Section 451.10  Purpose and Scope

 

This Part prescribes the requirements of the Illinois Department of Transportation governing:

 

a)         The implementation of Article VIII, the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law [625 ILCS 5/12-800 et seq.];

 

b)         The implementation of the Illinois Vehicle Inspection Law [625 ILCS 5/13-100 et seq.]; and

 

c)         The administrative requirements necessary to operate an Illinois Official Testing Station (OTS) and Official Mobile Safety Testing Company (OMSTC).

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 15244, effective November 13, 2025)

 

Section 451.15  Definitions

 

"Administrative Hearing" – Proceedings set forth in 92 Ill. Adm. Code 450, Commercial Vehicle Safety Section Hearings.

 

"Appendix G" Inspection – Testing procedures established by US DOT in 49 CFR, Ch. III, Subchapter B – Minimum Periodic Inspection Requirements.

 

"Applicant" – Any individual owner, partner, authorized agent of a corporation, or lessee applying for an Official Testing Station or Official Mobile Safety Testing Company Permit.

 

"Authorized Brake Testing Device or Devices" or "ABTD" − Any brake testing device approved by the Department for use in OTSs.

 

"Axle" − The shaft that connects a pair of wheels and on which those wheels rotate.

 

"Body" – Portion of the vehicle that encloses the occupant and cargo spaces and separates those spaces from the chassis frame, engine compartment, driveline, and other chassis components, except certain chassis controls used by the driver.

 

"Bump Rail" – The rail that surrounds a trailer at floor or load height.

 

"Bus" – Every motor vehicle, other than a commuter van, designed for carrying more than ten persons. (Section 1-107 of IVC)

 

"Certificate of Safety" or "COS" – The authorized visible symbol furnished by the Department to an Official Testing Station or Official Mobile Safety Testing Company which is to be directly affixed by a Certified Safety Tester to a vehicle which meets the minimum prescribed safety standards established by the Department.

 

"Certified Safety Tester" or "CST" – An individual who has passed a written exam, proficiency exam, and has demonstrated proficiency in the operation of authorized safety test equipment (if applicable) and has been issued evidence and authority by the Department.

 

"Certified Safety Tester Certificate" – Evidence issued by the Department to a Certified Safety Tester granting the individual named thereon the privilege and authority to test vehicles.

 

"Chassis" – Every frame or supportive element of a vehicle whether or not a manufacturer's identification number, serial number, or other identifying numbers are present on said part.  (Section 1-111.1b of IVC)

 

"Citation" or "Complaint" – A formal statement charging that an act of commission or omission constituting a violation of this Part was committed by a Station Owner or CST.  The citation or complaint will also contain an official summons to appear or otherwise plead, as well as a statement of the penalties sought by the Department.

 

"Code" or "IVC" – The Illinois Vehicle Code [625 ILCS 5].

 

"Department" – The Department of Transportation of the State of Illinois, acting directly or through its authorized officers and agents.  (Section 1-115.05 of IVC)

 

"Driver Education Training Vehicle" − Any vehicle used in the preparation of an applicant for examination given by the Secretary of State for a driver's license or a driver's license permit.  Driver Education Training Vehicles are operated by commercial driver training schools and public school districts.

 

"Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration" or "FMCSA" − The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, an agency within the United States Department of Transportation.

 

"Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards" or "FMVSS" – The rules, regulations and standards set forth in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 571.

 

"Illinois Vehicle Inspection Law" – 625 ILCS 5/13-100.14 through 13-117.

 

"Inspector" − An employee of the Department authorized by Section 13-107 of IVC to inspect and investigate applicants for official testing station permits and investigate and report violations at Official Testing Stations and Official Mobile Safety Testing Companies.  (See Section 13-107 of IVC.)

 

"Lane" – An area clearly defined by perimeter lines within the building of an Official Testing Station within which all authorized safety test equipment and ABTD is installed or located and within which all special category and school bus safety tests and retests shall be conducted.

 

"Manufacturer" –means the company's name that follows "MANUFACTURED BY" or "MFD BY" on the federal certification label.

 

"Medical Transport Vehicle" − Includes ambulances, medical carriers, and rescue vehicles.  (Section 1-142.2 of IVC)

 

"Motorcoach" − A bus characterized by an elevated passenger deck located over a baggage compartment but does not include:

 

a bus used in public transportation provided by, or on behalf of, a public transportation agency; or

 

a school bus, including a multifunction school activity bus.  (See Section 32702 of the Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2012 (MAP-21).)

 

"Multifunction School Activity Bus" or "MFSAB" − A school bus manufactured for the purpose of transporting 11 or more persons, including the driver, whose purposes do not include transporting students to and from home or school bus stops.  A MFSAB is prohibited from meeting the special requirements for school buses in Sections 12-801, 12-803, and 12-805 and subsection (a) of Section 12-802 of IVC.  (IVC Section 1-148.3a5)

 

"Official Mobile Safety Testing Company" or "OMSTC" – A safety testing company permitted by the Department to test trucks, truck tractors, trailers, semi-trailers, and buses engaged in interstate commerce as defined in Section 1-133 of IVC.  The safety tests shall be conducted in accordance with the Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards promulgated by the Federal Highway Administration of the United States Department of Transportation and contained in Appendix G to Subchapter III of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

 

"Official Testing Station" or "OTS" – The physical building and property that houses the lane or lanes, any ABTD (if required), and any additional equipment and supplies required to safety test vehicles.  Stations are classified as either public or private.  Public stations are open to the public to safety test vehicles subject to the Illinois Vehicle Inspection Law or permitted to be safety tested by the FMCSA.  Private stations are owned and operated by private companies for the purpose of safety testing vehicles that are owned or operated by the company.  Private stations are not open to the public and are classified as "I" (Independent) stations.

 

"Official Testing Station Permit" and "Official Mobile Safety Testing Company Permit" or "Permit" – Evidence issued by the Department granting the owner named thereon the privilege of serving as an agent of the State of Illinois within the limitations set forth in Section 13-103 of the IVC and this Part.

 

"Owner" – An individual, partner, authorized agent of a corporation, lessee, or other person in whose name an Official Testing Station or Official Mobile Safety Testing Company Permit has been issued.  Such person or persons shall be responsible for the lawful operation of the OTS' or OMSTC's safety test program.  Owners can designate an employee to assume the responsibilities required of the owner in this Part and that employee is included in this definition.

 

"Part" – The regulations contained in this document which are located at 92 Ill. Adm. Code 451.

 

"Passenger" – Every occupant of the vehicle who is not the driver.

 

"Rebuilt Vehicle" – A vehicle for which a salvage certificate has been issued and which subsequently has been put back into its original or operating condition by a licensed rebuilder and which has met all the requirements of a salvage vehicle inspection.  (Section 1-168.1 of the IVC)

 

"Rejected Vehicle" – A vehicle that failed to pass the safety test and was not issued a COS.

 

"Safety Test" – The inspection of a vehicle at an Illinois Official Testing Station or Official Mobile Safety Testing Company as required by the Illinois Vehicle Inspection Law or permitted by the FMCSA.

 

"School Bus" –

 

Every motor vehicle, except as provided below, owned or operated by or for any of the following entities for the transportation of persons regularly enrolled as students in grade 12 or below in connection with any activity of such entity:    

 

Any public or private primary or secondary school;

 

Any primary or secondary school operated by a religious institution; or

 

Any public, private or religious nursery school.

 

This definition shall not include the following:

 

A bus operated by a public utility, municipal corporation or common carrier authorized to conduct local or interurban transportation of passengers when such bus is not traveling a specific school bus route but is:

 

On a regularly scheduled route for the transportation of other fare paying passengers;

 

Furnishing charter service for the transportation of groups on field trips or other special trips or in connection with other special events; or

 

Being used for shuttle service between attendance centers or other educational facilities.

