MONTPELIER — The revised Vermont Periodic Inspection Manual (PIM) has been adopted under the Administrative Procedures Act process and will go into effect on July 1. As part of ongoing modernization efforts to improve motorist convenience, DMV collaborated with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Vermont Automotive Dealer Association (VADA), independent dealers and inspection stations, and other relevant partners to review and update Vermont’s three Periodic Inspection Manuals.
“This is the latest effort at DMV to provide the public with clear information pertaining to the safe and lawful operation of motor vehicles,” said DMV Commissioner Wanda Minoli. “By collaborating with our key partners, we have been able to produce a single manual that aims to serve the traveling public more effectively.”
The main goals of the review were to remove items that are not critical to the safe operation of a motor vehicle; modernize, simplify, and clarify language; and educate motorists on the importance of the safety inspection process, the relevance of the inspection criteria, and Vermont motor vehicle laws.
The new manual organizes criteria into three categories: Pass, Reject, and Advisory. “Advisory” is designed to inform and/or educate the customer about a recommended repair or potential violation of law. An advisory result does not prohibit a customer from passing inspection. 
Numerous changes were made, and the three previous manuals have now been consolidated into a single comprehensive PIM. The new PIM can be downloaded from the DMV website at dmv.vermont.gov/document/periodic-inspection-manual.