If you’re buying, selling, or registering a vehicle in British Columbia, you might be required to complete a safety inspection first.
But what exactly does a car need to pass safety? And what happens if it doesn’t?
At Craftsman Collision, we’ve been helping Canadians keep their vehicles road-safe for over 40 years. While we don’t conduct the inspections ourselves, we repair the issues that cause cars to fail them—like frame damage, corrosion, or broken lights.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the inspection process in BC, what’s checked, what can cause a failure, and how we can help get your vehicle road-ready.
When Is a Car Safety Inspection Required in BC?
In BC, not every car needs a safety inspection, but some situations do require one.
According to ICBC, a vehicle safety inspection is required when:
- You’re registering a vehicle from out of province
- Your car has been rebuilt or written off and is being put back on the road
- You’ve received a Notice & Order from law enforcement (e.g. for unsafe operation)
- Your vehicle hasn’t been previously registered in Canada
For most private sales within BC, a safety inspection isn’t mandatory, but the buyer may request one.
You can learn more about inspection requirements from the Government of BC.
Need repairs after an inspection? Let Craftsman take care of it.
What Is Checked on a Safety Car?
During a BC car inspection, mechanics evaluate your vehicle’s core safety systems to make sure it’s fit for the road.
A licensed inspector will check the following:
- Brakes – Condition, responsiveness, and wear of brake pads, lines, and rotors
- Suspension – Shocks, struts, ball joints, and steering components
- Tires – Tread depth, sidewall condition, and matching sizes
- Lights & Signals – Headlights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights
- Windshield & Wipers – Visibility, cracks, washer fluid functionality
- Seat Belts – Functionality, presence, and condition
- Steering Components – Steering wheel, column, and alignment
- Frame Integrity / Visible Rust – Any structural corrosion or frame issues
- Horn & Mirrors – Proper operation and visibility
Use this as your safety inspection checklist before your appointment.
What Happens If a Car Doesn’t Pass Safety?
If your car doesn’t pass, you’ll either receive a conditional pass (minor issues to fix) or a full fail (repairs needed before the car can be registered or driven).
Vehicles often fail for issues like:
- Frame damage or rusted-out floorboards
- Cracked windshields obstructing driver view
- Malfunctioning lights or signals
- Worn brakes or tires
You’ll be given a Vehicle Inspection Report listing what needs to be fixed. Once those issues are addressed, you can return for a re-inspection.
Book your repair with a certified Craftsman Collision shop near you. We’ll help you get it road-ready.
Auto Body Repairs That Might Be Required to Pass
Not all inspection failures are mechanical. Many involve the body of the vehicle, and that’s where we come in.
Here are a few common auto body issues that might cause a fail:
- Frame damage – Often caused by collisions. Your frame must be structurally sound to pass.
- Rust or corrosion – If rust compromises a structural area (like the rocker panel), it may fail.
- Cracked windshield – Especially if the crack is in the driver’s line of sight.
- Bumper, fender, or door damage – If damage causes sharp edges or interferes with vehicle operation.
At Craftsman Collision, our services include:
- Frame straightening
- Dent repair
- Rust repair and corrosion protection
- Windshield and glass replacement
- Auto painting and refinishing to match the original look
We also work with ICBC and private insurers to help streamline repairs after an accident.
How to Prepare Your Car for a Safety Inspection
Before booking your vehicle in for a safety inspection, there are a few simple checks you can do yourself to avoid surprises:
- Walk around your vehicle and inspect for visible rust or body damage
- Test all lights, including brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights
- Check your tires for bald spots or low pressure
- Ensure your horn works and windshield wipers function properly
- Top up washer fluid and make sure the reservoir sprays
If something’s obviously wrong, like a dead bulb or missing mirror, fix it first. You might save yourself the cost and hassle of a re-inspection.
Where to Get a Vehicle Inspection in BC
Inspections must be done by licensed private inspection facilities approved by the Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) branch of the BC government.
Many auto service centres offer inspections—BCAA is one option.
Craftsman Collision does not conduct inspections, but we specialize in vehicle inspection repairs. If you’ve already failed your inspection, we’re here to help with any bodywork, frame, or rust repairs needed to pass.
Craftsman Can Help If Your Car Doesn’t Pass
Craftsman Collision has been Western Canada’s leading collision repair provider for more than 40 years. If your car won’t pass safety due to body damage, structural issues, or a cracked windshield, we’ll get you back on track—fast.
Why choose Craftsman?
- ICBC-accredited and OEM-certified repairs
- Trusted by Canadian drivers since 1977
- Frame, rust, glass, and bumper repairs all under one roof
- Locations across BC to make things convenient
- Simple online booking for estimates and appointments
Request a free repair estimate or find a location near you to get started.
And once you pass your inspection, keep your car looking its best with a paint touch-up or dent repair—we’ve got you covered.
Final Tips
- Stay ahead of issues by regularly maintaining your vehicle.
- If your car has been in a collision, check for frame or rust damage before your inspection.
- Save time and stress by fixing obvious problems before booking your inspection.
Need help after a failed inspection? Craftsman Collision is ready when you are.
