What type of vehicles require a semi-annual inspection in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, school buses and mass transit vehicles that weigh over 17,000 lbs are required to undergo a semi-annual inspection. This regulation is in place due to the critical importance of maintaining safe and reliable transportation for students and the general public. These types of vehicles have higher safety standards and usage demands, which necessitates more frequent inspections to ensure they are operating safely on the roads.

While personal vehicles and trucks may also require inspections, the specifics regarding frequency and when they occur can differ significantly. For example, while all vehicles must be inspected annually, not all trucks or vehicles older than 10 years fall under the semi-annual requirement unless they meet certain weight criteria or belong to specific categories, like school or mass transit vehicles. Thus, the focus on school buses and mass transit indicates the heightened responsibility to ensure their operational safety due to the number of passengers they carry and their use in public services.