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Motor Vehicle Inspection Program

In Prince Edward Island, an annual motor vehicle safety inspection is required on all motor vehicles and trailers (with gross mass over 450 kilograms) registered in the Province and operating on the highway. All commercial vehicles over 4,500 kg must also have a valid inspection. All buses must be inspected at least once every six months.

Read the Motor Vehicle Inspection Regulations

• Catalytic converters must be present on all private passenger vehicles and light trucks manufactured after 1989.


• Daytime running lights must be present and operational on all vehicles manufactured after 1989.


• The Highway Traffic Act prohibits after-market window tint beside or in front of the driver of any motor vehicle registered in the province and operated on the highway.


• The maximum allowable vehicle height increase for any modified vehicle is limited to ten (10) centimetres or four (4) inches of lift, regardless of whether it is body lift, suspension lift or increased tire size.


• Hard-tail motorcycles must be approved and certified by an engineer with automotive expertise before registering for highway operation in the province.
• Any vehicle modification that changes the original intended operation of mass of any motor vehicle must first receive the approval and certification of an engineer with automotive expertise before registering for highway operation in the province.

Motor Vehicle Inspection Shops and Mechanics

The motor vehicle inspection program is delivered by provincially licensed technicians employed at provincially licensed private repair shops throughout the province.

In the case of light trucks, vans, taxis and private passenger vehicles, the technicians ensure that vehicles are in compliance with standards and requirements mandated in the Official Inspection Station Manual.

In the case of commercial vehicles with gross mass over 4,500 kilograms, including trucks, truck-tractors, trailers and buses, the technicians ensure vehicles comply with requirements mandated in the newest version of National Safety Code, Standard 11 (Periodic Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspections). This document is available for purchase from the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators.

Motor Vehicle Inspection Fees

Motor vehicles including passenger cars, taxicabs, station wagons and any truck, bus or motor home having a singe rear axle designed for two wheels - $24.00

Trailers and semi-trailers not equipped with brakes - $18.00

Motorcycles - $24.00

Reinspection (if repair work not done by station that conducted the original inspection) - $12.00

Commercial Vehicle Inspection Fees

The fee charged is calculated by using the advertised hourly shop labour rate charged by the motor vehicle inspection station multiplied by the maximum allowable shop time.

Trucks, buses and motor homes equipped with hydraulic brakes and having one or two rear axles, each designed for four wheels. Maximum allowable shop time is 90 minutes.

Trailers or semi-trailers equipped with electric or hydraulic brakes. Maximum allowable shop time is 45 minutes.

Trucks, buses or motor homes equipped with air brakes and having a single rear axle designed for four wheels or two rear axles. Maximum allowable shop time is 90 minutes.

Trailers or semi-trailers or A, B or C trailer dollies equipped with air brakes. Maximum allowable shop time is 60 minutes.

Farm trucks. Maximum allowable shop time is 45 minutes.

Commercial vehicle inspection includes a compulsary brake component measurement of drum diameter/lining thickness that must be recorded and documented at least once every twenty-four (24) months.

The complete list of motor vehicle inspection fees can be found in the Fees Regulations.

The Highway Safety Division manages the Motor Vehicle Inspection Program and responds to questions/complaints, as well as monitoring the day to day program delivery. Motor vehicle inspection officers of the division are responsible to:

• liaise with inspection station owners and mechanics,


• conduct information seminars,


• investigate motor vehicle inspection complaints,


• evaluate and certify mechanics and stations,


• update inspection criteria and materials, and


• monitor station performance.

Roadside Inspections

Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers conduct roadside inspections on commercial vehicles at several locations throughout the province as well as the scale facilities. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal employs officers that are certified to conduct Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance inspections, ensuring that drivers and vehicles are in compliance with all mandatory requirements.

For more information, visit the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA).