Hawaii State Safety Inspections
All motor vehicles operated on Hawaii public highways must have an official Periodic Motor Vehicle Inspection (PMVI) at least once a year. New vehicles do not need to be inspected until two years after their initial inspection on the date that they are first sold.
Required Documentation
Vehicles - If you are scheduled for a safety inspection at Horizon Automotive, LLC, please ensure you have a valid original (hard-copy) or an electronic insurance card and a valid registration certificate. The vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate tags on both documents must match the numbers displayed on the vehicle. Unfortunately, printed electronic copies of insurance forms are not acceptable at this time.
Trailers require a VIN tag on the frame to pass a safety inspection. Furthermore, any trailer over 3,000 lbs GVW rating, must have a breakaway emergency braking system. Any trailers with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs or greater require a DOT State exemption form.
Trailers require a VIN tag on the frame to pass a safety inspection. Furthermore, any trailer over 3,000 lbs GVW rating, must have a breakaway emergency braking system. Any trailers with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs or greater require a DOT State exemption form.
Safety Inspection Fees
Both fees below are set by Hawaii State officials and are due at the time of inspection.
- Motor Vehicles (with or without aftermarket tint) - $26.18
- Trailers - $17.80
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a safety inspection take?
Do I need to make an appointment for a safety inspection?
Will my vehicle pass inspection with _______?
Can I use an electronic/printed copy of my current proof on insurance?
What happens if my vehicle registration is expired?
- If your vehicle has been serviced at Horizon Automotive, LLC regularly, our technicians may already be familiar with your vehicle and shortens the inspection time down to approximately 15 minutes. If your vehicle has never been in our facility a safety inspection can take up to 30 to 45 minutes.
Do I need to make an appointment for a safety inspection?
- Yes, Horizon Automotive, LLC performs safety inspections by appointment only. Safety inspection appointments are generally booked out about 1 week from the current date. It is recommended that an appointment be scheduled ahead of time. Same day appointments are extremely rare.
Will my vehicle pass inspection with _______?
- Horizon Automotive, LLC performs Periodic Motor Vehicle safety inspections in exact accordance to state regulations outlined in the County of Hawaii Periodic Inspection manual referenced below. Regardless of if your vehicle has previously passed safety inspections at other stations, our technicians will evaluate your vehicle at the time of your inspection and determine if it passes or fails.
Can I use an electronic/printed copy of my current proof on insurance?
- Yes, as of July 1st, 2016, state regulations allow the PMVI inspector to photograph and submit a high-resolution, colored image of your hard-copy insurance card (must include watermark or other anti-fraudulent markings) or electronic copy sent by your insurance agent.
What happens if my vehicle registration is expired?
- Upon inspection, if the vehicle passes, you will receive a safety inspection failed for registration only. This document must be submitted to the local DMV to obtain a valid vehicle registration. Both the failed safety inspection and newly obtained vehicle registration documents must be brought back with the vehicle to receive a current safety inspection decal and document.