 

A motor vehicle of the first division.  (Section 1-182 of the Code)

 

A multifunction school-activity bus.  (Section 1-182 of the Code)

 

"Second Division Vehicle" – See "Vehicle".

 

"Secretary" – The Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation.

 

"Special Vehicle" – Vehicles described in 92 Ill. Adm. Code 438.10.

 

"Supplies" – All items issued to an OTS or OMSTC by the Department.  All supplies remain the property of the Department.

 

"Vehicle" –

 

First Division:  Those motor vehicles which are designed for the carrying of not more than ten persons.

 

Second Division:  Those vehicles which are designed for carrying more than ten persons, those designed or used for living quarters and those vehicles which are designed for pulling or carrying property, freight or cargo, those motor vehicles of the First Division remodeled for use and used as motor vehicles of the Second Division, and those motor vehicles of the First Division used and registered as school buses. (Section 1-217 of the IVC)

 

"Vehicle Inspection Report" or "VIR" − The form completed by a CST documenting safety test results through procedures prescribed by the Department.

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 15244, effective November 13, 2025)

 

Section 451.20  Application

 

a)         This Part applies to owners and employees of official testing stations and official mobile safety testing companies.

 

b)         This Part applies to the following vehicles:

 

1)         Second division vehicles (unless exempted by Sections 13-101 or 13-114 of the IVC;

 

2)         Second division motor vehicles that pull or draw trailers, semitrailers or pole trailers which have a gross weight or registered gross weight of more than 10,000 lbs.; and

 

3)         Special vehicles.

 

c)         The FMCSA recognizes that an Appendix G inspection, as defined at Section 451.14, meets the federal annual inspection requirements of 49 CFR 396.17, periodic inspection.  (See 49 CFR 396.23, Equivalent to periodic inspection.)  Interstate carriers of property registered in any state, including Illinois, can choose to obtain their annual interstate inspection at a station.  Interstate carriers of passengers registered in Illinois are required to be inspected both semi-annually under the Illinois Vehicle Inspection Law (see Section 13-114 of IVC) and annually as prescribed by the FMCSA.

 

d)         The Department's inspection program consists of different types of inspections performed by either Public or Private OTSs and OMSTCs.  The type of inspection performed is dependent upon the type of vehicle being tested.  The different types of inspections are:  school bus, special vehicle, MFSABs manufactured on or after July 1, 2012 and operated by schools K-12, special and Appendix G.

 

1)         For school bus, special vehicle, and MFSABs manufactured on or after July 1, 2012 and operated by K-12 schools, inspections require the use of an ABTD.  OMSTCs shall not be permitted to perform safety tests on vehicle listed in 451.20 (d)(1).

 

2)         Public OTSs are required to safety test all vehicles presented at a OTS for a safety test as required by the Illinois Vehicle Inspection Law or permitted by the FMCSA (prior authorization is required to perform school bus inspections).

 

3)         Public OMSTCs shall only perform safety tests of vehicles at the vehicle owners place of business.  The safety tests performed shall be in accordance with Appendix G inspection standards on only the following vehicle types: Trucks, truck tractors, trailers, semi trailers, and buses engaged in interstate commerce.

 

4)         All safety tests required by the Illinois Vehicle Inspection Law shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of this Part.  All safety tests performed on vehicles subject to the Illinois Vehicle Inspection Law shall be recorded in accordance with Department policy.  All vehicles subject to the Illinois Vehicle Inspection Law that meet or exceed the inspection criteria shall be issued an Illinois COS (i.e., truck, trailer, school bus, or rebuilt).

 

5)         Private OTSs or OMSTCs that perform only Appendix G Inspections, as defined in Section 451.15, are not required to be equipped with an ABTD. Private OTSs are required to perform inspections at the location listed on the permit.  Private OMSTCs are required to perform inspections at the location operated by the permitted owner and where vehicles owned or leased by the permitted owner are housed.

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 15244, effective November 13, 2025)

 

Section 451.25  Incorporation by Reference of Federal Regulations

 

The Department incorporates by reference Appendix G to 49 CFR Chapter III, Subchapter B as it was in effect on October 1, 2020.  No later amendments to or editions of Appendix G are incorporated. Copies of Appendix G may be obtained from the Department or through the Government Publishing Office's website at http://www.ecfr.gov.

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 15244, effective November 13, 2025)

 

Section 451.30  Standards of Construction (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 49 Ill. Reg. 15244, effective November 13, 2025)

 

Section 451.40  Contact Information

 

All business and correspondence pertaining to the operation of an Official Testing Station, Official Mobile Safety Testing Company, and vehicle inspections shall be addressed to:

 

Illinois Department of Transportation

Bureau of Investigations and Compliance

Commercial Vehicle Safety Section

3215 Executive Park Drive

Springfield, Illinois  62703

 

General Information:  (217) 785-1181

Fax:  (217) 524-0071

Email:  DOT.VehicleInspectionUnit@illinois.gov

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 15244, effective November 13, 2025)

 

Section 451.50  Definitions (Renumbered)

 

(Source:  Renumbered to 451.15 at 17 Ill. Reg. 12839, effective July 27, 1993)

 

Section 451.60  Enforcement

 

a)         Inspectors may:

 

1)         Monitor OTSs and OMSTCs and enforce this Part, Sections 12-800 through 12-820 of the Illinois Vehicle Equipment Law and Sections 13-100 et seq. of the Illinois Vehicle Inspection Law.

 

2)         Review applications for permits and Certified Safety Tester (CST) Certificates.

 

3)         Conduct written tests and proficiency tests for persons requesting to become CSTs.  (See Section 451.130 for testing procedures.)  Conduct same tests for persons who have been requested by the Department to be retested.  The Department would require a CST to be retested if that CST had been found guilty of a violation through the administrative hearing process (see Section 13-108 of the Illinois Vehicle Inspection Law and 92 Ill. Adm. Code 450 for hearing process).

 

4)         Inspect buildings, equipment and adjacent roadways or alleys for compliance with classification requirements or any conditions which affect the entrance and exit of vehicles.

 

5)         Inspect safety testing equipment in a lane for cleanliness, operability and accuracy.

 

6)         Require the owner to close the OTS when an ABTD is totally or partially inoperative or inaccurate.

 

A)        All Certificates of Safety at the OTS will be removed and held by an inspector or the Department until the ABTD in a lane has been cleaned, adjusted or repaired so as to render accurate results.

 

B)        An inspector will approve the condition of the lane before it is reopened for testing (i.e., ABTD is operating efficiently and effectively).

 

7)         Instruct owners and CSTs in the proper method of completing forms and reports used in safety testing procedures.

 

8)         Inspect forms required to be posted, completed and filed for cleanliness, legibility, accuracy and availability.

 

9)         Document whether safety tests are performed in accordance with this Part.

 

10)       Access to all records and supplies which are the property of, and furnished by, the Department.

 

11)       Inspect the OTS' and OMSTC's copy of this Part for completeness and availability.

 

12)       Inspect Vehicle Inspection Reports for accuracy, completeness, legibility and proper filing order.

 

13)       Inspect Certificates of Safety at OTS and OMSTCs for numerical sequence and storage security.  To inspect the owner's method of accountability for all Certificates of Safety.

 

14)       Investigate all complaints lodged against an OST, OMSTC or CST. (Section 13-107 of the Illinois Vehicle Inspection Law)

 

15)       Monitor OTSs and OMSTCs and procedures used in conducting safety tests through the use of both official marked and unmarked vehicles. Monitoring conducted in marked state vehicles includes unannounced routine visits by inspectors to check records for proper filing and completion, ABTD in a lane for proper calibration and operation, and to administer tests to prospective CSTs or those CSTs required to be retested.  Monitoring conducted in unmarked vehicles includes unannounced investigations by Department personnel to determine if OTSs and OMSTCs are performing safety tests in accordance with this Part.

