No, you should not drive a car with a rejection sticker except for the very specific purpose of taking it to be repaired or to a secondary inspection station. A rejection sticker, often placed next to the inspection sticker, means your vehicle has failed its state safety and/or emissions inspection. Driving it outside of the legally allowed exceptions is illegal and can result in fines. More importantly, it signals that your car has a documented issue that could compromise your safety or the safety of others on the road.
The specific reasons for the rejection are typically listed on the inspection report. Common problems include faulty brakes, worn tires, malfunctioning lights, or emissions system failures. Most states provide a grace period—often 10 to 30 days—to get the necessary repairs completed and have the car re-inspected without an additional fee. During this period, you are legally permitted to drive the car only to and from a repair facility or a place of inspection.
Ignoring a rejection sticker is risky. Beyond the legal penalties, you're driving a vehicle with a known defect. For instance, a car rejected for brake issues has a significantly increased stopping distance, raising the risk of an accident. If you are pulled over or involved in a collision, the rejection sticker can be used as evidence of negligence, potentially voiding your insurance coverage and leaving you liable for damages. The safest and most financially prudent course of action is to address the repairs immediately.
| Potential Consequence | Typical Outcome | Severity |
|---|
| Traffic Ticket / Fine | $100 - $500, depending on the state and violation. | Medium |
| Vehicle Impoundment | Police may have the authority to impound the vehicle until it is made legal. | High |
| Increased Insurance Premiums | A moving violation for an uninspected vehicle can lead to higher rates. | Medium |
| Voided Insurance Claim | An accident caused by a known, unrepaired defect may not be covered. | Very High |
| Failed Re-inspection | Letting problems linger can lead to more expensive repairs later. | Low/Medium |
