Can You Pass Inspection With ABS Light On?

Although the ABS or anti-lock braking system is a great safety feature, an illuminated ABS light can cause a lot of hassles for you. When your vehicle’s annual inspection day comes closer and you can’t find a way to fix the ABS light, it becomes a matter of concern.

So, can you pass inspection with the ABS light on? No. You can’t pass the annual DOT inspection with an illuminated ABS light in most states. It’s considered a major safety feature, so you won’t pass the test without fixing the ABS warning light. However, some states will only give you a pass if your other brake components work well.

Let’s dive into the details and find out whether your vehicle can pass the yearly inspection with the ABS warning light on.

Will the ABS Light On Fail a Car Inspection?

Whether or not your vehicle will pass inspection with the ABS light on depends on the state you live in. In some states, such as New York and California, an illuminated ABS light will cause your vehicle to fail the safety inspection.

However, states like Virginia and Pennsylvania will let your vehicle pass with an illuminated ABS light.

Here, your vehicle’s brakes and other safety features must be functioning. Also, it must pass the Safety Inspection Standards to pass the yearly inspection.

In Which States Can You Pass Inspection with ABS Light On?

When it comes to vehicle inspection, each jurisdiction sets its own rules and standards. So, the inspection requirements can vary significantly depending on the country, state, or even city. Below are a number of states where your vehicle will pass the inspection even with the ABS warning light on:

Maryland
Massachusetts

North Carolina
Pennsylvania
Virginia

Utah
Wisconsin

How to Prepare for An Annual Inspection?

Based on the information provided by the Department of Motor Vehicles or DMV, all the working parts of your vehicle must be functioning to pass the inspection.

Here, you need to understand that the process of inspection isn’t the same for all states. For example, you don’t need to do an emission inspection in Alaska, Arkansas, and Iowa.

Whereas, according to the North Carolina laws, emission inspection is a must. However, in most cases, the vehicle parts that will be checked during the inspection include:

Brakes

Lights
Tires
Windshield and windshield wipers

Mirrors and seat belts
Suspension and steering

So, here are some tips to prepare your vehicle so that you can smoothly pass the inspection-

First things first, do a visual inspection of your vehicle by yourself. Check the tires, lights, windshield, mirrors, and any other exterior parts for damage.
Make sure the oil, brake fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid are all at the proper levels.
Test the brakes to see if they are working properly and ensure no brake fluid leaks.

Properly inflate all your car tires and replace them if you notice any uneven tread wear.
Make sure all of the lights of your vehicle are working properly, including the headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights.
Check if your car wipers and horns are functional and the wiper blades aren’t worn out.

Ensure that the seat belts are in good condition and not cracked or frayed.

Read: Fixing Ford Ranger ABS Light On: Common Causes And Reset Solutions.

How Do I Turn Off My ABS Light?

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) of your vehicle depends on several working components to function properly. Wheel speed sensors, wiring harness, ABS control module, ABS Relay, etc., are some key components of the system.

When any of these components are damaged, the ABS light will turn on.

To turn it off, first, you must locate the faulty part and repair or replace it as necessary. Here are some easy fixes to try if your vehicle’s ABS light is coming on:

Replace the ABS Wheel Sensors

In most cases, dirty or damaged wheels or ABS sensors are the root cause of an illuminated ABS light. All four wheels of a regular vehicle feature ABS sensors that measure the wheel’s rotational speed. The collected data is sent to the control module in the form of an electric signal.

So, when the sensors get dirty or damaged, the system fails to provide correct data, causing the ABS light to turn on.

Remove the Blown ABS Fuse and Relay

Similar to other electric systems of your vehicle, the ABS also depends on several fuses and a relay. Due to electric overflow and mechanical damage, the fuses and ABS relay can blow out. As a result, the ABS light will be triggered.

Reset or Replace the ABS Module

Your vehicle’s ABS module controls the overall ABS operation based on the data provided by the ABS components. Therefore, when the module fails, the system loses its coordination, which triggers the ABS light. If you’re lucky, a reset will fix the warning light issue.

Top Off Your Brake Fluid Reservoir

If the brake fluid level of your vehicle is low, the ABS control module recognizes this as a potential risk and triggers the warning light. You can easily fix this issue just by topping off your brake fluid reservoir. However, if there’s any leak or damage, you must get it fixed by a professional.

Read: Toyota Tacoma ABS Light On: Causes And How To Turn Off?

Clear the Error Codes

When your vehicle’s computer detects something wrong with the ABS, it generates trouble codes and triggers the ABS light. As these codes are stored in the system’s memory, you need to clear them to get rid of the warning light. Typically, you’ll need help from a professional mechanic to clear the codes.

If you’re uncertain about passing a vehicle inspection with your ABS light illuminated, our article on Subaru Forester ABS light on concerns might provide insights relevant to your situation. Additionally, if you’re facing issues with the right turn signal and brake light on a trailer, our guide on right turn signal and brake light not working on trailer problems is here to offer assistance. We understand the importance of vehicle safety and compliance, and our comprehensive resources are aimed at helping you navigate and resolve any challenges you may encounter.

FAQs

Do you want to know a little more? Have your eyes on this section

Q: Is it safe to travel with ABS light on?

As long as your brakes are working well, it’s safe to travel with the ABS light on. However, the ABS light might indicate a more critical issue with the system. So, we recommend addressing the ABS light issue first before you travel.

Q: Can you pass an inspection with ABS light on in Texas?

Yes, you can pass the annual inspection in Texas even with an illuminated ABS light. According to Texas laws, only an ABS light will not be a cause of rejection.

Q: How long will the ABS light stay on?

It depends on the type of issue that causes the ABS light. In some cases, the light goes out after 2 to 4 seconds. If the issue is more serious with a major ABS component, the light won’t go out until you fix the vehicle as needed.

Final Thoughts

While considering whether can you pass the inspection with the ABS light on, you must understand that the law varies from state to state. Most States recognize the ABS light as a cause of rejection.

However, you must check out the laws of your state as some would still give it a pass. To get rid of the ABS light, try replacing the wheel sensors or removing the blown fuse and relay. If the issue persists, you might have to replace the control module, top off the brake fluid reservoir, or clear the error codes.