Pennsylvania Vehicle Equipment and Inspection Regulations (PUB 45)

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering terminology, defined concepts, technical specifications, and key visual diagrams from Pennsylvania Publication 45 (Vehicle Equipment and Inspection Regulations).

Acute Area of the Windshield

The center of the critical area on the driver's side of the vehicle directly in the driver's normal line of vision, measuring 8 1/2 inches wide and 5 1/2 inches high.

Critical Area of the Windshield

The part of the vehicle windshield cleaned by the sweep of the windshield wiper system.

Auxiliary Driving Lamp

A lighting device mounted to provide illumination in front of the vehicle and to supplement the upper beam of a standard headlamp system, not intended for use alone or with the lower beam.

Certified Inspection Mechanic

A person who holds a valid certification card issued by the Bureau certifying qualification to inspect specific vehicles and holding a valid driver's license for the correct class of vehicle.

Commonwealth Inspection Station

An inspection station appointed to inspect all types of vehicles owned by and engaged exclusively in the performance of official duties of the Federal Government, the Commonwealth, or its political subdivisions.

Fleet Inspection Station

An inspection station appointed to inspect all types of vehicles leased by or owned and registered in the name of the person in whose name the certificate of appointment is issued (minimum 15 vehicles).

Motor-Driven Cycle

A motorcycle, including a motor scooter, with a motor which produces no more than five-brake horsepower, as well as every pedalcycle with a motor attached.

Temporary Inspection Approval Indicator

An adhesive insert affixed to the current certificate of safety inspection, visible from inside the vehicle, designating vehicles that passed periodic safety inspection but await a renewed emission certificate of inspection.

Rake (Motorcycle)

The angle, measured in degrees, of a motorcycle's steering axis in relation to a line perpendicular to the vehicle wheelbase.

Trail (Motorcycle)

The distance measured in inches between the point where the steering axis intersects the ground in front of the motorcycle and the point where the forward limit of the wheelbase intersects the surface below.

Scrub Line

An imaginary surface created if lines were drawn from the bottom of the wheel rim on one side to the bottom of the tire on the other side, forming an 'X' under the vehicle suspension below which no suspension or chassis component may extend.

Headlight Aiming Screen Distance Standard

A standard headlight aiming setup requiring a light screen placed at a distance of 25 feet from the headlamps, with a minimum screen length of 12 feet.

Drum-Brake Backing Plate

The fixed backing plate of a drum brake system supporting components such as the wheel cylinder, push rod, dust boots, and support plate.

Disc Brake Assembly

A brake assembly comprising a rotating rotor with cooling vents, caliper, outboard shoe (flanges), retention flange, reaction flange, brake line, and splash shield.

Ball Joint Wear Indicator

An indicator boss measuring 1/2 inch in diameter that projects beyond the cover surface on a new joint; the vehicle is rejected if the grease fitting boss is flush or inside the cover surface when loaded.

Minimum Tread Depth Requirement (Passenger Cars)

The requirement that tires must be rejected if any two adjacent grooves have less than 2/32 inch of tread remaining or if tread wear indicators contact the road in any two adjacent grooves.

Inspection Area Minimum Dimensions (General Station)

An inspection space measuring 12 feet wide by 22 feet long when using an approved headlight aimer/tester, or 12 feet wide by 43 feet long when using an approved headlight aiming screen.

Steering Wheel Free Play Limit (16 inches or less wheel diameter)

The maximum allowable steering wheel free play movement of 2 inches for steering wheels 16 inches or less in diameter.