Serious Question - where do I get vehicle registration stickers that go on the windshield?

Submitted by HelloEverybody94 t3_ysal30 in Pennsylvania

This is my first time renewing my registration online in PA. On the penndot website it says a registration card will no longer be mailed to me, and to just print the registration document I get after renewing online. So I did that, and now I keep the printed document in my glove compartment, but I got ticketed 2 days in a row for expired inspection (I never removed my old stickers).

So I'm asking where can I go to get registration stickers since they're no longer being mailed? Unless I'm supposed to display the document I printed on my windshield? That just seems odd.

Appreciate any serious answers I receive.

https://i.imgur.com/vlswHVR.jpg

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SquintyB t1_ivy0i4q wrote

The windshield stickers are for inspection. Just print the registration paper out and stick it in your glove box or elsewhere in the car. We used to have stickers that went on the license plate, they were color coded and had the year. Those stickers are what they no longer mail.

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--Cr1imsoN-- t1_ivy10l0 wrote

The vehicle registration differs from the vehicle inspection sticker. The vehicle registration is just that. A registration of your vehicle with PennDot. The inspection sticker is proof that your vehicle is following the state equipment safety regulations (i.e. it's operable).

The PennDot Notification on the website is referring to how PennDot used to mail your vehicle registration to you and you used to get a sticker that you would put on your license plate to show that the vehicle was registered. But they don't do that anymore and all you need is to have a copy of your vehicle registration.

The inspection sticker is different though. You need to schedule a vehicle safety and emissions inspection with a mechanic. The cost can vary. Some places will do it for $30. Larger mechanic franchises and the dealer may change upwards to $80. The real issue is that if your car has safety or emissions infractions then you'll have to pay for the repairs until you can receive your inspection sticker. Those can be costly depending on what they are. For example, I just had my inspection and needed to get new brake pads. The dealer tried to charge me $500 for them, but a smaller shop did it for $200.

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AnotherDaveFella t1_ivy2n9n wrote

Some counties in PA require an extra emissions inspection scam in addition to the regular inspection as well. Make sure to get that taken care of if needed.

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phasechanges t1_ivy4hyg wrote

Good info here, and a couple of other notes that might help you understand this mess....

  • The registration and the inspection dates are completely independent of each other. If you buy a new car in PA the inspection will expire the same time as the registration, but any other circumstances you have to keep track of that separately. You don't get any kind of reminder of the inspection due date.
  • In addition to the registration you'll also have to have proof of insurance for the inspection.
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IWantAStorm t1_ivy4yhu wrote

If you're new to the state you can bring documentation (since it will be dated) to attempt to fight at least one of the tickets.

Generally, a reasonable judge will let one slide. It's the burden of the citizen to learn the ropes but two tickets in two days is excessive if no one is informing you what needs to be done.

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Dredly t1_ivy8e3j wrote

Replying to HelloEverybody94 (#500,780)

You can only get inspection stickers from an licensed mechanic after they look over your vehicle.

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there are lots of chain garages that will do an inspection while you wait. Most inspection stickers are "Fix it and prove it" where you have X days to get it done and they will drop the ticket.

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citsonga_cixelsyd t1_ivyfbeh wrote

Once you print out your registration card make sure that you sign it before you toss it into your glove box. Otherwise, it's technically a violation

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CARLEtheCamry t1_ivymuka wrote

Replying to Dredly (#501,209)

To expand on this for OP : most if not all inspection mechanics will fix an issue that would cause a fail - for example, tires without adequate tread, worn out brake pads, etc - without charging for reinspection. It's a main way that they get work.

A lot of people hate the safety inspections and think they are a scam. I won't deny that untrustworthy mechanics exist, who charge for repairs that aren't actually needed. I myself had a bad experience with a chain (PepBoys to name and shame). Suggest you find a reputable independent shop near you. Ask your neighbors, friends, or even your local subreddit will probably have recommendations if you ask.

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Dredly t1_ivys5h1 wrote

Replying to CARLEtheCamry (#502,011)

My favorite reason I failed ever... my left fog light didn't work... ended up costing several hundred dollars to fix as it ended up being a loose connection somewhere that required a ton of tracing and taking shit apart

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are fog lights required equipment? nope... but according to the Inspection rules if a vehicle ships with it, it must work, so they failed me and basically held my vehicle hostage as it was out of inspection until they fixed it.

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CARLEtheCamry t1_ivyspap wrote

Replying to Dredly (#502,284)

Yeah, YMMV with shops. My mechanic would have let it slide, especially if it wasn't something as simple as a bulb. Cops would probably pull you over fishing for a DUI if they saw it out, too.

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pa_bourbon t1_iw161wi wrote

Replying to IWantAStorm (#501,010)

If you are transferring registration into PA from out of state, you have 7 days from the time the vehicle is registered in PA to get the inspection. You have to do the registration first - they need it to do the inspection.

OP said “renewing registration” though, so this likely doesn’t apply.

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