 

16)       Enforce compliance with goals for this program by issuing written warnings or citations/complaints to permit holders and their employees for alleged infractions of Section 13-100 et seq. of the Illinois Vehicle Inspection Law and this Part.  The charges as outlined in the citation(s) will be adjudicated at Administrative Hearings conducted by the Secretary, or his authorized representative in accordance with Vehicle Inspection Section Hearings; 92 Ill. Adm. Code 450.  The Secretary will determine the innocence or guilt of the defendant after careful evaluation of the evidence presented at such hearings.  If a determination of guilt is made, the Secretary will assess penalties for violations alleged on the citation/complaints.

 

17)       Close the OTSs or OMSTCs upon determination of a guilty verdict by Department personnel and subsequent suspension or revocation of testing privileges.  Permits and Certificates of Safety will be removed from the facility.

 

b)         Department employees will not solicit or accept any monies, gifts, services or favors for political contributions, supplies furnished, services performed, safety testing equipment purchased or sold, cost of doing business, or for any other activity or reason including "goodwill."

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 15244, effective November 13, 2025)

 

Section 451.70  Permit Application Procedures and Operating Requirements for Official Testing Stations and Official Mobile Safety Testing Companies

 

a)         To apply for a permit, applicants shall submit a request, in writing, to the Department at DOT.VehicleInspectionUnit@illinois.gov.

 

b)         Once a written request is received, an Inspector will perform a survey at the prospective OTS or OMSTC location to determine compliance with this Part. Inspectors shall review the approval or denial of the survey with the applicant. The survey shall be submitted to the Department by the Inspector.

 

c)         Once the survey is approved, the applicant shall submit to the Department:

 

1)         Application for Official Testing Station or Official Mobile Safety Testing Company Permit.

 

2)         File with the Department a $10,000 bond with security provided by a bonding company in good standing with the Illinois Department of Insurance Bond Form (BIC 1165).  The bond form shall be retained by the Department.

 

3)         Application fee of $50.00.  The application fee shall be paid through the electronic payment system established by the State of Illinois and utilized by the Department (i.e., Illinois State Treasurer's E-Pay system) made payable to:  Treasurer, State of Illinois.  This fee is nonrefundable.

 

d)         For each OTS, the applicant shall submit the following photographs to the Department.  Digital photos are required.

 

1)         One 8 x 10 digital photograph that shows the lane area entrance; and

 

2)         One 8 x 10 digital photograph that shows the entire lane area; and

 

3)         One 8 x 10 digital photograph that shows the lane area exit.

 

4)         OMSTC applicants shall submit an address facing 8 x 10 digital photograph of the physical business address listed on the application.  OMSTC applications are exempt from Lane area photographs in 451.70(d)(1)(2)(3).

 

5)         OMSTC shall submit a list of vehicles that will be utilized to perform safety tests.  The vehicle list shall include the vehicle identification Number (VIN), registration number (plate), vehicle model year, and vehicle make.

 

6)         When applying for a Private Permit, the applicant shall submit a list of 75 or more vehicle owned or leased by the owner.  The vehicle list shall only include vehicles required to submit to a safety test subject to the Illinois Vehicle Inspection Law.  The vehicle list shall include each vehicles' vehicle identification number (VIN), registration (plate) number, vehicle model, vehicle year, and the physical address where each vehicle is housed.  If vehicles included on the vehicle list are leased by the applicant, a copy of a signed lease agreement must be submitted along with the vehicle list.

 

e)         If the applicant meets all the applicable requirements of this Part, a permit will be issued to the applicant.

 

f)         Permits issued by the Department will expire 12 months following issuance.  The permit shall be renewed annually by complying with this Part and upon payment of a $50 renewal fee.  Any change or amendment to an existing permit will require an additional $50 fee.

 

g)         Each permit will be assigned a specific identification number.  The OTS or OMSTC identification number, the physical address of the OTS or OMSTC, and expiration date will be displayed on the permit.  The permit will also display a public or private designation.  Permits issued to OTSs authorized to inspect school buses will also display a school bus designation.

 

h)         Any permit issued to a governmental agency (i.e., state, city, village, incorporated town or county) shall be exempt from the payment of any original or renewal permit fee and exempt from the filing of any bond.

 

i)          A permit issued under this Part is specific to the location identified in the application.  Any change in physical location of the OTS or OMSTC shall require a new permit.

 

j)          Any permit issued by the Department will be subject to cancellation, suspension or revocation by the Department for violations of this Part.  The first violation by an owner or a CST of the provisions of this Part statutorily requires a minimum suspension of 30 days.  The length of a first suspension can be extended up to 180 days if evidence in aggravation of the penalty is introduced at the hearing.  A prior suspension within a four year period, without any other aggravating evidence, will result in a 60-day suspension.  Violations directly threatening the public safety are considered an aggravation of the penalty.  The hearing officer will consider other evidence in aggravation or mitigation of a suspension.  Revocation is recommended when suspensions are not correcting improper performance.  After two suspensions in a two-year period, or after repeated suspensions over a longer period, the permit will be revoked upon another violation.  Revocation will also be recommended when a pattern of violations indicates that a fraud on the public is being committed.  A hearing officer will consider other evidence in aggravation or mitigation when considering revocation of a permit.

 

k)         If an Owner or CST is found guilty of a serious violation through the Department's administrative hearing process (see 92 Ill. Adm. Code 450, Commercial Vehicle Safety Section Hearings) and the permit is revoked, the owner cannot make an application for a new permit within the period of twelve months after the date of the revocation and then, upon making an application, the Department shall consider this record in deciding whether or not to grant the license.  Owners who have been denied a permit renewal may request an administrative hearing as prescribed in 92 Ill. Adm. Code 450.

 

l)          Each OTS or OMSTC shall have at least one person licensed by the Department as a CST.

 

m)        No safety test shall be conducted unless the OTS or OMSTC possesses and has properly displayed a valid permit issued by the Department.

 

n)         If an OTS or OMSTC is inoperative for more than six months in the previous 12 months, the permit will be cancelled and the OTS or OMSTC will be closed.  If the owner wishes to reopen at a later date, a new application shall be submitted to the Department and the $50 filing fee shall be paid.

 

o)         Permits are designated either public or private.

 

1)         Public

 

A)        Public OTSs are required to safety test all vehicles permitted for and required to submit to a safety test in accordance with the Illinois Vehicle Inspection Law or permitted by the FMCSA (prior authorization is required to perform school bus inspections).

 

B)        Public OTSs and OMSTCs shall be open for testing for a minimum of eight hours between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on federal holidays. 

 

C)        Vehicle owners shall not be required to make an appointment at a Public OTS.

 

D)        Public OTSs are required to have an ABTD available for use in the lane to safety test school buses and special vehicles.  The ABTD shall be calibrated and operate according to the ABTD manufacturers specifications.

 

E)        OTSs shall perform Appendix G inspections on the property at the address listed on the permit.  Appendix G inspections must not be performed on roadways, alleys, or any property other than the address listed on the permit.

 

2)         Private

 

A)        Private OTSs and OMSTCs are not open to the public.  They are established solely for the purpose of testing 75 or more vehicles owned or leased by the firm in whose name the permit is issued. Vehicles that are owned or leased by a private OTSs or OMSTCs are not required to be housed at the same location.  Private OTS or OMSTC owners shall retain at least 75 vehicles that require safety testing in their fleet in order to maintain their status permit.

 

B)        Private OTSs shall only perform safety tests at the physical address list on the permit.

