Fillable checklist

Vehicle Inspection Checklist: Light Vehicle Stations (Free Printable PDF)

Fillable light-vehicle station inspection. Identity, lamps, tires, fluids, interior, brakes, optional road test. Print blank or save a filled PDF.

Inspections Fillable form · 8 sections · 63 checks Download filled or blank PDF and CSV Cross-checked against 49 CFR 570, ASE G1, and AAA MPI · Last verified Aug 31, 2026

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  • 8 sections
  • 63 checks
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Form details

Vehicle and inspector

Identify the light vehicle before you start the stations. This is an owner or shop station check, not a CMV pre-trip, not a used-car buyer walkthrough, and not a state inspection-sticker form.

13 fields
Vehicle and inspector

Inspection station

Exterior and lamps

Use a helper or a reflection to confirm rear lamps. Mark N/A on fog lamps or a CHMSL the vehicle never had. Required lighting comes from FMVSS 108 Table I-a, not from a CMV lamp chart.

12 items
Exterior and lamps

Low-beam headlamps

Both low beams light. Lenses not broken. FMVSS 108 Table I-a requires a lower-beam headlighting system on passenger cars, MPVs, trucks, and buses.

Low-beam headlamps: OK, Defect, N/A

High-beam headlamps and indicator

Both high beams light. The dash high-beam indicator works (49 CFR 571.108 S6.6.1 / S9).

High-beam headlamps and indicator: OK, Defect, N/A

Front turn signals and parking lamps

Front turns flash amber. Parking lamps on passenger cars and other vehicles under 2032 mm width light with the headlamps (Table I-a).

Front turn signals and parking lamps: OK, Defect, N/A

Taillamps and license-plate lamp

Both red tails light with the lamps on. The white license-plate lamp illuminates the plate (Table I-a).

Taillamps and license-plate lamp: OK, Defect, N/A

Stop lamps and high-mounted stop lamp

Both rear stops and the CHMSL light when the service brake is applied. A CHMSL is required on passenger cars and on MPVs, trucks, and buses under 2032 mm wide with GVWR of 10,000 lb or less (Table I-a). Mark N/A only if the vehicle is outside that class.

Stop lamps and high-mounted stop lamp: OK, Defect, N/A

Hazard warning flashers

Front and rear turns flash together (49 CFR 571.108 S6.1.5.1).

Hazard warning flashers: OK, Defect, N/A

Side marker lamps and reflex reflectors

Amber front and red rear side markers light with the lamps on. Side and rear reflex reflectors are present and not missing pieces (Table I-a).

Side marker lamps and reflex reflectors: OK, Defect, N/A

Backup lamp

White reverse lamp lights in reverse only and is off in forward gears (Table I-a).

Backup lamp: OK, Defect, N/A

Lamp lenses and obvious aim

Lenses not cracked, white, or missing. ASE G1 includes inspect lenses and aim headlights with the OEM procedure if you have the equipment. Do not invent a candela or aim-angle Pass/Fail on this form.

Lamp lenses and obvious aim: OK, Defect, N/A

Wiper blades and washer

Blades not cracked or leaving a streaked windshield. Washer sprays the glass (AAA multipoint; ASE G1 electrical task F22).

Wiper blades and washer: OK, Defect, N/A

Visible exhaust

No obvious exhaust leak, broken hanger, or missing heat shield you can see from the rear or wheel wells without a lift (ASE G1 A17; AAA drivetrain).

Visible exhaust: OK, Defect, N/A

Fog or auxiliary lamps (if equipped)

If fitted, they light and lenses are intact. Mark N/A if the vehicle has none. FMVSS 108 does not require fog lamps.

Fog or auxiliary lamps (if equipped): OK, Defect, N/A

Inspection station

Tires and wheels

Use the vehicle tire placard, not the sidewall maximum, for operating pressure. 49 CFR 570.9 is the NHTSA in-use tire rule for GVWR of 10,000 lb or less. nhtsa.gov owner-care HTML returned 403 during research, so tread and damage criteria come from the eCFR text.

10 items
Tires and wheels

Cold inflation vs tire placard

Check each tire, including a spare if provided, against the vehicle placard or tire information label (ASE G1 D53). 570.9(b) uses that same placard for size match. Do not treat the sidewall maximum as the cold operating pressure.

Cold inflation vs tire placard: OK, Defect, N/A

Tread depth

Not less than 2/32 inch. Passenger-car tires expose wear bars at that depth. Check indicators in any two adjacent major grooves at three locations around the tire (49 CFR 570.9(a)). If you marked GVWR over 10,000 lb, front tires use 4/32 inch under 570.62.

