Technical review
What is VTI?
The implementation of the Vehicle Technical Inspection (VTI) as a mandatory procedure for all vehicle owners has been a transcendent transit measure, adopted in many countries.
The VTI is a procedure in which the vehicles undergo a verification and evaluation of their general state, as well as the functioning of each one of its parts.
The objective of this inspection is to ensure that the vehicles that circulate in our streets have the optimal conditions to do so safely, both for the occupants and for the rest of the people who use the roads. With this, it is sought to reduce the risk of traffic accidents due to mechanical failures or, in case of having an accident, to avoid major consequences due to the absence of the safety devices with which the vehicle must have.
During this review, vehicle owners can be notified of failures that, in other circumstances, are difficult to perceive and, thereby, be responsible for their timely correction.
It is a brief procedure. Its duration usually does not exceed 30 minutes in an inspection line, in which the trained personnel performs this evaluation of the car, with the support of specialized equipment.
In Costa Rica, there is a before and after of the application of VTI, clearly identified by those who remember the situations on the road more than a decade ago, when vehicles were seen that polluted excessively, stranded on the edges of the streets or circulating in precarious conditions and, due to it, constant accidents caused by failures in brakes, tires, excessive heating and short circuits.
In addition, the improvement in the vehicle identification culture promoted by VTI has allowed more controls, that contribute in giving more security to owners and buyers.
Who establishes the VTI manual?
The Vehicle Technical Inspection Procedures Manual is a document prepared by the Road Safety Council (Cosevi), which tells the company in charge which aspects to review, how to do it, what is considered a fault and how it is qualified (Mild, Serious or Dangerous).
The manual provides the classification of vehicles in the following categories: bicycles, motorcycles, cars, minibuses, buses, light trucks, heavy loads, tractors, trailers, light trailers, semitrailers, special equipment for work and services, special agricultural equipment and special vehicles.
In this manual, there are 11 chapters that cover all the aspects subject to inspection in the different types of vehicles:
- Identification
- Exterior conditioning, body and chassis.
- Interior conditioning.
- Lighting and signage.
- Pollutant emissions.
- Brakes.
- Steering Wheel.
- Shafts and suspension.
- Motor and transmission.
- Others.
- Special Situations.
In this way, the company Riteve operates with strict adherence to the instructions issued by Cosevi, established in the manual.
The Audit Department of this institution is responsible for ensuring that all provisions are complied with at the Riteve stations. For this, the stations are monitored two weeks a month, by means of a rotating scheme, that allows to watch all the stations of the country twice a year.
When a change in the operation is necessary, Cosevi issues a directive that notifies Riteve, as well as the users of the service, through the official newspaper La Gaceta.
What warranty does the Riteve equipment have?
All inspection equipment used at the 17 Riteve stations are manufactured in Germany. In addition to daily maintenance, more specific treatments are performed monthly, quarterly and semi-annual, to ensure that they always function correctly, to detect any flaw that may occur almost immediately.
Parallel to the maintenance provided to the equipment, Riteve has developed a metrological confirmation system, which ensures that the measurements made are reliable. This is done through periodic calibrations and intermediate checks between each calibration. In this way, the level of accuracy required in the results of each test is guaranteed.
Formalities
What should I submit for the periodic inspection?
Title of property or a rapid certification of the Public Registry, current identification and license corresponding to the type of vehicle that is to be inspected.
What do I need to submit for the Registration Inspection?
Single Customs Declaration (DUA), current identification and license corresponding to the type of vehicle that is to be inspected.
What should I submit for Duplicate Inspection?
Title of property, current identification and license corresponding to the type of vehicle that is to be inspected.
What is a voluntary inspection and when is it recommended?
This is a test identical to the periodic inspection and can be performed at any time of the year.
When is it advisable to do it:
- Before you buy a used vehicle, to know what its actual state is, at the time of purchase.
- Before you make a long trip, be sure to have no incidentals on road.
- After an accident in which the vehicle has required major repairs, to confirm that all systems have been properly maintained.
- Three to six months after the periodic VTI – for fleets of vehicles that travel daily long distances – to ensure that its state is maintained until the next periodic VTI.
What do I need to submit for a Voluntary Inspection?
Title of property or a rapid certification of the Public Registry, current identification and license corresponding to the type of vehicle that is to be inspected.
What are the requirements for the provision of VTI service?
- Do not carry weapons or pets.
- Do not use cell phones or similar devices during the review.
- Children must travel on the appropriate devices indicated by law.
- Follow the instructions of the staff.
- Revision under the effects of alcohol or drugs is not allowed.
Provisions for particular vehicles
Are allogens allowed?
Front fog light devices are effectively allowed, 2 or 4 white devices can be installed. They are to be located at the front at 75 cm. or less with respect to the road.
Are decorative lights allowed?
According to Executive Decree 17266-MOPT, decorative lights are forbidden to be installed on the outside of the vehicle.