 

C)        Private OTS or OMSTC owners shall annually provide the Department a list of all vehicles leased or owned by the company operating the OTS or OMSTC and subject to the Illinois Vehicle Inspection Law.  The list shall include the vehicle identification number (VIN), registration (plate) number, vehicle model, vehicle model year, and the physical address each vehicle is housed.  Private OTSs and OMSTCs fleet information shall be submitted to the Department with the annual permit renewal request.  If vehicles are leased by the private OTS or OMSTC, a copy of a signed lease agreement must be submitted along with the vehicle list.

 

D)        At the time of permit renewal, if a company operating a private OTS or OMSTC fails to submit its fleet list and lease agreement (if appliable), fails to maintain 75 vehicles in its fleet, or fails to perform at least 75 inspections since the last permit renewal, the permit will be cancelled.

 

E)        Private OTSs or OMSTCs are exempt from maintaining normal business hours but shall be open for monitoring by inspectors during the hours required in subsection (q)(1)(B).

 

F)         Private OTSs and OMSTCs are subject to the same requirements as public OTSs and OMSTCs except where specifically noted.

 

G)        Private OTSs that operate special vehicles or school buses shall be equipped with an ABTD readily available for use.

 

H)        Inspectors of the Department shall conduct periodic nonscheduled inspections on owners' premises of vehicles owned and operated by licensed "Independent i.e., Private Official Testing Stations."  (IVC Section 13-105)

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 15244, effective November 13, 2025)

 

Section 451.80  Applicant Qualifications for Official Testing Station and Official Mobile Safety Testing Company Permits

 

a)         Permit applicants shall be 18 years of age.

 

b)         All forms furnished by the Department shall be completed correctly by the applicant.

 

c)         All information supplied on the forms will be reviewed by the Department to determine if the building configurations and the ABTD in a lane (if applicable) meet the necessary requirements of this Part to qualify as an OTS or OMSTC.  The Department also verifies that at least one person will become a CST as required in Section 451.70(m).

 

d)         Any false information provided during the application process will nullify an application or cancel an existing permit.  The applicant may apply one year after the date of original application or permit cancellation, whichever occurred last.

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 15244, effective November 13, 2025)

 

Section 451.90  Official Testing Station Requirements

 

a)         The OTS shall be a permanent building constructed so that the lane is protected from exposure to the weather. OTSs shall have a permanent roof, contiguous permanent walls and permanent doors meeting the height and width requirements of this Part.  The floor of all OTS shall be a level concrete surface.

 

b)         The building shall be located on the OTSs property so that a vehicle waiting to enter the building shall not obstruct passing vehicles in any alley, street or highway.

 

c)         The vehicular entrance and exit to the OTSs building shall neither be obstructed nor can a driveway be constructed to interfere with the free movement of a vehicle either entering or exiting the OTS.

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 15244, effective November 13, 2025)

 

Section 451.95  Official Mobile Safety Testing Company Requirements

 

a)         OMSTCs must maintain a physical office within the State of Illinois.  This address must be the same address listed on the permit and where the owner shall store and maintain all records required by this Part.

 

b)         The physical address listed on the application will be considered the "brick and mortar home office" of an OMSTC, and the location inspectors will administer CST examinations and inspections of this Part.

 

c)         OMSTCs shall only perform safety tests of vehicles at the vehicle owner's place of business.

 

d)         At the request of the Department, with a 48-hour advance notice, an OMSTC must submit a list of vehicle owners' names, vehicle owners' places of business addresses, and date and time safety tests are scheduled to be performed.

 

e)         An OMSTC must maintain a copy of this Part and all Parts required to perform an Appendix G inspection in each vehicle utilized by the OMSTC to perform safety tests.  The Parts may be hard copy or electronic.

 

(Source:  Added at 49 Ill. Reg. 15244, effective November 13, 2025)

 

Section 451.100  Designated Testing Lane Requirements

 

a)         OTSs are required to have at least one lane area where all school bus, special vehicle, and applicable MFSAB safety tests are performed.  The lane is where all ABTDs are installed or utilized.  Appendix G inspections are not required to be performed in the lane area, but must be performed on the property listed as the physical address of the OTS.

 

b)         The floor of the lane shall be free of excessive dirt, oil, or grease as to not alter the results of performing a safety test requiring an ABTD.

 

c)         The floor of the lane shall be an appropriate surface suitable for the installation or proper use of the ABTD.  Owners shall follow the specifications provided by the manufacturer of the ABTD regarding the proper use and installation.

 

d)         An OTS may have more than one lane.  If equipped with more than one lane, at least one lane shall be available at all times for safety tests.  Additional lanes can be utilized for other purposes, except that all lanes shall be available when CSTs are available and customers are requesting a safety test.

 

e)         The lane shall be well lighted, ventilated by natural or artificial means and capable of being heated when necessary.

 

f)         The lane shall be located to allow a direct approach by the tested vehicle within the dimensions required for a permit.

 

g)         There shall be no obstruction caused by building design or fixture placement within the minimum dimensions of the lane.

 

h)         If a permit is cancelled because an OTS or OMSTC is closed or inactive for at least six months (see Section 451.70(q)), an inspection of any ABTD (if applicable), records, CST certificates, and the building facilities will be conducted by an inspector before the OTS or OMSTC reopens.  After approval by the inspector, a new permit will be issued.

 

i)          If any OTS is closed for any reason for more than 30 days, the safety testing of vehicles will not be resumed until the ABTD is functioning per the manufacturer's specifications.  The owner shall notify the Department when the ABTD is functioning.  An inspector will visit the Station to confirm all requirements of this Part are being met before the Station is allowed to reopen.

 

j)          If an OTS is closed due to an ABTD malfunction, no inspections are to be performed at the OTS, regardless of whether an ABTD is required for an inspection.  Once the ABTD malfunction is corrected, an inspector shall visit the OTS to verify the ABTD is operating per the manufacturers specifications.  When the ABTD is found to be functioning, the inspector shall reopen the OTS to perform inspections.

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 15244, effective November 13, 2025)

 

Section 451.110   Official Testing Stations Classifications, Specifications and Safety Test Equipment

 

a)         Effective July 1, 2025, all new OTSs shall meet the following dimension requirements before a permit is issued (does not apply to permit renewals).  OTSs shall have both an entrance and an exit door that provide drive-through capability for vehicles subject to safety test.

 

Minimum Door Height:	14'
Minimum Door Width:	12'
Minimum Station Height at Lane:	14'
Minimum Lane Width:	12'
Minimum Lane Length:	64'

 

b)         The following are the minimum dimensions and lane OTS classifications for those OTSs which were first issued a permit prior to July 1, 2025:

 

	A+	B	B1	B2+	C+	D(+ optional)
Door Height	12'	8'	12'	12'	14'	12'
Door Width	10'	8'	10'	12'	12'	10'
Lane Height	12'	8'	12'	12'	14'	12'
Lane Width	14'	12'6"	12'6"	14'	14'	14'
Lane Length	64'	30'*/40'*	++	++	64'	64'

 

*       With a combination wheel alignment and brake testing device

 

+       Must have an entrance and exit door in direct line with the safety test equipment.  D OTS's have optional drive through capabilities.

 

++     Lane dimensions have been waived to accommodate vehicles. Refer to subsections (e) and (f) for requirements.

 

c)         All OTSs that were issued a permit prior to July 1, 2025 shall retain the OTS classification assigned to it under subsection (b).

 

d)         Public School Bus Only OTSs are authorized to only safety test school buses and are open to the general public.  Private School Bus OTS are not open to the public and are authorized to safety test 75 or more school buses owned or leased by the firm in whose name the permit is issued.  All School Bus Only OTSs are exempt from the drive-through requirement and dimensions of subsection (a) but shall have a lane length of at least 45'.