Tread depth: OK, Defect, N/A

Size and match on each axle

Tires on the same axle match in size designation, construction, and profile. A major mismatch, or a major deviation from the manufacturer placard, is a reject under 570.9(b).

Size and match on each axle: OK, Defect, N/A

Cuts, bulges, exposed cord

No chunking, bumps, knots, or bulges that show cord, ply, or tread separation. Cord or belt not exposed, including when a cut is probed (570.9(c) and (d)).

Cuts, bulges, exposed cord: OK, Defect, N/A

Irregular wear pattern

Cupping, feathering, or one-shoulder wear (ASE G1 D51). Flag it as a defect. Do not invent a remaining-life percentage.

Irregular wear pattern: OK, Defect, N/A

Spare tire (if equipped)

If the vehicle has a spare, it is inflated and free of the same damage checks. Mark N/A for an inflator-kit vehicle (ASE G1 D52 / D53).

Spare tire (if equipped): OK, Defect, N/A

Tire pressure monitoring system

If equipped, the TPMS lamp proves out and is not stuck on after a valid inflate (ASE G1 D58). TPMS is not a substitute for a gauge check against the placard.

Tire pressure monitoring system: OK, Defect, N/A

Wheel and rim condition

No visible cracks, elongated bolt holes, or indication of repair by welding (49 CFR 570.10(a)).

Wheel and rim condition: OK, Defect, N/A

Wheel nuts and bolts

All wheel nuts and bolts are in place and tight (570.10(c)).

Wheel nuts and bolts: OK, Defect, N/A

Visible CV boots at the wheel

Boots not torn. No heavy grease spray on the knuckle if you can see them (ASE G1 B4 / C7). Mark N/A on an axle with no CV joints.

Visible CV boots at the wheel: OK, Defect, N/A

Inspection station

Under-hood fluids, belts, and hoses

Check levels with the vehicle level and the engine off unless the OEM says otherwise. Mark N/A on sealed transmissions, electric power steering, or a filter housing you did not open. This is a visual station, not a cooling-system pressure test unless you perform one and note it.

12 items
Under-hood fluids, belts, and hoses

Engine oil level and look

Level on the dipstick or electronic monitor in the OEM range. Note metal, coolant milk, or fuel smell. Do not invent a mileage-only Pass/Fail (ASE G1 A5; AAA fluids).

Engine oil level and look: OK, Defect, N/A

Coolant level and visible cooling parts

Reservoir in the cold or hot range the tank marks. Radiator, cap, recovery tank, and heater hoses not collapsed or leaking (ASE G1 A6 / A8; AAA).

Coolant level and visible cooling parts: OK, Defect, N/A

Brake fluid reservoir

Level between the marks. Cap on. No obvious leak at the master cylinder (ASE G1 E2; AAA). Use the OEM fluid type. Do not invent a moisture-percent fail limit.

Brake fluid reservoir: OK, Defect, N/A

Power steering fluid (if hydraulic)

Identify electric vs hydraulic first. Reservoir not empty on a hydraulic system (ASE G1 D2; 49 CFR 570.7(e); AAA). Mark N/A on EPS-only vehicles.

Power steering fluid (if hydraulic): OK, Defect, N/A

Windshield washer fluid

Reservoir filled enough to spray (AAA fluids).

Windshield washer fluid: OK, Defect, N/A

Transmission fluid (if checkable)

Type, level, and condition per the OEM. Many sealed units have no dipstick: mark N/A (ASE G1 B2; AAA).

Transmission fluid (if checkable): OK, Defect, N/A

Drive belts, tensioner, and pulleys

No cracks to the cord, glazing, or missing ribs. Tensioner not seized. A belt-driven power-steering pump belt is not cracked or slipping (ASE G1 A7 / D3; 570.7(e); AAA engine bay).

Drive belts, tensioner, and pulleys: OK, Defect, N/A

Visible coolant and vacuum hoses

Not cracked, swollen, or leaking. Vacuum brake hoses not collapsed, abraded, or audibly leaking (ASE G1 A8; 49 CFR 570.6).

Visible coolant and vacuum hoses: OK, Defect, N/A

Engine air filter (if housing opens)

Not packed with debris. Housing seated (ASE G1 A15; AAA). Mark N/A if you did not open the box.