What type of polarization is allowed?
In the front windshield, any type of biased or unofficial stickers are qualified as a serious foul. In side windows, the polarization is allowed provided it allows the visibility towards the interior of the vehicle. The polarized mirror or limo type is a serious fault anywhere in the vehicle. Polarization is not allowed on the rear windscreen. Except for the cases mentioned above (limousine or mirror) the polarized in this back area is qualified as mild fault.
What happens if the vehicle windows do not open?
It is considered to be faulty windows (they do not open) and is rated with a slight defect.
What happens if one of the lights has burned out?
It is classified as a minor defect the non-functioning of “ONE LIGHT” of any device other than the Low light devices. If more devices are not working, it qualifies as a serious fault.
What happens if have not changes the license plates of my vehicle?
Plates that have not been replaced according to the schedule established by the National Registry of Property, will be considered without legal validity and a serious defect will be recorded on the vehicle.
What happens if one of the doors does not open?
It is considered as a defect of access of doors to people and is rated as mild.
Are stickers allowed in particular vehicles?
Yes, despite the existence of antisolar adhesive film, stickers or the like on the front windshield, within the area of the windshield wipers, it is classified as serious and the existence on the rear windscreen is classified as mild.
Dispositions on heavy loads
What devices or refractive tapes should a heavy load vehicle have?
Retroreflective tape is mandatory as follows:
| Location on the Vehicle | Specifications |
|---|---|
| In front | Minimum height: the bumper Minimum width: 90% of the bumper |
| Lateral: from the rear of the cab to the rear of the vehicle |
Height: 125 cm from the ground or from the lower edge of the vehicle Minimum length: On both sides must be equal to 50% of the lateral side. Tape should be evenly distributed |
| Behind | Height: 125 cm from the upper floor level or from the lower edge of the vehicle. Minimum width: 75% of the width of the vehicle In addition, another belt must be installed which must cover the width of the horizontal stirrup bar |
The “retroreflective devices” are only mandatory in motorcycles, automobiles and light loads.
Provisions for public transportation
What are special provisions of the transportation of students?
In the case of vehicles that are dedicated to the transport of students, the following will be verified:
- The following Legend should be painted on the sides and the back of the bodywork in black letters 15 cm high and 5 cm wide on a yellow background: “STUDENT TRANSPORTATION “.
- It should also be painted on the back with a label that reads “STOP”. This must be octagonal.
- The existence of a first aid kit.
- The existence, operation and good condition of seat belts in passenger seats.
- In the case of transportation of university students, they are not required to wear seat belts in passenger seats.
- The existence and condition of the grab bars and handles.
- The condition of the corridors and floor.
- That on the floor there are no obstacles to the passage of people.
- The existence, loading, expiration and subjection of the fire extinguisher.
- Existence of the garbage dump.
- That the seniority of the bus is not greater than allowed.
- The existence of interior lighting.
In case of buses, emergency exits are properly signposted.
What are the particular provisions for route buses?
In case of vehicles that are dedicated to the transport of a regular route, the following will be verified:
- The existence and operation of stamps.
- The existence of a route sign or a place to be installed
- The existence and condition of the grab bars and handles.
- The condition of the corridors and floor.
- That on the floor there are no obstacles to the passage of people.
- The existence, loading, expiration and subjection of the fire extinguisher.
- Existence of the garbage dump.
- That its seniority is not greater than allowed.
- The existence of interior lighting.
In case of buses, emergency exits are properly signposted.
What are the particular provisions for public transportation buses regarding the 7600 law?
Preferred vehicle seats accessible:
- That there are at least two.
- That the fastening to the floor is firm, safe and adequate for its use.
- That there are no defects of state that can generate insecurity.
- That there is a sign on or near a preferential seat indicating that persons with disabilities have priority in the use of that seat.
Wheelchair space:
- Its existence.
- That there are no defects of state in its elements that can generate insecurity.
- That the fixation of the fastening elements in this space is that required for its use.
Wheelchair anchorage system:
- The existence of the seat belt.
- The existence of wheelchair anchorage elements.
- That there is no defective state of the safety belt and / or its anchoring elements that may be a cause of failure in the event of an accident.
- That the fastening of the anchoring elements of the wheelchair are firm and secure.
Ramp and / or lift:
The access for the wheelchairs can be by means of a mechanical ramp, by means of a manual ramp or by means of a mechanical elevator.
- Existence of at least one ramp or elevator for boarding.
- That the operation is normal. You must not allow the vehicle to be driven unless the elevator or ramp is in its normal travel position. When in normal position of travel in the vehicle, it should not present any danger to pedestrians or other road users when the vehicle is in motion.
- That there are no defects of state that can generate insecurity.
- That the fixation of the fastening elements is that required for their use.
General vehicle signage and marking:
- That each label consists of an international wheelchair accessibility white ideogram on a blue background.
- That the approximate dimensions of the label should be at least:
- 200 mm by 200 mm when externally located.