 

e)         Class B OTS are limited to testing single unit motor vehicles (trucks, tractors and buses).  No trailers or semitrailers shall be tested at a B OTS.  Vehicles tested at B OTS must not exceed authorized capacity of test equipment or Permit limitations (refer to subsection (b) for limitations).

 

f)         Class B1 OTS are authorized to test single motor vehicles. The Station can be a drive-through operation but it is not required.  Special category vehicles or school buses being tested cannot exceed the capacity of the authorized safety test equipment.  No trailers or semitrailers shall be tested at a B1 OTS.

 

g)         Class B2 OTS are authorized to test all sizes and combinations of vehicles.  B2 OTS must have drive-through capabilities.  Special category vehicles or school buses being tested cannot exceed the capacity of the authorized safety test equipment. The size of any vehicle being inspected shall not exceed the limitation of the Official Testing Station's building.

 

h)         Class C OTS are authorized to test all sizes and combinations of vehicles which can enter the lane facilities and not exceed the capacity of the authorized safety test equipment.

 

i)          Class D OTS are public OTS established solely to conduct school bus safety tests.  These OTS are authorized to test all school buses which can enter the lane facility and not exceed capacity of the authorized safety test equipment.  D OTS may have drive through capabilities, if their building so permits, but it is not a requirement.

 

j)          Any OTSs may test school buses provided authorization has been granted by the Department.  The owner shall employ at least one school bus CST prior to authorization being granted by the Department.  The ABTD must be capable of testing the weight of a school bus.

 

k)         The requirements for private OTSs shall be the same as for public OTSs, except where noted. 

 

l)          An OTS' lane shall be outlined with a readily visible perimeter line at least 3" wide and of a color that contrasts with its background.  The lane perimeter lines shall be permanently marked on the floor in the dimensions set forth in subsection (a).

 

m)        There shall be no obstruction caused by building design or fixture placement within the dimensions of the lane.

 

n)         All ABTDs must be approved by the Department prior to being utilized by an OTS to perform safety tests.

 

o)         All ABTDs shall be installed and/or utilized according to the respective manufacturer's specifications.  The location of drive-on or roll-on devices shall be approved by the Department (see subsection (o)). The center line of a drive-on or roll-on device may be offset from the center of the lane entrance to the center of the lane exit; however, drive-through capabilities (if applicable) and accurate test readings shall be maintained.

 

p)         All OTSs and OMSTCs shall be equipped with the following items:

 

1)         black or blue permanent marker;

 

2)         measuring device;

 

3)         tread depth gauge;

 

4)         set of calipers;

 

5)         wheel chocks;

 

6)         flashlight;

 

7)         scratch pad or small notebook; and

 

8)         a printer to provide customer VIR copy.

 

q)         Public and private OTSs required to use an ABTD shall also be equipped with an approved jack or lift that has a manufacturers specified capacity of raising the front of any vehicle submitted for a safety test that requires the front end to be raised.

 

r)          OTSs and OMSTCs are prohibited from inspecting motorcoaches to satisfy 49 CFR 396.17 (Appendix G inspection) utilizing any COS, forms, or any supplies provided by the Department.

 

s)         For drive-on and roll-on brake testing devices, the tower shall be located either on the left side or at the right front corner of the lane and must be easily read from the driver's seat of the vehicle being safety tested.

 

t)          ABTDs shall be maintained in accordance with the respective manufacturer's instruction manuals and specifications.

 

u)         If an OTS changes its location, it will lose its previous classification under subsection (b) and shall meet the requirements of subsection (a). Any change in ownership, business name, or location requires a new permit application and a $50 filing fee.  Following approval by the Department, a new permit and Identification Number will be issued. The Department will not require a change in classification for an ownership change where the requirements of 625 ILCS 5/13-103.2 are met.

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 15244, effective November 13, 2025)

 

Section 451.120  Responsibilities of the Official Testing Station and Official Mobile Safety Testing Company Owner

 

a)         The owner shall require all CSTs to comply with this Part.

 

b)         The owner shall be responsible for all practices and procedures, including, but not limited to, any certified or non-certified employee allowed to perform safety tests while in the employ, direction or control of the owner.  The owner is responsible for all safety test practices and procedures, regardless of whether the owner has knowledge or approves of such practices and procedures.

 

c)         The owner is responsible for their own conduct and behavior and that of their employees.  No owner or employee shall harass or intimidate an inspector.

 

d)         No owner shall allow the rates charged to be more than the scheduled rates approved by the Department and posted at the OTS or OMSTC.  If a rate increase has been approved by the Department, the higher rate cannot be charged until the new fee schedule has been posted at the OTS or OMSTC.

 

e)         If the vehicle being safety tested does not meet the requirements established by the Department, no owner shall allow any repairs or adjustments to be initiated without the express permission of the vehicle owner or driver.

 

f)         No owner shall allow any additional administrative charges (e.g., billing, printing, or copying) be assessed against the vehicle owner or driver.

 

g)         Nothing in this Section shall be construed to mean that any adjustment, correction or repair shall be made at or by the OTS or OMSTC performing the safety test.

 

h)         It shall be the owner's responsibility to immediately notify the Department at email address provided in Section 451.40, of any change in ownership, business name, location or status.  Such changes include incorporation of the firm, change in corporate officers or dissolution of partnership or corporation.  Any such change without immediate notification shall automatically cancel the existing permit.

 

i)          The owner shall email a completed Application for Certified Safety Tester Examination (Form BIC 1200) to the Department when the owner wishes to employ a CST.  Along with the application, the request shall include:

 

1)         A legible copy of the prospective CST's valid photo identification issued by a State or by the United States government.  Identification shall be attached to the CST application; and

 

2)         A digital head and shoulders photo of the applicant that measures at least 2" x 2" but not more than 3" x 3".

 

j)          The owner is responsible for training CST applicants on all testing procedures including any ABTD necessary to safety test a vehicle.  At the time of a CST examination, the owner shall have a vehicle present that is applicable to the examination being administered, (i.e., a vehicle equipped with air brakes for a truck certification examination).  All CST examinations will be administered at the physical location listed on the permit.

 

k)         The owner shall immediately notify the Department, by email, when neither the owner nor any of the owner's employees are eligible to test vehicles.  Owners shall return the CST certificate to the Department immediately when a CST no longer performs safety tests (i.e., no longer employed by the OTS or OMSTC).  Failure to have at least one CST automatically suspends the Permit until the owner or an employee becomes a CST.  The owner shall immediately notify the Department of the OTS or OMSTC closure and subsequent reopening at the email address provided in Section 451.40.

 

l)          It shall be the owner's responsibility to notify the Department by the email address provided in Section 451.40 prior to any scheduled voluntary closure.

 

m)        If a OTS is required to have an ABTD, the owner is responsible for maintaining the equipment in proper calibration and working order.  The owner is also responsible for maintaining the OTS and the lane or lanes in proper condition as required in this Part.

 

n)         If the OTS's ABTD is not functioning per the manufacturer's specifications, the owner shall report the malfunction to the Department at the email address provided in Section 451.40.  OTSs that are not equipped with a functioning ABTD are prohibited from performing all safety tests at the OTS regardless of whether an ABTD is required to perform the safety test.

 

o)         Safety testing of vehicles will not be resumed until the ABTD is functioning per the manufacturer's specifications.  The owner shall notify the Department by email provided in Section 451.40 when the ABTD is functioning.  An inspector will visit the OTS within 2 business days to verify the ABTD is functioning properly prior to the OTS re-opening the OTS to resume safety testing.

 

p)         If an OTS or OMSTC is not able to perform a retest, the test fee shall be refunded to the owner or driver of the previously rejected vehicle.

