Looking for IDOT Safety Lane Inspections?
Bockman’s Auto, Truck & Tire makes it a one-stop shop to not only get your safety inspection but also take care of any maintenance your vehicle needs.
The Illinois Vehicle Inspection Law is administered and regulated by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety. Inspections are conducted at Illinois Official Testing Stations, which are privately owned businesses that serve as agents of the State of Illinois.
Mandatory Inspection Program
Bockman’s Auto, Truck & Tire is the only certified Inspection Lane in DeKalb County.
Bockman’s Auto, Truck & Tire
112 Industrial Drive DeKalb, IL 60115
815.754.4200
Intrastate vehicles subject to the law include:
- Vehicles registered for a gross weight of more than 8,000 pounds;
- Vehicles which pull a trailer with a gross weight or registered gross weight of more than 8,000 pounds;
- Trailers with a gross weight of more than 5,000 pounds;
- Motor buses (includes religious organization buses, buses registered as charitable vehicles, senior citizen transport buses, and school buses);
- Medical transport vehicles (includes ambulances, rescue vehicles, and medical carriers);
- Tow trucks;
- Contract carriers transporting employees in the course of their employment in a vehicle designed to carry 15 or fewer passengers; and
- First division vehicles which are used for a purpose that requires a school bus driver permit.
Vehicles subject to the law must be inspected every six months.
Truck-tractors, semitrailers, and property-carrying vehicles registered for a gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds but less than 26,001 pounds must be inspected at least once every 12 months.
School buses and first division vehicles that are used for a purpose that requires a school bus driver permit must be inspected every six months or 10,000 miles whichever occurs first and must provide a brake inspection sheet at the time of the test.
For trucks, truck tractors, trailers, semi-trailers, and buses (except school buses, religious organization buses, buses registered as charitable vehicles, buses designed to transport 11-15 persons and senior citizen transport buses), the inspection shall be conducted in accordance with Appendix G to Part 396 procedures. Required safety equipment (e.g., emergency warning devices and fire extinguisher) is subject to inspection during an Appendix G inspection.
For all other vehicles, the safety inspection includes the testing of brakes, lights, horn, reflectors, rear vision mirrors, exhaust system, safety chains, window glass, frame, axles, wheels, tires, steering, and suspension.
Intrastate vehicles subject to the law include:
- Vehicles registered for a gross weight of more than 8,000 pounds;
- Vehicles which pull a trailer with a gross weight or registered gross weight of more than 8,000 pounds;
- Trailers with a gross weight of more than 5,000 pounds;
- Motor buses (includes religious organization buses, buses registered as charitable vehicles, senior citizen transport buses, and school buses);
- Medical transport vehicles (includes ambulances, rescue vehicles, and medical carriers);
- Tow trucks;
- Contract carriers transporting employees in the course of their employment in a vehicle designed to carry 15 or fewer passengers; and
- First division vehicles which are used for a purpose that requires a school bus driver permit.
Vehicles subject to the law must be inspected every six months.
Truck-tractors, semitrailers, and property-carrying vehicles registered for a gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds but less than 26,001 pounds must be inspected at least once every 12 months.
School buses and first division vehicles that are used for a purpose that requires a school bus driver permit must be inspected every six months or 10,000 miles whichever occurs first and must provide a brake inspection sheet at the time of the test.
For trucks, truck tractors, trailers, semi-trailers, and buses (except school buses, religious organization buses, buses registered as charitable vehicles, buses designed to transport 11-15 persons and senior citizen transport buses), the inspection shall be conducted in accordance with Appendix G to Part 396 procedures. Required safety equipment (e.g., emergency warning devices and fire extinguisher) is subject to inspection during an Appendix G inspection.
For all other vehicles, the safety inspection includes the testing of brakes, lights, horn, reflectors, rear vision mirrors, exhaust system, safety chains, window glass, frame, axles, wheels, tires, steering, and suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Simply drive in during our test lane hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 11:45 AM (last test) and 1:00 PM to 4:45 PM (last test). The test lane is closed from noon to 1:00 PM for lunch. Closed Saturdays and Sundays.
Most inspections are completed in 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the vehicle type and inspection required. Wait times are typically short, and we work efficiently to get you in and out.
The Test Lane is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 11:45 AM (last test) and 1:00 PM to 4:45 PM (last test). The test lane is closed from noon to 1:00 PM for lunch. Closed Saturdays and Sundays.
Bring your vehicle registration and any previous inspection documentation. The vehicle should be in safe working condition for inspection, including working lights, properly inflated tires, and functional brakes.
If your vehicle fails, you will receive a detailed report outlining the issues that need to be addressed. Once repairs are made, you can return for a re-inspection. We offer free re-inspections within 30 calendar days of the original failed inspection.
Yes, the inspection fee applies whether the vehicle passes or fails. However, we offer a free re-inspection within 30 calendar days once the necessary repairs have been completed.
It depends on your vehicle type. Most commercial vehicles over 10,001 lbs. require a 6-month inspection. Trucks and truck tractors between 10,001 and 26,000 lbs. typically require a 12-month inspection. School buses require inspections every 6 months. Trailers with a GVW of 5,001 lbs. or more also require inspections. Contact us if you are unsure about your vehicle’s requirements.