- 150 mm by 150 mm when located internally.
- Where it is to be located:
- Exterior: In the front of the vehicle and next to any entrance for wheelchair users.
- Interior: Next to any wheelchair user’s exit and next to any wheelchair space.
- Its existence according to the required location.
- That there are no defects in status that may affect its identification.
What are the special provisions for taxis dedicated to the transport of people with disabilities?
Wheelchair space:
- The internal space for placing the wheelchair must allow the passenger to be positioned in the direction of the vehicle’s operation.
- The wheelchair space must have the dimensions established by the corresponding regulation.
Safety of the handicapped person traveling in his wheelchair:
- The existence of the seat belt.
- The existence of anchoring elements of the wheelchair.
- That there is no defective state of the safety belt and / or its anchoring elements that may be a cause of failure in the event of an accident.
- That the fastening of the anchoring elements of the wheelchair are firm and secure.
Ramp and / or lift:
The access for the wheelchairs can be by means of a mechanical ramp, by means of a manual ramp or by means of a mechanical elevator.
- Existence of at least one ramp or elevator for boarding.
- That the operation is normal. You must not allow the vehicle to be driven unless the elevator or ramp is in its normal travel position. When in normal position of travel in the vehicle, it should not present any danger to pedestrians or other road users when the vehicle is in motion.
- That there are no defects of state that can generate insecurity.
- That the fixation of the fastening elements is that required for their use.
- That in the case of hand ramps, the devices for their anchorage for the purposes of their storage must work properly and should not have no defects of state that may affect its function.
General vehicle signage and marking:
- That each label consists of an international wheelchair accessibility white ideogram on a blue background
- That the approximate dimensions of the label should be at least:
- 200 mm by 200 mm when externally located.
- 150 mm by 150 mm when located internally.
- Where it is to be located:
- Exterior: On the front of the vehicle and on both sides.
- Its existence according to the required location.
- That there are no defects in status that may affect its identification.
What are the special provisions for ambulances?
Wheelchair space:
- Its existence.
- That there are no defects of state in its elements that can generate insecurity.
- That the fixation of the fastening elements in this space is that required for its use.
Wheelchair anchorage system:
- The existence of the seat belt.
- The existence of anchoring elements of the wheelchair.
- That there is no defective state of the safety belt and / or its anchoring elements that may be a cause of failure in the event of an accident.
- That the fastening of the anchoring elements of the wheelchair are firm and secure.
Ramp and / or lift:
The access for the wheelchairs can be by means of a mechanical ramp, by means of a manual ramp or by means of a mechanical elevator.
- Existence of at least one ramp or elevator for boarding.
- That the operation is normal. When in normal position of travel in the vehicle, it should not present any danger to pedestrians or other road users when the vehicle is in motion.
- That there are no defects of state that can generate insecurity.
- That the fixation of the fastening elements is that required for their use.
What are the special provisions for taxis?
- To have a taximeter in perfect working order.
- Must carry a fire extinguisher, it is recommended that it be of carbon dioxide (CO2).
- The vehicle must be no older than 15 years old.
- It must have a labeling with the following characteristics:
- Triangles:
- 3 must be installed, 1 on the roof and 2 on the front doors.
- All labels should be in the form of a triangle of approximately 30 cm in base and 30 cm in height.
- The label must have a yellow background and black printo.
- It must contain at least the following information: the assigned board number, the name and code of the operating base.
- Labels should be painted.
- Illuminated sign:
-
They must have an illuminated sign, located on the roof, with the caption “TAXI MOPT”
-
- Triangles:
- The vehicle must comply with all dimming or polarizing of windows and / or windscreens according to the provisions of section 2.6 of the Vehicle Technical Review Manual.
- The vehicle must not carry decals, sports references, advertisements, decorations, advertisements, advertising signs and messages on a taxi body, of any material, which is not related to the service.
What are the special provisions for the Transport of Dangerous Substances?
- The existence of the following types of extinguishers:
- An extinguisher of at least 2.27 kg of chemical dust should be carried in the cabin.
- An extinguisher of at least 9,07 kg of chemical dust must be carried in the loading area.
- The load, condition and subjection of the fire extinguishers, as well as their expiration date will be checked.
- The escape of the engine exhaust must not be oriented directly into the container. In addition, the exhaust outlet must be at least one meter from the product inlet and outlet devices, in the case of tanks.
- The battery and its electrical installation must be protected from the elements and secured. In addition, the battery must have a quick disconnect system.
- The proper anchoring of the container to the chassis will be verified.
- It must have the pictograms, according to the type of dangerous goods it transports.
Are bi-xenon and LED lights allowed?
Among the criteria established in the Vehicle Technical Review Manual for vehicle lighting and signaling devices, current regulations DO NOT include verification of the light source of the device, such as LED light emitting diodes, Incandescent bulb (Halogen) or gas discharge (XENON), in that sense a device regardless of its function can have any light source.