 

q)         Upon receipt of any addition, deletion or other notification of change issued by the Department, it shall be the owner's responsibility to file updates to their OTS or OMSTC copy of this Part and 92 Ill. Adm. Code 438, the Appendix G Inspection, as defined in Section 451.15, and 92 Ill. Adm. Code 441, 443, and 445, if applicable.  The complete and current copy of this Part shall be kept at the OTS, OMSTC, and vehicles used to perform safety tests by OMSTCs and shall be made available to all CSTs at all times.

 

r)          It will be the owner's responsibility to bring to the attention of all CSTs any material disseminated by the Department, including, but not limited to, changes, additions and deletions to this Part or 92 Ill. Adm. Code 438, the Appendix G Inspection, as defined in Section 451.15, and 92 Ill. Adm. Code 441, 443, and 445, if applicable.

 

s)         It shall be the owner's responsibility to ensure that he, as well as all CSTs, utilize the proper forms.  The forms shall be completed correctly and shall be submitted as prescribed by the Department.

 

t)          It shall be the owner's responsibility to maintain a supply of COS and numerical insert decals to accommodate any vehicle the OTS or OMSTC is permitted to safety test.  If the OTS or OMSTC does not have a supply of COS and numerical insert decals to issue to a rejected vehicle returning for retest, the test fee shall be refunded to the vehicle owner or driver.

 

u)         The owner shall be responsible for the proper security, distribution in sequential order by book and handling of the COS.

 

v)         If an OTS is required to have an ABTD, it shall be the owner's responsibility to notify the Department at the email provided in Section 451.40 of any change in the ABTD (e.g., a new ABTD is purchased).

 

w)        It shall be the owner's responsibility to provide appropriate payment for COS ordered from the Department.

 

x)         If as the result of an Administrative Hearing, as prescribed in 92 Ill. Adm. Code 450, a Permit is suspended, performance of any and all safety tests shall be prohibited for the duration of the suspension.  It shall be the owner's responsibility to surrender the Permit, COS and furnished supplies to the inspector on the date the suspension begins.  The owner shall be responsible for making all employees honor the terms of the suspension.

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 15244, effective November 13, 2025)

 

Section 451.130  Certified Safety Tester Qualifications and Requirements

 

a)         Prospective and current CSTs shall meet the following requirements:

 

1)         Be at least eighteen years of age; and

 

2)         Possess a valid photo identification issued by a State or by the United States government.

 

b)        Every applicant shall accomplish the following before certification as a CST is awarded:

 

1)         Pass an open-book written test based on this Part and the applicable procedures prescribed in the 92 Ill. Adm. Code Inspection Procedures.

 

2)         If applicable, demonstrate proficiency in the operation of the ABTD utilized at the OTS where employed.

 

3)         Proficiently perform a safety test on a vehicle applicable to the examination being administered.

 

c)         The owner may request that a CST applicant who failed any portion of subsection (b) be reconsidered for certification.

 

1)         A person requesting to be retested shall wait 15 days from failure before reapplying.

 

2)         A person who fails any portion of a retest two times shall wait 30 days before requesting a retest.

 

3)         After three failures within one year, a person is not eligible to reapply for a period of one year from the date of the last failure.

 

d)         A CST shall test a minimum of 10% of the vehicles safety tested at the CST's OTS or OMSTC during any calendar year.  The Department may require any CST to be retested if the CST does not test at least 10% of the vehicles or is either issued a written warning or citation from the Department.  A retest under this subsection shall be scheduled within 30 days after receipt of notice from the Department.  The Department may consider a CST certificate revoked if a CST does not perform 10% within a calendar year.  

 

e)         The Department shall annually recertify CSTs who have met its requirements.  CST certificates shall expire 12 months following the date of issue but may be renewed annually by complying with the requirements as established by the Department.  (Section 12-103.1 of IVC) CSTs are not required to be recertified until they have been a CST for more than one year.  Annual CST recertifications shall be administered at the physical location list on the permit.

 

f)         The annual recertification of CSTs may include an open-book examination, physically performing a safety test on a vehicle subject to safety testing or demonstrating proficiency in the operation of the ABTD utilized at the OTS or OMSTC where employed.

 

g)         CSTs who fail the recertification exam are prohibited from inspecting vehicles until they have successfully passed the initial CST proficiency and written examinations.  Failure to pass any part of the recertification exam cancels the CST's Certificate and requires the CST to pass the initial certification examination, including the proficiency and written examination as prescribed in subsections (b) and (d), if applicable.

 

h)         If the OTS where a CST is employed changes the ABTD, the CST shall be required to demonstrate proficiency in the operation of the new ABTD.

 

i)          If a CST is employed at a second or subsequent OTS or OMSTC, a new Certificate will be issued to the CST for each OTS or OMSTC.  The owner shall notify the Department that the owner wishes to employ an existing CST.

 

1)         If the lapse in employment between OTS or OMSTC does not exceed 30 days, and any ABTD does not differ (if applicable.), the CST's Certificate will be updated and mailed to the OTS or OMSTC where the CST is now employed.

 

2)         If a lapse in employment between Stations exceeds 30 days or if any ABTD differs, the CST must pass both the written and proficiency examinations.

 

i)          CST Certificates remain the property of the Department and shall be immediately returned to the Department when a CST ceases to either safety test vehicles or be employed at the Station.  If requested by an Inspector, the Certificate shall be surrendered

 

k)         CST Certificates shall be seized by an Inspector when the Certificate is suspended, cancelled, or if the CST fails to maintain certification.

 

l)          CST Certificates are subject to cancellation or suspension for any violation of this Part. (See Section 13-108 of the IVC and 92 Ill. Adm. Code for administrative hearing procedures.)

 

m)        If a CST's Certificate has been suspended for 90 days or more or cancelled, the Department will require the CST be retested and pass the written and proficiency examinations prior to a Certificate reinstatement.

 

n)         If an OTS or OMSTC is inoperative for a total of six months or more, during a 12-month period, all CST Certificates shall be cancelled.  Any former CST shall be retested and pass the written and proficiency examinations before a Certificate is issued.

 

o)         Failure of a CST to pass either the proficiency or written portion of any retest shall automatically cancel the Certificate.

 

p)         Refusal of a CST to submit to retesting or recertification shall automatically cancel his/her Certificate.  The cancelled Certificate shall be surrendered to an Inspector, at the inspector's request.

 

q)         No person shall perform any part of a safety test unless certified as a CST by the Department and possess a valid Certificate issued by the Department.  The Certificate shall be displayed in the lane where the CST is employed or in the vehicle used for performing safety tests by an OMSTC.

 

1)         No CST, Owner, OTS, or OMSTC employee shall authorize duties which are required to be performed by a CST to one who is not a CST.

 

2)         No person shall test school buses unless they have been certified as a School Bus CST.

 

3)         The Department may issue a citation/complaint or written warning to an owner who allows an employee who is not a CST to safety test a vehicle and/or issue a COS in violation of this Part.

 

r)          The CST shall perform the applicable safety test according to the vehicle's type and required test procedures (see 92 Ill. Adm. Code Inspection Procedures and the Appendix G Inspection).

 

s)         Before beginning the safety test, the CST shall remove any previously applied COS affixed to the vehicle.

 

t)          The CST shall have sole physical control of the vehicle during the entire safety test procedure for any special vehicle or school bus being tested.

 

1)         A CST shall perform the retesting of repaired components requiring use of an ABTD only within the perimeter lines of the lane.

 

2)         No CST shall perform any repairs or charge for any repairs made on a vehicle submitted for a safety test without the express consent of the vehicle's owner or driver.

 

u)         The CST shall be responsible for all safety test results entered on the VIR.  The CST shall prepare a VIR for each vehicle presented for a safety test.

