Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

When can law enforcement stop someone for an expired inspection?

1. Immediately upon expiration

2. Two months after the expiration date

3. Four months after the expiration date

4. Six months after the expiration date

The correct answer is: Four months after the expiration date

The correct answer is that law enforcement can stop someone for an expired inspection four months after the expiration date. This timeframe recognizes that while drivers should maintain valid vehicle inspections at all times, there is an understanding that enforcement may reasonably take place within a specified period following expiration. This period often reflects administrative considerations where law enforcement can address minor infractions without generating excessive citations for very recent violations, considering factors such as increased inspection processing times, and allowing grace for vehicle owners to rectify situations. Longer periods after expiration may not generally provoke a stop; enforcement is typically designed to focus on more serious traffic violations or to ensure that vehicles are safe for public road use without significant delay. Stops immediately upon expiration or within shorter windows might overload the system with minor infractions that do not substantially impact public safety, hence the delineation of a reasonable timeframe of four months before actively pursuing enforcement for expired inspections.