Aiea, HI ("Pearlridge")
Took my vehicle here to get a safety inspection knowing that I would fail because of expired registration (due to COIVD). End up failing it because of registration, just as I knew I would, but no word of anything else wrong with the vehicle. I begin the process to obtain my registration via mail and it came in 3 weeks later. With a current registration in hand, I return to Lex Brodie's to get my safety sticker. After about 10 minutes they call my name and tell me that I cannot zip tie my front license plate on and they would not give me my safety sticker until I get it bolted down. Furthermore, I ask why this was not explained to me three weeks ago when I came in originally. He continues to try telling me that an "improperly mounted" license plate means the same thing as registration ( I was extremely confused on how he came to that conclusion)....... Looking through the Hawaii Administrative Rules regarding safety inspections, these two items are not even in the same paragraphs or sub paragraphs. Also, the rules do not outline how a license plate is to be properly mounted (i.e. screws); only stating that it cannot be "loosely or improperly mounted (so that it swings or can be removed without tools", my front license plate falls within these standards (it has passed before with no issues). Regardless, I would have fixed this discrepancy had Lex Brodie's been up front and all of their inspectors on the same page, instead, I had to find out 3 weeks after the fact.
Aloha Mr. Stemple and thank you very much for your feedback. I’ve looked into this a bit to help review this concern. May we ask, does your vehicle have the bracket to mount the license plate? (If so, it would seem reasonable to have it installed to pass a safety inspection). I found under the State of Hawaii Vehicle Inspection 19-133.2-27 “License plates shall be inspected and for condition, legibility, proper location and security of mounting”. Please note “Security of mounting” does leave a bit for interpretation. Would Tie Straps pass the “Security of Mounting” test? Tie straps can be strong, but, plates are designed to be mounted with bolts. Such as any other auto component designed to be mounted with bolts, Tie Straps are not an option. Yes, plates are light. But, if the vehicle would bump in another object, the tie straps could be partially cut, then this could cause the possibility where the plate could go flying when it’s driving at high speeds (due to the damaged plastic tire strap being cut from an impact): where a bolt would remain strong even through an modest impact. There is also 19-133.2-27 (4) that you referred to “Any license plate is missing, loosely or improperly mounted (so that is swings or can be removed without tools)…”. “Tools” also leaves room for interpretation. It’s reasonable to read that “tools” represented a Socket, Wrench or Screw Driver and not scissors or a knife. I’ll ask our VP of Mechanical, Keith Kobayashi” to ask for clarification from the State. As an inspector myself, I would look for the plates to be mounted on factory brackets with bolts. BUT, I / we totally get the frustration about having the plate passed for the initial inspection then rejected on the return visit. Please accept our apologies for this understandable frustration. We would like to refund you for your Safety Inspection charge of $25 + tax (26.18) from invoice 4164823. Please email me at [email protected] and confirm your best mailing address, and we’ll send out the refund. Also, do you happen to have a picture of the plate attached with tie straps? If so, please send so we can review it as well. Thank you very much for your time responding and you’re your feedback. Sincerely, Scott D Williams 30+ years Lex Brodie’s Team Member
- Aiea, HI ("Pearlridge")