What Happens if Your Car Fails? Re-Inspection Rules and Costs

Failing Inspection Isn't the End of the Road

Vehicle inspection failure is common. It doesn't mean the vehicle is worthless. Most failures result from fixable issues. You have time to make repairs. Re-inspection rules give you a pathway to pass. Understanding the process reduces stress and guides your next steps.

Understanding Inspection Failure Notice

When your vehicle fails, the inspector provides a failure notice. The notice lists all failed items. It explains why each item failed. It may estimate repair costs. Keep the failure notice. You'll need it for repairs and re-inspection.

The 14-Day Re-Inspection Window

Most provinces give you 14 days to make repairs. You must return for re-inspection within this window. After 14 days, you need a new inspection from the beginning. Time management is important. Schedule repairs immediately. Plan re-inspection before the deadline.

Where to Make Repairs

You can make repairs at any certified shop. You don't have to use the original inspection shop. Get quotes from multiple shops. Compare prices and timelines. Many shops waive re-inspection fees if you repair there. Choose a shop based on price and reliability.

Re-Inspection Fees and Costs

Re-inspection fees vary by shop. Most charge $30 to $50 for re-inspection. Some waive fees if repairs were done at their shop. Budget for re-inspection costs. Factor re-inspection into repair budget. Ask about re-inspection fees when getting quotes.

Repair Costs for Failed Items

Repair costs depend on failed items. Brake pads cost $100 to $300. Tires cost $400 to $1,000. Suspension repairs cost $500 to $2,000. Electrical repairs cost $200 to $800. Get quotes for all failed items. Budget accordingly.

Partial vs. Complete Repairs

You can make partial repairs if some items are low priority. However, re-inspection checks all items. You must fix all failed items to pass re-inspection. Don't skip repairs. Complete repairs the first time.

Re-Inspection Process

Re-inspection follows the same process as original inspection. The inspector checks all previously failed items. They verify repairs were made properly. They check for new issues. The vehicle must pass all checks. Re-inspection takes 30 to 60 minutes.

What if Vehicle Fails Re-Inspection

If repairs were incomplete or improper, the vehicle may fail again. You have another 14 days for additional repairs. You can dispute the failure. You can get a second opinion. Most vehicles pass re-inspection after proper repairs.

Registration During Inspection Period

You cannot register a vehicle during the inspection period. You must pass inspection before registration. This protects the public from unsafe vehicles. Plan ahead if you need the vehicle registered quickly.

Appealing Inspection Failure

You can appeal inspection failures. You can request a second inspection from another facility. You can dispute specific findings. Keep documentation of repairs. Second opinions strengthen appeals. Most appeals succeed if repairs were made.

Re-Inspection Timeline and Process

• Receive failure notice from inspector
• Review all failed items
• Get repair quotes from multiple shops
• Schedule repairs immediately
• Make all necessary repairs
• Verify repair quality
• Schedule re-inspection before 14-day deadline
• Attend re-inspection appointment
• Pay re-inspection fee
• Inspector checks failed items
• Vehicle passes or fails re-inspection
• If pass, proceed to registration
• If fail, repeat repair and re-inspection process

Frequently Asked Questions