What is the maximum fee that a mechanic can charge in VA for Safety Inspection?

Question

What is the maximum fee that a mechanic can charge in VA for Safety Inspection?

Answer 1

The cost is $16.00 for a motor vehicle.  This also applies to all trailers (including semi-trailers).  The cost is $12.00 for a motorcycle.  The cost is $51.00 for a tractor-trailer.  These fees are effective July 1, 2006.

Answer 2

If it's an official State Inspection the fee is $16...no more, no less.  Even if your car is not registered in Virginia or your sticker is not expired, you can get a new inspection as often as you want.  Many dealers and repair shops will perform an "unofficial" safety inspection (meaning not a state inspection) when you bring the car in for an oil change or service, but they may charge more.

I personally think state-mandated inspections are worthless.  All it is, is a tax that gives more money to the state and gives mechanics an excuse to find something to fix.  I now live in a state that does not have any kind of inspection at all (Wisconsin) and the cars are just as "safe" as they are in states that do inspections.

Answer 3

I would think that a mechanic should be able to charge whatever he wanted to for the inspection.

I would get a written estimate from a reputable mechanic before you agree to have him do the inspection. Tell him that if anything needs to be done at all that you want him to let you know so you can ok any work that will be done to the vehicle.