Engine air filter (if housing opens): OK, Defect, N/A

Battery, cables, and hold-down

Case not swollen. Terminals not heavily corroded. Hold-down present (ASE G1 F7 / F9). AAA mentions a voltage test: record a reading in Notes if you test. This form does not set a volt Pass/Fail number.

Battery, cables, and hold-down: OK, Defect, N/A

Visible engine leaks

Fuel, oil, coolant, or other leaks at pans, covers, and fittings (ASE G1 A2).

Visible engine leaks: OK, Defect, N/A

Fuel cap and visible fuel fittings

Cap present and seals as designed. No wet fuel at the filler neck or visible lines (ASE G1 A20).

Fuel cap and visible fuel fittings: OK, Defect, N/A

Inspection station

Interior and controls

Prove out lamps with the ignition in the OEM test position. This station is controls and indicators, not a used-car electronics walkthrough and not a seat-by-seat option inventory.

10 items
Interior and controls

Brake and ABS warning lamps

The brake-system failure indicator is operable: apply the parking brake and turn the ignition to start, or use the OEM prove-out (49 CFR 570.5(a); ASE G1 E4). The ABS lamp proves out and goes out unless a fault is stored.

Brake and ABS warning lamps: OK, Defect, N/A

Other warning and indicator lamps

MIL, airbag, TPMS, oil, and temperature lamps prove out as the OEM designed (ASE G1 A13, F1, F20, D58).

Other warning and indicator lamps: OK, Defect, N/A

Instrument gauges

Speedometer, fuel, and temperature gauges respond (ASE G1 F20).

Instrument gauges: OK, Defect, N/A

Horn

Sounds from the driver seat (ASE G1 F21; AAA safety items).

Horn: OK, Defect, N/A

Turn, hazard, and high-beam indicators

Dash pilots work when those lamps are switched on (49 CFR 571.108 S6.6.1 / S9.3).

Turn, hazard, and high-beam indicators: OK, Defect, N/A

Climate control

Blower works on more than one speed. A/C blows cold if equipped and ambient allows. Mode doors change outlets (ASE G1 G1; AAA climate).

Climate control: OK, Defect, N/A

Cabin air filter (if accessible)

Not packed with leaves or dust (ASE G1 G5; AAA). Mark N/A if the housing is not opened.

Cabin air filter (if accessible): OK, Defect, N/A

Interior lamps

Dome, map, and courtesy lamps that the vehicle has all work (ASE G1 F18).

Interior lamps: OK, Defect, N/A

Parking-brake indicator

Lamp or message comes on with the parking brake applied (ASE G1 E5).

Parking-brake indicator: OK, Defect, N/A

Light and wiper switches

Headlamp, beam, turn, and wiper switches operate the devices you already checked outside (ASE G1 F18 / F22).

Light and wiper switches: OK, Defect, N/A

Inspection station

Brakes and steering

This is a visual and functional station. 49 CFR 570.5 lining and drum or rotor limits apply after you remove at least one front and one rear wheel. Mark those rows N/A if the wheels stay on. Do not invent a wheels-on thickness fail.

12 items
Brakes and steering

Service-brake pedal integrity

Engine running on power brakes. 49 CFR 570.5(b): a 125 lb hold for 10 seconds with no pedal drop, no brake-warning lamp, and no hose failure. If you cannot measure 125 lb, note a firm pedal with no fade and no warning lamp, and do not claim an instrumented 570.5 pass.

Service-brake pedal integrity: OK, Defect, N/A

Brake pedal reserve

Pedal travel not greater than 80 percent of the free-to-floor distance, except full-power systems or OEM designs that use more travel (570.5(c)). Engine running on power assist.

Brake pedal reserve: OK, Defect, N/A

Brake power assist

Exhaust residual vacuum, hold 25 lb on the pedal, start the engine: the pedal should fall slightly (570.6; ASE G1 E30). Mark N/A on full-power hydraulic or electric-boost systems the OEM tests another way.

Brake power assist: OK, Defect, N/A

Parking brake hold

Holds the vehicle on a reasonable grade or as the OEM describes. Visible cables not obviously seized or frayed (ASE G1 E15).

Parking brake hold: OK, Defect, N/A

Brake hoses and lines

Not cracked, chafed, flattened, or rubbing the body or chassis. Sweep the front hoses lock to lock (570.5(e); ASE G1 E3).

Brake hoses and lines: OK, Defect, N/A

Visible pads and rotors (wheels on)

If you can see through the wheel, pads are present and rotors are not obviously cracked through. AAA lists pads and rotors on a multipoint. This is a look, not a 570.5 measurement.

