4035 Old Dominion Dr, Arlington, VA Mon–Sat 7 AM – 7 PM
★ 4.9 · 60 Google Reviews Get Directions
Inspections

Virginia State Safety Inspection in Arlington

Your Virginia State Safety Inspection, done right the first time. TAB Motors is an official inspection station on Old Dominion Dr in Arlington, most cars are in and out the same day.

Every vehicle registered in Virginia needs a valid state safety inspection sticker, and TAB Motors on Old Dominion Dr is an official inspection station right here in Arlington. Our certified inspectors run the full Virginia State Police checklist, brakes, steering and suspension, tires, lights, wipers, horn, mirrors, seat belts, and exhaust, and give you a straight answer on what passes and what doesn't.

What a Virginia safety inspection covers

The inspection is about one thing: is the car safe to be on the road. Our technicians check the items the Commonwealth requires and document each one:

  • Brake pads, rotors, lines and parking brake operation
  • Steering, ball joints, tie rods and suspension play
  • Tire tread depth, sidewall condition and matching
  • Headlights, brake lights, turn signals and markers
  • Wipers, washer, horn, mirrors and windshield condition
  • Seat belts, fuel system integrity and exhaust security

Honest results, no manufactured failures

Plenty of Arlington drivers worry an inspection is a sales pitch in disguise. It isn't here. If your car passes, you get the sticker and you're on your way. If something fails, we show you the actual worn or broken part, explain why it's a safety issue, and give you an upfront price to fix it, you're never pressured, and you're free to take the repair elsewhere. That "honest diagnostics, quality work, and fair pricing" is exactly what our reviews keep pointing to.

Inspection + repair in one stop

Because we're a full-service shop, anything that fails inspection can usually be corrected the same day, a brake repair, a suspension or steering part, a burned-out bulb, or a fresh set of tires. You don't have to drive to a second shop and come back. Need your emissions done too? We handle Virginia emissions inspection as well, so both requirements are covered in one visit.

When is my sticker due?

Your Virginia inspection sticker shows the month it expires in the center and the year around the edge; it's due by the end of that month. Driving on an expired sticker is a ticketable offense in Arlington and across Northern Virginia, so if yours is close, swing by or call (703) 243-3080 and we'll get you in.

FAQ

VA State Inspection questions.

Most passenger vehicles are done while you wait, typically under an hour when we're not backed up. Call ahead at (703) 243-3080 and we'll tell you the best time to come in.

Virginia sets the maximum inspection fee, so it's a small, fixed cost. We charge the standard state rate, call for the current amount.

You get a rejection sticker and 15 days to repair the failed items. We'll show you exactly what failed and can usually fix it the same day so you leave with a passing sticker.

Walk-ins are welcome for inspections, but calling ahead means less waiting. Mornings are usually the quickest.

Yes. Arlington is in the Northern Virginia emissions region, and we handle both the safety inspection and the emissions test in one visit.

Your neighborhood shop

Honest repairs, fair prices.

Virginia inspection, oil, brakes, tires and more on Old Dominion Dr. Free air, free coffee, and a straight answer every time.

Call (703) 243-3080
Call Shop Directions