There are "good" inspectors and then there are "strict" inspectors.
And yes, they are monitored by the State Police.

Current inspection prices in VA are $26 for the safety, and $28
(separate fee) for emissions. I just had my VW Corrado emissions
tested. Came out fine (VR6, in a 93 Corrado that might have had 4
"tune-ups" in all that time....)

My Vanagons usually pass. Except for exhaust leaks (which will fail
you in either inspection.) Which is why the GoldBrick is sitting on my
lawn when it's safety inspection was due in December...

Still waiting on parts out of Tiico to fix up its exhaust leak.

On Mar 3, 2008, at 11:28 PM, John Runberg wrote:

> <snip>What you need to do in Virginia is look around for the oldest
> (age) state inspector you can find. </snip>
>
> Think you got me wrong here. I *appreciate* the inspections. Gets
> people who don't know / don't care to actually maintain their cars a
> bit. Even smart people (vanagon drivers, perhaps? Me, definitely)
> miss something once and awhile. It's like a $20 (can't remember exact
> price LOL) once-over. And YES, I've had inspectors fail for bizarre
> reasons. Usually, a well placed question will ease the situation.
> After all, these are quantifiable tests based on strict parameters.
> Opinion doesn't (shouldn't) factor into it and a request for the
> facts has always solved my problems.
>
> Oh, last thing: I may be the only person who actively takes my Vanagon
> (s) to the dealer -- for inspection, at least. For the inspection fee
> I get a very thorough once-over on the entire rig. Bonus is the local
> dealer actually has a mech who knows -- and likes -- Vanagons. They
> know I won't have them work on it, but they've earned enough respect
> that - if need be - I'll let that once mech turn a wrench.
>
> I'm livin' in the twilight zone here :)