Car Inspection Costs In New Brunswick

As of January 1, 2020, the cost of a car inspection in New Brunswick is $45 for a provincial inspection and $35 for a regular vehicle inspection. This two-year inspection applies to personal passenger vehicles, family motor coaches, antique vehicles, light commercial vehicles, and farm trucks with a curb mass of 3,000 kilograms or less. New Brunswick has been one of the few provinces to require yearly inspections, but now, vehicles will only need to be inspected every two years.

Cost of a car inspection in New Brunswick

The cost of a car inspection in New Brunswick depends on the type of vehicle being inspected. As of January 1, 2020, the cost of a safety inspection for personal passenger vehicles, family motor coaches, antique vehicles, light commercial vehicles, and farm trucks with a curb mass of 3,000 kilograms or less rose to \$45, up from \$35. These types of vehicles only require inspection every two years if they pass.

Taxis in New Brunswick require an annual inspection, as do all other trailers except for manufactured trailers with a registered mass of 1,499 kilograms or less. The cost of these inspections is not specified, but it is likely to be similar to the cost of inspecting personal passenger vehicles.

When purchasing a used car, it is important to have it thoroughly inspected, even if it is not legally required in your province. This will help ensure that the vehicle is safe and roadworthy. In some provinces, such as Nova Scotia, a used car dealer is responsible for ensuring that an inspection has been passed within 30 days before the sale date. If the buyer agrees to purchase the vehicle as-is, the inspection can be completed by either the buyer or the seller before the ownership is transferred.

In New Brunswick, vehicles imported from outside the province must pass inspection within 14 days of being registered.

Biennial car inspections in New Brunswick

As of January 1, 2020, New Brunswick brought in biennial (every two years) car inspections for personal passenger vehicles, family motor coaches, antique vehicles, light commercial vehicles, and farm trucks with a curb mass of 3,000 kilograms or less. This change means that New Brunswick is no longer one of the only two provinces in Canada to require yearly inspections. The new regime will reduce the frequency of inspections, but the cost of an inspection has risen from $35 to $45.

For passenger vehicles, mechanics will inspect the body, seat belt assemblies, windshield and windows, horn, windshield wipers, rear-view mirror, lighting systems, exhaust system, brake system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires, and coupling system.

For bus, truck, and tractor-trailer vehicles, mechanics will inspect the power train, suspension, hydraulic and air brakes, steering, instruments and auxiliary equipment (such as windshield wipers), lamps, electric system, body, tire and wheels, and couplers and hitches.

Rejection Stickers

If a vehicle does not pass inspection, it will receive a rejection sticker that extends the inspection period to 14 days. During this time, the owner of the vehicle is responsible for addressing any equipment violations, such as faulty lights, and having the vehicle re-inspected at no extra cost. It is important to note that a rejection sticker does not indicate that the vehicle is safe, and the driver may still face penalties if the vehicle is in a state of disrepair that jeopardizes safety.

Fraudulent Stickers

Displaying a fraudulent or stolen inspection sticker is a violation of the Motor Vehicle Act, Section 250(4). This violation may result in a fine of $292, and in some cases, additional charges may be laid under the Criminal Code of Canada related to theft or fraud. It is important to always ensure that your inspection sticker is valid and has been obtained through legal means.

What to do if your car fails its inspection

The cost of a car inspection in New Brunswick is $45 for a provincial vehicle inspection and $35 for a regular vehicle inspection. As of January 1st, 2020, most NB inspections occur biennially.

If your car fails its inspection, you will receive a rejection sticker that extends the inspection period by 14 days. During this time, you are responsible for addressing any equipment violations and having your vehicle re-inspected at no extra cost. It is important to note that a rejection sticker does not indicate that your vehicle is safe to drive, and you may still face penalties if your vehicle is in a state of disrepair that jeopardizes safety.

• Review the inspection report: The mechanic who performs the inspection will provide you with a detailed report outlining the issues that caused your car to fail. Review this report carefully to understand the specific problems that need to be addressed.
• Address the issues: Once you know the issues with your car, you can decide how to address them. Some repairs may be simple and something you can do yourself, while others may require the services of a professional mechanic. If the issues are minor, such as replacing windshield wipers or bulbs, you can purchase the necessary parts and make the repairs yourself. For more complex issues, such as brake or suspension problems, it is best to consult a qualified mechanic.
• Have your vehicle re-inspected: After addressing the issues, take your car back to the inspection station or a designated repair facility to have it re-inspected. This re-inspection is typically provided at no extra cost. Ensure you have the necessary paperwork, including the original inspection report and any receipts for repairs or replacement parts.
• Maintain your vehicle: To avoid future inspection failures, it is important to maintain your vehicle regularly. This includes routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. By staying on top of maintenance, you can identify and address potential issues before they become bigger problems. Consider developing a custom maintenance plan with a trusted mechanic to ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition.
• Understand the safety implications: A failed inspection indicates that your vehicle does not meet the required safety standards. Until the necessary repairs are made, it may not be safe to drive your car. If you choose to drive with a rejection sticker, you are responsible for any equipment violations and may face penalties if your vehicle is deemed unsafe. Always prioritize your safety and the safety of other drivers.