 

v)         The CST who performed the original safety test or retest of a vehicle shall affix the appropriate COS to the vehicle only if the vehicle meets or exceeds the specifications necessary to pass a safety test.

 

1)         The CST shall complete the backside of the COS, except for a trailer COS, with the required information using a permanent black or blue marker.

 

2)         The CST shall affix to the face of the COS the appropriate numeric decals indicating both the month and year of the COS expiration date.

 

w)        A CST shall not accept any gratuity from any person for or in connection with a safety test or for the issuance or giving of a COS.

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 15244, effective November 13, 2025)

 

Section 451.140  Certificate of Safety

 

a)         Certificates of Safety shall be affixed to vehicles that meet or exceed the specifications necessary to pass a safety test (see 92 Ill. Adm. Code 441, 443, 445, 438 and the Appendix G Inspection, as defined in Section 451.15).

 

b)         COS remain the property of the State of Illinois and will be seized if a permit is cancelled or suspended.

 

c)         COS at all OTSs and OMSTCs shall be subject to inspection by an inspector at any time the OTS or OMSTC is open for business.

 

d)         COS shall comply with the following physical description:

 

1)         COS Colors:

 

A)        Truck (annual and semi-annual (six months)) – blue;

 

B)        Trailer (annual and semi-annual (six months)) – green;

 

C)        School bus – yellow; and

 

D)        Rebuilt – gray.

 

2)         Display the State of Illinois seal on the front side;

 

3)         Display on the front side a serial number that is unique to the COS.

 

4)         Display on the backside an area where required information shall be inserted by the CST (except trailer COS); and

 

5)         Display two numerical insert decals on the front side identifying the expiration month and year (except rebuilt vehicle COS).  Rebuilt COS are issued once and do not expire.

 

e)         COS shall not be duplicated, altered, manufactured, or created by any manner or means unless specifically done under contract with the Department.

 

f)         COS expire at midnight on the last day of the month indicated by the numerical month insert decal applied to the COS.  COSs that are applied to vehicles displaying a USDOT number expire 12 months from the date the safety test was performed.

 

g)         School bus COS expire at midnight on the last day of the month indicated by the numerical month insert decal applied on the COS or when the odometer reading on the bus exceeds the mileage found on the mileage inspection due line on the backside of the COS.

 

h)         No owner or CST shall issue, nor shall any person accept, obtain or attempt to obtain a COS for a vehicle which has not completely passed a safety test.

 

1)         Possession by a vehicle owner or operator of a COS which is not firmly affixed to a vehicle, or is affixed in any other location than the prescribed location, shall be prima facie evidence of obtaining a COS without a proper safety test.  Possession of such COS indicates the CST did not perform a proper safety test.

 

2)         If as the result of an Administrative Hearing or the filing of a voluntary waiver of hearing and a plea of guilty, the Secretary of the Department makes a determination of a defendant's guilt, the serial number associated with each COS illegally obtained as prescribed in subsection (h)(1) shall be reported by the owner to the local police department where the OTS or OMSTC is located.

 

3)         The Department assumes no liability for the cost of reinspection of a vehicle from which a COS has been illegally issued or illegally obtained.

 

4)         Each COS illegally issued or illegally obtained shall be a separate, distinct violation of this Part.

 

i)          Each COS issued by an OTS or OMSTC shall be accounted for on the appropriate corresponding VIR.

 

j)          The COS shall be affixed by the CST in numerical sequence by book, starting with the lowest serial number and proceeding in strict ascending order through the highest serial number. Such numerical progression shall be directly related to the passage of time and date of tests performed.

 

k)         Two numerical insert decals applied to the COS shall indicate the month and the year of expiration.

 

l)          COS shall be written upon only as prescribed by the Department.  The backside of the COS shall be completed by the CST before the COS is affixed to the vehicle.  The following information shall be completed on the backside of the corresponding COS:

 

1)         Truck – license plate number, OTS or OMSTC identification number, CST identification number, and CST signature.

 

2)         School bus – date of inspection, mileage inspection due OTS or OMSTC identification number, CST identification number, and CST signature.

 

3)         Rebuilt – date of inspection and CST signature.

 

m)        No OTS or OMSTC shall borrow, purchase or receive any COS from another OTS or OMSTC.  No OTS or OMSTC shall lend, sell, or give any COS to another OTS or OMSTC.  All COS shall be obtained from the Department.

 

n)         A COS shall not be issued to any vehicle not subject to the Illinois Vehicle Inspection Law or this Part as identified in Section 451.20(b).

 

o)         Certificates of Safety shall be applied as follows:

 

1)         Vehicles with windshields – Applied to clear glass as close as practicable to the extreme bottom of the windshield directly in line with the steering column.

 

Exception:  If the application or removal of the COS may cause damage to the vehicle (e.g., electronic defroster or heads-up display), the COS may be applied near the left side windshield pillar as low as practicable but must not obstruct the driver's view.

 

2)         Trailers – Directly to a permanent part on the exterior surface of the trailer.  The COS shall be affixed to the left side of the trailer vehicle at the lower corner of the leading edge above the bump rail, as defined in Section 451.15.  If no permanent part of the body exists, the COS can be affixed to the bump rail.  The front of the COS shall face at approximately ninety degrees from the body of the vehicle.

 

3)         Rebuilt trailers and motorcycles (without windshields):

 

A)        Remove the protective coating from the front of the COS;

 

B)        Write the date the safety test was performed on the front side of the COS with black or blue permanent marker.  Do not cover any part of the serial numbers on the COS;

 

C)        Reapply the protective coating (or apply clear packing tape) to the front of the COS;

 

D)        Staple the COS to the vehicles' copy of the VIR.

 

p)         COS are void when removed from the vehicle. Any voided COS cannot be reaffixed to the same or any vehicle.

 

q)         If the original COS is destroyed within 60 days of the original test due to the replacement of the vehicle's windshield, the vehicle shall return to the original issuing OTS or OMSTC.

 

1)         The original OTS or OMSTC shall issue a replacement COS for the fee established by statute in IVC Section 13-110 provided the vehicle owner returns the original COS that displays the complete serial number.  If the complete serial number is not present on the COS, a copy of the VIR that displays the complete serial number can be presented with the illegible COS.  The replacement COS shall expire the same month and year as the original COS.  The CST will complete a new VIR to record and document the replacement COS.

 

2)         If more than 60 days has elapsed since the original test, a complete safety test shall be performed.

 

3)         A police report shall be presented to the OTS or OMSTC by the driver of a vehicle who requests a replacement for a lost or stolen Certificate of Safety.  The police report shall be submitted to the Department along with the serial number of the COS replacing the lost or stolen COS, if applicable.

r)          COS shall be issued to an OTS or OMSTC by the Department only after the appropriate fee has been collected.  The exact number of COS will be issued for the fees received.

 

s)         The following procedures shall be followed when ordering COS:

 

1)         COS orders and payment shall be submitted using the electronic payment system established by the State of Illinois and utilized by the Department.  (i.e., Illinois State Treasurer's E-Pay system) Fees authorized by the Section 13-110(b) of IVC shall be paid to:  Treasurer, State of Illinois, by the OTS or OMSTC for each COS.  The OTS or OMSTC shall only charge the authorized fee for issuing a COS.

 

2)         Delivery of COS shall only be made to the address listed on the permit.

 

t)          Inventory requirements for OTSs and OMSTCs:

 

1)         OTSs and OMSTCs shall maintain a supply of COS and numerical insert decals to issue to both originally tested vehicles and vehicles returning for retest.

 

2)         If the original OTS or OMSTC does not have a supply of COS to issue to a rejected vehicle being returned for retest, the test fee shall be refunded to the vehicle owner.

 

u)         COS shall be stored in a locked place within the OTS, OMSTC, or a vehicle operated by an OMSTC to perform safety tests.

