PennDOT launches database listing flagged vehicle inspection stations, dealers, title agents

Steven Henshaw, Reading Eagle, Pa.
·2 min read

Jun. 23—PennDOT has launched a database showing which vehicle inspection stations, inspectors, dealers and issuing agents are under suspension for infractions of state inspection regulations and laws as well as contract violations.

The move is designed to improve transparency for consumers, officials said.

"Vehicle inspections, license plate issuance, registration and titling are an integral part of ensuring the safety and proper registration of all who travel our roadways, and consumers can use this new tool to help in making an informed decision about those services," PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said.

Consumers can visit the Suspended Inspection Stations and Inspectors page https://bit.ly/39NQI8m to see what stations or inspectors are under suspension, or visit the Suspended Issuing Agents page https://bit.ly/3OCPIlY for a list of dealers or issuing agents under suspension.

These web pages consist of a daily up-to-date listing of suspended inspection stations, inspectors, dealers and issuing agents in the state. Suspensions are levied on an inspection station and/or inspector for a violation of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Equipment and Inspection regulations and/or Emissions Inspections regulations.

Suspensions imposed on a station or inspector are the result of violations uncovered during audits or from investigations into complaints.

Suspensions only affect a business' ability to perform vehicle safety and emission inspections, not their ability to offer other services. Dealers and issuing agents can be suspended for a variety of reasons when they infringe on the provisions of their contract with PennDOT.

Approximately 17,000 safety inspection stations and 7,700 emission inspection stations are registered in Pennsylvania, monitored by PennDOT quality assurance officers.

Approximately 8,000 dealers or issuing agents in the commonwealth are contracted to provide services to customers on behalf of PennDOT. They are monitored by PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services' regulated client services section through unannounced audits, scheduled site inspections, analysis of internal reports of title transactions and public reports of suspected wrongdoing via the website.

In cases involving criminal activity by inspection stations or agents, PennDOT turns to the Pennsylvania State Police for investigations.

Consumers may report concerns by contacting the PennDOT tip line at 717-705-9913. They may also email to RA-pdPennDOTTip@pa.gov. Customers with concerns with agents should call 717- 412-5300 or lodge them through a driver/vehicle contact.