How Much does an Out-of-Province Inspection Cost?
Anyone driving a commercial vehicle outside of Alberta, this article is for you if you plan to go there. An out-of-province inspection isn't your ordinary commercial vehicle inspection, but it's necessary if you're heading into Alberta from another province. However, like any inspection, some costs come along with it. Read on to see how much out-of-province inspection costs so you're prepared when you arrive in Alberta!
What is an Out-of-Province Inspection?
Suppose you're heading to Alberta with a commercial vehicle from another province. You must have this inspection completed since it's supposed to ensure your commercial vehicle meets safety and equipment standards in Alberta.
Yet, what kinds of commercial vehicles would need an out-of-province inspection? They include trucks, truck-tractors, semi-trailers, trailers and combinations thereof exceeding a registered gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 4,500 kg when operating extra-provincially). In addition, trucks, truck-tractors, semi-trailers, trailers, and combinations exceed a registered GVW of 11,794 kg when operating intra-provincially.
But before you get an inspection, you need to ensure a licensed facility can do it. How can you tell that they are credible and able? Only places with a journeyman technician certified by the Vehicle Inspection Program can perform out-of-province Inspections. In which case, before you enter Alberta, you must first complete it three months in advance.
What Does the Inspection Involve?
The whole purpose behind an out-of-province inspection is to line up with the safety standards in Alberta. Yet, what exactly are they looking into to ensure it meets those standards? You would be surprised by how much goes into an inspection, especially for out-of-province.
When you have someone who can conduct this type of inspection, you can expect them to look over the following:
- Powertrain
- Suspension
- Brakes
- Steering
- Instrument and Auxiliary Equipment
- Lamps
- Electrical System
- Body
- Tires and Wheels
- Coupling Devices
When you get the inspection done, it should take approximately two hours, and you will receive a certificate if your vehicle passes the inspection. However, the certificate is valid for 14 days, and the vehicle must be registered in Alberta within that 14-day time frame.
How to Find an Inspection Company?
Before heading to the mechanic, it's important to do your research. It would help if you considered a few things when finding someone to inspect your vehicle. The first is ensuring the inspection company that you reach out to can perform an out-of-province inspection. You wouldn't want to waste your or anyone else's time by booking an appointment with a company that doesn't provide that. You need to ensure that the company specializes in it before booking an appointment accordingly.
A second thing to consider is pricing. Some companies will be priced lower than others, so it's worth shopping around before committing to one place. You don't want to go anywhere if they won't provide the services or if they charge more than other places.
Once you've found a reputable company and know what inspection work they offer, it's time to book your appointment! Ensure you have all the necessary information, including your vehicle registration, driver's license, proof of insurance, and current safety sticker (if applicable).
What's the Cost of Out-of-Province Inspection?
Costs of out-of-province commercial vehicle inspection in Alberta vary by location and what is included in the price. If you plan on driving from outside of the province, you'll want to know what you're getting yourself into ahead of time. Depending on the location and services, an inspection can cost as little as $50 and go as high as $750. In this case, it's even more important to keep up with maintenance on your vehicle, so it won't further increase the costs of what an out-of-province inspection would normally be.
When coming in from another province, it's important to be responsible and ensure safety by getting an out-of-province inspection before entering Alberta. No matter what the cost, it's an important inspection that should be paid and worth it in the long run.