Visible pads and rotors (wheels on): OK, Defect, N/A

Wheel-off lining and hardware (if removed)

If a wheel is off: lining not less than 1/32 inch over rivets, or over the shoe on bonded pads; drums or rotors within the embossed or OEM limit; backing plates and calipers not cracked (570.5(f), (g), (h)). Mark N/A if wheels stayed on.

Wheel-off lining and hardware (if removed): OK, Defect, N/A

Steering wheel free play

Engine on, wheels straight. Rim travel before the road wheel moves must not exceed 49 CFR 570.7 Table 1: 2 inches at 16 inches diameter or less, 2 1/4 inches at 18, 2 1/2 inches at 20, 2 3/4 inches at 22.

Steering wheel free play: OK, Defect, N/A

Steering free turning

Wheel turns to both locks without binding or jamming (570.7(c)).

Steering free turning: OK, Defect, N/A

Steering linkage play (if raised)

Free play at the tire tread not more than 1/4 inch with the front end raised to load the ball joints and bearings adjusted (570.7(b)). Mark N/A if you did not raise the vehicle.

Steering linkage play (if raised): OK, Defect, N/A

Visible suspension parts

Ball-joint seals not cut through. Springs not broken. Stabilizer connected. Bushings not missing. Shock mounts and U-bolts tight (570.8(a); ASE G1 suspension tasks; AAA).

Visible suspension parts: OK, Defect, N/A

Shock absorber leak and bounce

No oil on the shock body from a seal leak. On a level surface the vehicle should not keep rocking more than two cycles after a push-down (570.8(b)).

Shock absorber leak and bounce: OK, Defect, N/A

Inspection station

Optional road-test notes

Mark the whole station N/A if you do not drive the vehicle. The 20 mph stop in 570.5(d)(2) needs a safe, level, dry course. This is not a state brake-machine test and not a used-car buyer road loop.

7 items
Optional road-test notes

Service brake feel on the move

No pull, grab, or grind you can hear (ASE G1 E1).

Service brake feel on the move: OK, Defect, N/A

Optional 20 mph stop test

Only on a level, dry, hard surface with a safe 12-foot lane: stop in 25 feet or less from 20 mph (49 CFR 570.5(d)(2)). Verify tire pressures first. Mark N/A if you have no safe course.

Optional 20 mph stop test: OK, Defect, N/A

Steering and alignment on the move

Wander, drift, or pull (ASE G1 D42). Do not invent a toe or camber fail number in the driveway. 570.7(d) alignment is 1.5 times the OEM spec and needs measuring equipment.

Steering and alignment on the move: OK, Defect, N/A

Abnormal noises

Engine, driveline, or wheel noises under light load (ASE G1 A3, C6).

Abnormal noises: OK, Defect, N/A

Drivetrain behavior

Engagement, slip, or vibration. Manual clutch take-up if equipped. 4WD or AWD operation if you used it (ASE G1 B1, C6, C22; AAA drivetrain).

Drivetrain behavior: OK, Defect, N/A

Warning lamps after the drive

No new brake, ABS, MIL, or TPMS lamp after the short drive (ASE G1 E4, F20, D58).

Warning lamps after the drive: OK, Defect, N/A

HVAC on the move

Heat or A/C still works after a short drive (ASE G1 G1; AAA climate).

HVAC on the move: OK, Defect, N/A

Form details

Defects and sign-off

List defects from this station check. This form is a template, not legal advice and not a substitute for the vehicle OEM procedure or a licensed state inspection.

7 fields
Defects and sign-off

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References

  1. 49 CFR Part 570 Vehicle in Use Inspection Standards (light vehicles, Subpart A) - eCFR
  2. 49 CFR 570.5 Service brake system (indicator, pedal, hoses, lining) - eCFR
  3. 49 CFR 570.7 Steering systems (free play, linkage, power steering) - eCFR
  4. 49 CFR 570.8 Suspension systems (parts and shock bounce) - eCFR
  5. 49 CFR 570.9 Tires (2/32 inch tread, match, damage) - eCFR
  6. 49 CFR 570.10 Wheel assemblies (cracks, fasteners) - eCFR
  7. 49 CFR 571.108 FMVSS 108 lamps and Table I-a required lighting - eCFR
  8. ASE Auto Maintenance and Light Repair (G1) Study Guide, 2026 task list - ASE
  9. What Is a Multipoint Inspection for Vehicles? - AAA Club Alliance
  10. What Is a Multi-Point Car Inspection? - AAA Auto Club Group

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These checklists are provided for general reference only. Always verify the steps against the vehicle manufacturer's service information, your shop's procedures or a qualified technician before relying on them, especially for safety-critical work.

