What constitutes a ‘major violation’ in terms of inspection criteria?

A ‘major violation’ in vehicle inspection criteria typically refers to issues that significantly compromise the vehicle's operational safety and could pose risks to the driver, passengers, or others on the road. When it comes to safety-critical components like brakes or lights, their proper functioning is paramount for safe vehicle operation.

When brakes are not working correctly, the vehicle may not be able to stop as needed, leading to increased risks of accidents. Similarly, malfunctioning lights can impair visibility during night driving or in adverse weather conditions, which is also a major safety concern. Thus, any failures or malfunctions in these key areas are categorized as major violations because they directly impact the vehicle’s safety performance.

In contrast, cosmetic issues, problems with paint, or expired registration do not directly affect the vehicle’s ability to operate safely. While these conditions may be indicative of neglect or could lead to other problems over time, they do not present an immediate danger to the vehicle's operation or the safety of its occupants. Therefore, the identification of issues that severely affect vehicle safety is what defines a major violation.