Vehicle inspection is a
procedure mandated by national or subnational governments in many countries, in which a vehicle is inspected to ensure that it conforms to regulations governing
safety, emissions, or both. Inspection can be required at various times, e.g., periodically or on transfer of title to a vehicle. If required periodically, it is often termed
periodic motor vehicle inspection; typical intervals are every two years and every year. When a vehicle passes inspection, often a sticker (
inspection decal or
inspection sticker) is placed on the vehicle's windshield or
registration plate to simplify later controls.
Inspection stations are places to drive inside to see if a vehicle passes inspection once a vehicle is due for inspection. Most US inspection decals/stickers display the month's number and the year.