What this checklist is for

This is a light vehicle station inspection you can do from this page. Then you downloads a CSV file or a PDF. It has each of these items to mark down: OK/Defect/N/A. Any Defects is listed. The person signs it.

In-use numbers come from 49 CFR Part 570 Subpart A (vehicles with GVWR 10,000 lb or less unless a row says otherwise). Lamps follow FMVSS 108 Table I-a. Fluids, belts, and controls follow ASE G1 and AAA multipoint inspection practice. This is not a CMV lamp chart.

What it is not

  • It is not a CMV pre-trip, not a used-car buyer walkthrough, and not a state inspection-sticker form.
  • It is not a wheel-off brake job. Lining and drum or rotor limits in 570.5 apply after you remove at least one front and one rear wheel. Mark those rows N/A if the wheels stay on.
  • It is not an instrumented alignment. 570.7(d) (1.5 times OEM spec) needs measuring equipment. Do not invent a toe or camber fail in the driveway.
  • It is not a Buyers Guide and not an odometer disclosure.

How to fill each block

The mileage, VIN, year, make, model and GVWR (Over 10k lb or under 10k lb) is entered. That class selection impact the tire tread rule for front tires.

Check the license-plate lamp, stop lamps, tails, turns, high beams, low beams, CHMSL (if equipped), and fog lamps (mark N/A if never installed). Use a helper or reflection for the rear lamps.

Tires and wheels. Cold inflation vs the tire placard, not the sidewall maximum (570.9; ASE G1 D53). Tread not less than 2/32 inch, wear bars in two adjacent major grooves at three locations. If you marked GVWR over 10,000 lb, front tires use 4/32 inch under 570.62. Match size and construction on each axle. No chunking, bulges, or exposed cord. Wheel cracks and fasteners are 570.10.

Turn the engine off and park on a level surface. Check power steering, coolant, oil, and brake fluid. If it’s an EPS-only car, you’ll mark that as N/A for power steering. Check hose and belts.

Do NOT create a “moisture-percent” fail for brake fluid. Do NOT have an “oil by mileage” rule. Do not invent a moisture-percent brake-fluid fail or a mileage-only oil fail.

In the interior section, check the gauges, defroster, wipers, and horn. Prove out all of the lights: Airbag, MIL, brake, and ABS. Use the OEM test position to prove them out.

Check per 570.5(b) you check the service-brake pedal. Hold 125 lb for 10 seconds. Keep the engine running if the vehicle has power brakes. There should be no failure, leaks, or broken hose. No warning lamp. Pedal must be firm with no fade. Do not say instrumented 570.5 pass. Check for not greater than 80 percent of free-to-floor distance in pedal travel.

Full-power system is excepted from the 80 percent travel limit per 570.5(c). Check power assist per 570.6. Exhaust residual vacuum, then place 25 lb on pedal, then start the engine. The pedal should fall slightly. Check the parking brake hold. Measure steering play per 570.7 Table 1. Guessing at measurement is not allowed.

If you're not driving, mark N/A in the entire Road Test Station. If you do drive, it must be a Level, Dry Hard Surface where you can perform a 20 mph stop in 25 feet or less. 570.5(d)(2) says you must have at least a Safe 12-foot lane for this test.

Verify tire pressures before the optional road test. Mark any defects and make a selection. Sign off the form. Customer/owner can also sign.

What varies

Each state inspection program has its own manual. Passing this form doesn't print a sticker from your state. State inspection can still fail because of a state item not listed on this form.

Some tire rules relocate to 570 Subpart B if GVWR exceeds 10,000 lb. This includes the 570.62 Rule, which states that front tire tread depth must be 4/32 inch or more. Class Select appears on the header. This makes sure that row read properly.

Sealed transmission, full-power brakes & OEM electric power steering change what the standard N/A marks represent. Adjust accordingaly.

After you finish

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Don't depend on the vehicle until you've scheduled repairs for those Defect rows. That Box stating "Safe for Intended Use" is just the Inspector's statement. It is not a state certificate.

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Not a substitute for the OEM or a licensed inspection

This is not a licensed state inspection. Not a substitute for the vehicle manufacturer procedure. This is not legal advice. This is a recordkeeping template. You shouldn't of make up your own Pass/Fail limits if 570 doesn't say so.