Equipment, inspection and maintenance

Key points

1. Vehicles must be inspected within 15 days of registration unless they carry a valid Vermont sticker.

   Source: Handbook p. 59

   “All motor vehicles have to be inspected within 15 days of registration, unless bearing a valid Vermont inspection sticker.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 59

2. Safety belts and defrosters are required in 1964 and later models.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “Safety belts and defrosters are required in 1964 and later models.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 19

3. The parking brake must hold the vehicle in neutral on any grade, uphill or downhill.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “Emergency/parking brakes must be adequate to hold the vehicle in neutral on any grade on which it is operated, both with the vehicle headed uphill or downhill.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 19

4. Tires must have at least 2/32 inch of tread.

   Source: Handbook p. 60

   “Tires must have at least 2/32" of tread depth.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 60

5. The exhaust system must not leak; leaks can cause carbon monoxide poisoning or death.

   Source: Handbook p. 60

   “The exhaust system must not leak. Leaking exhausts have often caused carbon monoxide poisoning or death”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 60

6. The rear plate must be lit so it can be read at least 50 feet away.

   Source: Handbook p. 60

   “The back license plate must be lighted so it can be seen and read at least 50 feet from the back of the vehicle.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 60

7. Nothing may hang from the rearview mirror or sun visors.

   Source: Handbook p. 61

   “The law states there shall not be anything hanging from the rearview mirror or sun visors.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 61

8. You cannot smell carbon monoxide; drowsiness or nausea can be a sign of a leaking exhaust.

   Source: Handbook p. 60

   “You cannot smell carbon monoxide gas. If you become drowsy or nauseous, it could indicate carbon monoxide poisoning.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 60

9. Directional signals are required on vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1955.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “if manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1955, directional signals.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 19

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Vermont practice test

1. 1. What minimum tread depth does Vermont require on tires?

   1. At least 1/32 of an inch
   2. At least 2/32 of an inch
   3. At least 4/32 of an inch
   4. At least 6/32 of an inch
   Show answer

   At least 2/32 of an inch. Tires must have at least 2/32 inch of tread depth. That is the point where the built in wear bars become flush with the tread and the tire can no longer channel water away, which invites hydroplaning and long stops on wet roads. Check the depth on every tire, never combine different types of tires on the same vehicle, and keep pressure at the recommended level.

2. 2. Beginning with which model year does Vermont require safety belts and defrosters?

   1. 1964 and later models
   2. 1975 and later
   3. 1955 and later
   4. Every model year
   Show answer

   1964 and later models. Safety belts and defrosters are required in 1964 and later models under Vermont's equipment rules, while directional signals are required on vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1955. The model year cutoffs match when the equipment became standard, so genuine antiques are not forced to retrofit. Any vehicle that has belts must have them working, and all occupants must use them.

3. 3. What does Vermont law say about items hanging from the rearview mirror or sun visors?

   1. Nothing may hang from the rearview mirror or sun visors
   2. Only air fresheners are allowed
   3. Items are allowed if they do not block the windshield
   4. Small items are allowed
   Show answer

   Nothing may hang from the rearview mirror or sun visors. The law states there shall not be anything hanging from the rearview mirror or sun visors. Even a small dangling object swings into your line of sight and draws your eyes off the road. Vermont also requires a working rearview mirror and horn, and the windshield must be free of cracks and obstructions. Keep decorations and parking tags out of the view area.

Source: the Vermont Driver's Manual, Chapter 9: Vehicle Ownership. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.