State Testing Lane #0186
1090 Carolina Dr
West Chicago, IL 60185
Who Needs One?
Who Needs an Inspection?
Under the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/13-101), most second division vehicles including commercial trucks, trailers, buses, and certain other vehicles must be inspected before operating on Illinois highways. This includes:
- Commercial trucks and truck tractors over 8,000 lbs gross weight
- Trailers and semi-trailers over 5,000 lbs
- School buses (Type I & II)
- Motor buses, religious organization buses, limousines, and senior citizen transport vehicles
- Contract carriers transporting employees in vehicles for 15 or fewer passengers
- Tow trucks
- Rebuilt/salvage vehicles before re-registration
How Often Are Inspections Required?
- Every 6 months: Most interstate trucks (under 10,001 lbs or over 26,000 lbs), buses, ambulances, limousines, and contract carriers.
- Every 12 months: Trucks between 10,001–26,000 lbs, truck tractors, certain trailers, and tow trucks with interstate authority.
- School buses: Every 6 months or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first.
What Gets Inspected?
Inspectors follow standards set by the Illinois Vehicle Code, which references the federal Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards. Here’s what they check:
- Brakes — Adjustment, air chambers, brake lines, valves, and emergency brake function. This is the most common reason vehicles fail.
- Tires and wheels — Tread depth, inflation, and the condition of rims and hubs
- Lights and reflectors — Headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, clearance lights, and hazard lights
- Steering and suspension — Worn or loose components, springs, and shocks
- Coupling devices — Fifth wheels, pintle hooks, and safety chains for combination vehicles
- Horn — Must be fully functional. No exceptions.
- Windshield and wipers — Clear visibility, functional wipers, and mirrors
- Frame and body — Cracks, loose parts, or missing components
- Exhaust system — No leaks or damage
- Fuel system — Tanks, lines, and caps must be secure and leak-free
- Tow trucks- inspectors also check winch mountings, body panels, wheel lift swivel points, and sling straps.
What to bring:
- Vehicle registration — Your current registration card, title, or equivalent proof of ownership is required before the inspection can begin.
- Prior inspection report — If you have your last VIR, bring it. It helps the inspector review your vehicle’s history.
- For school buses — A valid wheel pull form (SB6) is also required before the safety test can start.
No appointment needed.
Cash or check only no credit cards.
*State Certified Facility
Authorized by the state to conduct vehicle safety inspections.
*Comprehensive Inspections
Our CST makes sure customers understand their inpections and provide clear knowledgeable feedback.
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