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Light Duty Trailer Inspection Facts

1. What is the definition of a trailer?

NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law Section 156. Any vehicle not propelled by its own power
drawn on the public highways by a motor vehicle as defined in section one
hundred twenty-five operated thereon, except motorcycle side cars, vehicles
being towed by a non-rigid support and vehicles designed and primarily used
for other purposes and only occasionally drawn by such a motor vehicle.

2. What defines a light duty trailer?

NYCRR Part 79 Motor Vehicle Inspection Statutory Authority: VTL Sections
215,302,303. Includes all trailers, except semi- trailers, that have an MGW, as
indicated on the vehicle registration certificate, under 18,001 pounds, except
those trailers that have an MGW, as indicated on the vehicle registration
certificate, over 10,000 pounds and under 18,001 pounds, when the registrant
requests a heavy vehicle inspection.

3. Are Light Duty trailers required to be inspected?

Yes, they must be inspected on an annual basis or whenever the ownership
changes.


4. What type of inspection do light duty trailers receive?


NYCRR 15 79.21 comprises the safety inspection or the safety portion of a safety
for all motor vehicles and trailers that have a MGW, as indicated on the vehicle
registration certificate, under 18,001 pounds, except: motorcycles; those motor
vehicles and trailers that have MGW, as indicated on the vehicle registration
certificate, over 10,000 pounds and under 18,001 pounds, when the registrant
requests a heavy vehicle inspection; and semi-trailers.

NYCRR 15 79.22 contains additional safety inspection requirements for all trailers,
except semi-trailers, that have a MGW, as indicated on the vehicle registration
certificate, under 10,001 pounds.

5. How much does a light duty trailer inspection cost?

$6.00

5. What components require inspection during the course of a Light Duty Trailer
Inspection?
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All group 1b inspection stations and certified inspectors are required to inspect trailers
with a weight of 18,000 pounds or less for the following components.
Tires
Wheel fasteners
Lights
Shocks
Springs
Brakes (If equipped)
Hitch

The requirements for tires, lights, shocks, springs and brakes are the same as other
Group 1 vehicles of the same weight class.
Trailers are not required to have the following lights, headlamps, front turn signals,
back up lights, or front identification light.

6. What is the correct procedure for issuing a Light Duty Trailer Certificate of Inspection?
Light Duty trailers receive a VS-1082 safety Only Certificate and the inspector is
required to;
Punch a hole the box marked "T" and punch the appropriate expiration month.
Enter the registration plate number in the "odometer reading" box on the back of
the sticker,
Give the inspection certificate to the trailer owner to be kept with the trailer
registration





Equipment Required for Trailers
http://dmvweb/intranet/pa/LPF/VehicleSafety/upload/mv529c.pdf
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NYSDMV Inspection Groups and Fee chart
http://dmvnet/intranet/pa/LPF/VehicleSafety/upload/vs77.pdf