The state of Connecticut has one of the most complex sets of inspection requirements in the country. They do require emissions testing for most vehicles, as well as VIN and safety inspections for a variety of vehicle types. Inspection certifications are awarded by the state, and can offer those seeking an automotive technician job an excellent way to build their resume.
Connecticut motor vehicle inspection licensing
In order to inspect all vehicles in the state of Connecticut, a mechanic must meet the following qualifications:
- Must complete a state-sponsored training course
- Must pass a state-administered certification exam
- Must be employed by a registered inspection facility
Certifications are valid for three years, after which time a mechanic must take and pass the certification exam again.
Connecticut inspector training
Training for a mobile vehicle inspector in Connecticut is provided at various vocational and technical auto mechanic schools, at community colleges, and at private training schools that have been certified by the state.
Mechanics that work for manufacturers, at a dealership or similar location, may receive on-the-job training if the facility has been certified by the state. The state may also allow an ASE license to take the place of the training course; this is at the discretion of the state, on a case-by-case basis.
Vehicle inspector salary
Becoming a certified vehicle inspector can be a great way to build an automotive service technician career, but one of the things that many mechanics wish to know is how a certification may change their auto mechanic salary options. According to Salary Expert, the average annual salary for a smog technician in Connecticut is $26,604. In contrast, the average annual salary for a Connecticut mobile mechanic, like our team at YourMechanic, is $54,018.
Connecticut’s vehicle inspection requirements
These are the vehicles that must receive safety and VIN inspections:
- Camp Vehicles
- Commercial Vehicles over 18,000 pounds
- Commercial Trailers over 10,000 pounds
- Driver Education Vehicles
- Grey Market Vehicles
- Homemade Trailers
- Modified Off-road Motorcycles
- School Transportation Vehicles under 10,000 pounds
- Service Buses
- Taxis
- Wreckers
These are the vehicles that do not have to have emissions testing:
- All vehicles manufactured in 2013 or later.
- All vehicles older than model year 1991.
- All vehicles rated at 10,000 pounds or more.
- Composite vehicles
- Fully electric vehicles
- Motorized bicycles
- Motorcycles
- Farm vehicles
- Diesel-powered Type II school buses
- Vehicles with dealer, repairer, or transporter plates
Vehicle safety inspection report for vehicles in Connecticut
The following systems or vehicle components must be inspected to declare a vehicle safe, according to the guidelines used by all Connecticut automotive tech jobs:
- Service Brakes
- Parking Brake
- Steering System
- Tires/Wheels
- Suspension
- Frame/Chassis
- Fuel System
- Exhaust
- Headlights
- Wipers/Washer
- Stop/Turn Lights
- Misc. Lights
If you’re already a certified mechanic and you’re interested in working with YourMechanic, submit an online application for an opportunity to become a mobile mechanic.