Inspection requirements when buying a used car

When buying a used car in New Brunswick, there are several inspection requirements and other important considerations to keep in mind. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the process:

Inspection Requirements:

As of January 1, 2020, vehicles registered in New Brunswick must undergo a provincial vehicle inspection every two years, regardless of whether they change hands or not. This inspection must be completed before the vehicle can be registered and insured. The cost of the inspection is typically $45 for passenger vehicles, and it covers various aspects of the vehicle to ensure it meets safety standards.

What Gets Inspected:

During the inspection, a mechanic will thoroughly examine the vehicle to ensure it meets safety standards. For passenger vehicles, this includes inspecting the body, seat belt assemblies, windshield and windows, horn, windshield wipers, rear-view mirror, lighting systems, exhaust system, brake system, steering system, suspension system, wheels, tires, and coupling system.

Getting the Vehicle History:

It is crucial to review the vehicle's history report to understand its condition and whether it has been in any previous accidents or sustained damage. You can obtain this information from the seller or through a service like CARFAX, which provides detailed vehicle history reports.

Hiring an Expert:

Consider hiring an independent expert or mechanic to inspect the vehicle. They can provide a detailed assessment of the vehicle's overall condition and help you make an informed decision. This step is especially important if you don't have the expertise to assess the vehicle yourself.

Test Drive:

Take the vehicle for an extensive test drive, ideally for at least 20 minutes, to evaluate its performance. Pay close attention to the brakes, acceleration, and gear shifting. You can also bring along a friend for a second opinion.

Warranty and Service Records:

Before purchasing, ensure the vehicle has been properly inspected and has a valid warranty. Request to see the service receipts and maintenance records from the seller. A well-maintained vehicle will have a record of regular service and repairs.

Private Sale vs. Dealership:

When buying from a private seller, exercise extra caution as you won't have the same legal protections as when purchasing from a dealership. With a private sale, you become solely responsible for the vehicle after the purchase, and you won't have the option to return it if you're dissatisfied. On the other hand, buying from a dealership offers protections under the Consumer Product Warranty and Liability Act, including a 30-day return period.

Check for Liens:

Perform a lien search to ensure there is no outstanding debt associated with the vehicle. You can verify this through the Personal Property Registry System for a small fee.

Flood Damage:

Be cautious of vehicles that may have sustained flood damage, especially in areas prone to flooding. Water damage can impact critical mechanical and electronic systems and may not be immediately apparent. Look for signs of water damage, such as musty odours, mismatched upholstery, moisture in the trunk, or rust on metal surfaces.

Registration Status:

Check the registration status of the vehicle with Service New Brunswick. A vehicle reported as "salvage," "non-repairable," or "rebuilt" may have licensing and insurance complications.

By following these inspection requirements and considerations, you can make a more informed decision when buying a used car in New Brunswick and ensure the vehicle is safe and roadworthy.

Inspection requirements when selling a used car

As of January 1, 2020, vehicles registered in New Brunswick must pass inspection every two years, regardless of whether they change hands or not. Vehicles cannot change hands without a valid inspection certificate. Vehicles imported from outside the province must pass inspection within 14 days of being registered in New Brunswick. However, certificates obtained in Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island are considered valid until their expiry date.

The cost of a vehicle inspection in New Brunswick is $45, and new two-year inspection stickers will be issued to vehicles that pass. Dealers selling new vehicles with a curb mass of 3,000 kilograms or less will issue an initial inspection valid for three years.

During an inspection, mechanics will check that your vehicle meets all safety standards. For passenger vehicles, this includes:

• The body and seat belt assemblies
• The windshield and windows
• The horn
• The windshield wipers
• The rear-view mirror
• The lighting systems
• The exhaust system
• The brake system
• The steering system
• The suspension system
• The wheels and tires
• The coupling system

For bus, truck, and tractor-trailer vehicles, mechanics will inspect:

• Power train
• Suspension
• Hydraulic and air brakes
• Steering
• Instruments and auxiliary equipment (e.g., windshield wipers)
• Lamps
• Electric system
• Body
• Tire and wheels
• Couplers and hitches

If your vehicle does not pass inspection, it will receive a rejection sticker and you will have 14 days to address any issues and have the vehicle re-inspected at no extra cost. It is important to note that a rejection sticker does not mean your vehicle is safe to drive, and you may still face penalties if the vehicle is unsafe.

Displaying a fraudulent or stolen inspection sticker is a violation of the Motor Vehicle Act, Section 250(4), and may result in a fine of $292, as well as additional charges under the Criminal Code of Canada related to theft or fraud.

While the above outlines the legal requirements for vehicle inspections in New Brunswick, it is always advisable to have a thorough mechanical inspection when buying or selling a used car. This will ensure that you are aware of any issues with the vehicle and can make an informed decision.

Frequently asked questions