible to avoid further complications.
What happens if you don’t get your car inspected on time?
Driving without a valid inspection sticker in Virginia can result in:
- Multiple tickets – Each day the vehicle remains non-compliant is a separate offense.
- Increased fines
- Possible registration issues – An expired inspection may interfere with renewing your vehicle registration.
The longer you wait, the more you risk. Don’t wait. Be sure to note your vehicle inspection sticker’s expiration date and have it inspected before time runs out.
What happens if your car doesn’t pass inspection?
If your car fails its Virginia vehicle inspection, don’t panic. You’ll receive a rejection sticker, which is valid for 15 days. This gives you time to get the necessary repairs.
During those 15 days, you’re allowed to drive the car only to and from repair facilities or inspection stations. After the repairs are complete, you’ll return for a re-inspection at no additional cost if it’s the same station.
If your repairs take longer than 15 days, you must restart the process and pay the inspection fee again.
Can you get a ticket on the way to the inspection station?
Many drivers worry about getting pulled over or ticketed when driving to a scheduled inspection with an expired sticker. The good news is that Virginia law provides a narrow exception—but it only applies under specific conditions.
What Virginia law says
According to Virginia law, you are legally allowed to drive a vehicle with an expired inspection sticker directly to an official inspection station, as long as:
- You have a prior appointment scheduled, and
- You’re going directly from where the vehicle is kept or garaged to the inspection location
If both of these are true, then you should not receive a ticket while driving to the station—even if your Virginia vehicle inspection sticker is expired.
Important details to know
While the law gives you this protection, here are some key things to keep in mind:
- No side trips. Stopping at the gas station, grocery store, or anywhere else may disqualify you from protection.
- Document your appointment. Keep a written or digital confirmation (text message, email, calendar entry) as proof of your scheduled inspection.
- Park only at the inspection site. If your car is parked on the street near—but not at—the inspection station, it may still be ticketed.
- The exemption doesn’t cover ongoing use. This is a one-time trip to the inspection facility—not permission to continue driving with an expired sticker.
So, if you’re asking, “Can you get a ticket on the way to the mechanic?” or “What happens if you get pulled over while heading to your inspection appointment?”, the answer is: you’re protected under the law—if you follow the rules exactly.
What if you still get a ticket?
If you’re ticketed despite having a scheduled appointment and going directly to the inspection station, you may be able to challenge the citation in court. Bring any documentation showing your appointment time and location to support your case.
Virginia vehicle inspection cost
Wondering how much a Virginia yearly car inspection costs? The good news is that the state sets a maximum fee limit, so prices are consistent across licensed inspection stations. Whether your car passes or fails, the inspection fee must be paid either way.
Standard Virginia vehicle inspection fees
As of now, the Virginia vehicle inspection cost is:
- $20 for passenger vehicles
- $12 for motorcycles
- $12 for trailers equipped with brakes
These fees apply to all official Virginia State Inspection Stations, and shops are not allowed to charge more than these rates for the inspection itself. However, additional costs may apply if your vehicle needs repairs in order to pass.
Do you have to pay again if your car fails?
If your car fails inspection, the shop will place a rejection sticker on your windshield. This allows you to legally drive the vehicle for up to 15 days for the purpose of getting repairs and returning for a re-inspection.
Here’s how re-inspections typically work:
- If you return to the same station within 15 days, most shops will re-inspect your car for free.
- If you go to a different station, you may be required to pay the full inspection fee again.
To avoid paying twice, it’s a good idea to return to the original inspection location once repairs are complete.
What’s not included in the inspection fee?
The base inspection cost does not cover repair work, replacement parts, or labor required to fix any issues. If your vehicle fails inspection, the shop will provide a report showing what needs to be corrected before your car can be re-inspected.
What if my Virginia temporary tags expired before inspection?
Temporary tags in Virginia are often issued when you purchase a new or used car. If your Virginia temporary tags expired before you had time to complete an inspection, you may face both registration and inspection violations.
To avoid penalties:
- Schedule your inspection as soon as you receive the vehicle.
- Don’t drive the vehicle once temporary tags expire.
- Contact the DMV or the dealer if you’re waiting on permanent plates.
Driving with expired temp tags and no inspection is a double violation.
Final thoughts: stay compliant and stay safe
Keeping your car inspection up to date isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about ensuring your vehicle is safe to drive. If you’re unsure when your inspection sticker expires, check your windshield or keep a reminder on your calendar.
If you’re searching where to go to get your inspection sticker, remember that licensed stations across Virginia are ready to help you get back on the road—safely and legally.