 

v)         Reporting requirements for COS lost or stolen from an OTS or OMSTC:

 

1)         The owner shall, without delay, notify the police agency in the jurisdiction where the OTS or OMSTC is located of the loss or theft of any COS.  The owner shall obtain a report from the police agency notified.

 

2)         The owner shall notify the Department without delay at email provided in Section 451.40 giving OTS or OMSTC name, identification number, and serial numbers of the COS that were lost or stolen.

 

3)         The Owner shall complete the Report of Lost or Stolen Safety Certificates form (BIC 1241). The original form is to be emailed to the Department at email address provided in Section 451.40 along with the corresponding police report.

 

4)         COS that are lost or stolen from an OTS or OMSTC shall not be replaced by the Department.  It is the responsibility of the owner to file a claim with the appropriate party.

 

w)        COS that are mutilated, destroyed, or voided while being applied by a CST shall not be returned to the Department for replacement COS or refund of the fee of the COS.  The owner shall submit the original mutilated COS to the Department along with a completed Defective, Mutilated, or Replacement COS Report.

 

x)         COS that are manufactured with a defect can be returned for replacement COS.  The owner shall complete and submit the Defective, Mutilated, or Replacement COS Report and attach the returned COS to the form.  Defective COS shall display a complete serial number to qualify for replacement.  The Department will mail replacement COS to the owner in intervals of 10 COS.  OTS and OMSTCs will receive credit for defective COS returned to the Department which must be used toward the OTS's next COS order once the credit is at 10 or more (one book of COS).

 

y)         When an OTS or OMSTC permanently closes, the owner shall submit a written request to the Department at the email provided in Section 451.40 in order to obtain any refund monies due to the owner for unused COS.  The request shall include the OTSs or OMSTCs current IRS W-9 form.  An inspector will collect any unused COS, the permit, CST certificates, and all property of the Department.  The Department will submit the OTSs or OMSTCs refund to the State of Illinois Comptroller within 30 days of the Department receiving the refund request.

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 15244, effective November 13, 2025)

 

Section 451.150  Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) Procedures

 

a)         The VIR shall be completed by a CST.

 

b)         VIRs and data within VIRs shall remain the property of the Department at all times.

 

c)         Every combination of vehicles (e.g., tractor-trailer) shall be tested as separate units and shall have a separate VIR.

 

d)         A valid School Bus Brake Inspection Report (BIC 2258) shall be presented to the CST prior to each school bus safety test.  (See subsection (m) for retention procedures.) EXCEPTION:  If the school bus has operated less than 10,000 miles and less than 12 months have passed since the school bus was manufactured, a Brake Inspection Report is not required.

 

e)         The CST shall remove any previously applied COS from the vehicle prior to any safety test.

 

f)         The CST shall complete the applicable VIR in accordance with Department procedures.  All fields shall be completed unless a component does not apply to the vehicle subject to safety testing.  Each applicable component shall be checked either "Pass" or "Fail".

 

g)         Vehicles equipped with single wide-based tires (i.e., super single tires) on the rear of the vehicle shall be recorded as a dual axle vehicle.

 

h)         The COS fee shall not be charged until the COS is issued.

 

i)          The owner is responsible for issuing, submitting, and filing all VIRs in accordance with Department procedures.

 

OTSs and OMSTCs shall provide a hard copy of the VIR to customers who operate interstate, medical carrier, rebuilt, and rejected vehicles.  At the vehicle’s owner or operator request, OTSs and OMSTCs shall provide either a hard copy or an electronic copy for all other vehicles.

 

j)          OTSs authorized to inspect school buses shall establish and maintain a separate file folder (not electronic) that contains hard copies of the School Bus Brake Inspection Reports (BIC 2258) for school buses submitted to a safety test at that OTS.  Brake Inspection Reports shall be filed according to the date that the school bus was issued a COS.  Brake Inspection Reports shall be available for inspection by an Inspector, if requested.  Brake Inspection Reports shall be kept at the OTS for, at a minimum, 18 months from the COS issue date.

 

k)        Vehicle Inspection Reports – Rejected Vehicles:

 

The CST shall provide the driver with a hard copy of the VIR indicating rejection.  The VIR indicating rejection allows 30 days for repair and return to the original OTS or OMSTC for retest of only previously rejected components.  If the vehicle passes the retest, only the COS fee, as determined by the Section 13-110 of IVC, can be charged.  The cost of the original inspection covers the cost of the retest for 30 days.

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 15244, effective November 13, 2025)

 

Section 451.160  Official Testing Station and Official Mobile Safety Testing Company Forms, Records, Supplies and Reports

 

a)         Required forms and supplies shall be provided by the Department.

 

b)         All required forms and supplies remain the property of the Department.

 

c)         Supplies provided by the Department include month and year numerical inserts that are applied to COS.  All supplies furnished by the Department shall be available for inspection by Inspectors anytime during the hours listed in Section 451.70.

 

d)         All COS, the permit, CST Certificates, and supplies provided by the Department will be surrendered to an Inspector when a OTS or OMSTC is permanently closed or the permit is suspended or revoked.

 

e)         It shall be the owner's responsibility to make sure his employees utilize the proper forms.

 

f)          Owners are required to post the following items in the lane area within the OTS at a location visible to drivers of a vehicle being submitted for a safety test.  All posted items shall be located together in the lane area and protected from the elements either by glass or lamination.

 

1)         Permit;

 

2)         Certified Safety Tester Certificate or certificates;     

 

3)         Approved inspection fee (per axle) as shown on the Station Fee Schedule provided by the Department (if applicable); and

 

4)         Approved school bus inspection fee as shown on the Official School Bus Testing Station Price Schedule provided by the Department (if applicable).

 

g)         OMSTC owners are required to post the following items at the physical address location listed on the permit. Copies of the following items shall be maintained in each vehicle operated by the OMSTC used to perform safety tests:

 

1)         Permit;

 

2)         Certified Safety Tester Certificate or certificates;

 

3)         Approved inspection fee (per axle) as shown on the OMSTC Fee Schedule provided by the Department.

 

h)         The items required to be displayed shall be posted immediately upon receipt.

 

i)          The owner shall notify the Department, without delay, if any of the posted items are inaccurate, invalid, illegible or expired.

 

j)          All posted items remain the property of the Department.

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 15244, effective November 13, 2025)

Section 451.APPENDIX A   Inspection Procedures/Specifications for Type I School Buses (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 19 Ill. Reg. 4394, effective March 13, 1995)

Section 451.APPENDIX B   Inspection Procedures/Specifications for Type II School Buses (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 19 Ill. Reg. 4394, effective March 13, 1995)

Section 451.APPENDIX C   Inspection Procedures/Specifications for Type I Special Education School Buses (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 19 Ill. Reg. 4394, effective March 13, 1995)

Section 451.APPENDIX D   Inspection Procedures/Specifications for Type II Special Education School Buses (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 19 Ill. Reg. 4394, effective March 13, 1995)

Section 451.APPENDIX E   Driver's Pre-Trip Inspection Requirements (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 19 Ill. Reg. 4394, effective March 13, 1995)

Section 451.APPENDIX F   Authorized Inspection Equipment (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 49 Ill. Reg. 15244, effective November 13, 2025)

Section 451.APPENDIX G   Illinois Minimum Standards for School Bus - Van Type Conversion 1-16 Passengers Purchased Prior to September 1974 (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 19 Ill. Reg. 4394, effective March 13, 1995)

Section 451.ILLUSTRATION A   Stop Arm Panel (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 19 Ill. Reg. 4394, effective March 13, 1995)

Section 451.ILLUSTRATION B   Exhaust Guidelines (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 19 Ill. Reg. 4394, effective March 13, 1995)