Everything You Need to Know About Out-Of-Province Motorcycle Inspections

Registration in Alberta for Motorcycles from Outside the Province

All motorcycles brought from outside Alberta must pass an out-of-province inspection before they can receive an Alberta registration and license plate. Performance Cycle and Auto is a fully approved licensed inspection facility. 

The inspection looks at these systems, they must function correctly and cannot be worn beyond OEM specifications.  

· Onboard Diagnostic Systems – Engine light, Antilock Brake System (ABS) as well any warning indicators cannot be illuminated. 

· Controls – Handle bars are not bent and secure, clutch, brake, throttle cables are adjusted correctly, no broken levers, horn must operate. Starter Interlock system must operate if equipped.

· Lamps – Headlamp high/low must work, brake and tail light signal and brake lamps (must meet DOT standard), and license plate lamp must be present. Dash indicator lights all must function, front and rear reflectors must be present, Head light aim is checked.

· Steering and Suspension – Stem bearings must not be loose or notchy, swing arm must be tight no side to side play, rear shocks and fork seals must not leak or be damaged.

· Tires and Wheels – Tire size and type must be correct, tread depth no less then 1.6 mm, rotation must be correct, tire pressure must be correct, wheel bearings must be smooth and can not have any play. wheels must not be damaged or bent.

· Brakes – Brakes must not pulse, disc brake pads, brake rotors must be with in spec. calipers can not be dragging or leaking, brake lines and hoses are routed correctly and not leaking. Drum brakes must not show signs of wear on the brake arm. If so wheels must come off to inspect brake shoes and drums.

· Power train – Fuel and cooling system must not leak, exhaust system must be secure and have no holes and a baffle must be present. drive chain / belt must be adjusted to the correct free play and must have a chain / belt guard.

· Body – Seat, fairings must be secure, front fender, rear fender must be present, passenger foot pegs, speedometer odometer must operate, needs two mirrors, min 10cm diameter for round, 6.5 x 12 cm for rectangle. must have a license plate mount.

TIP:  

Find an original photo of the motorcycle and see if any the components have been modified from the original equipment (OE). Modified components may not pass inspection. Inspect the motorcycle for things like reflectors, signal lights (DOT), original rear fender, chain guard, license plate light and passenger foot pegs. It will need all these parts to pass.

THE PROCESS:

1) You will need an Inspection Request Form. This can be purchased at any Alberta Registry. In order to obtain the form you will need to bring proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or certificate of title. If you are from outside of Canada, there is an additional form you’ll need to fill out.

2) You then bring the form and the motorcycle to an Approved Inspection Location in Alberta such as Performance Cycle and Auto.  We use the code on the form to initiate an electronic file on the motorcycle. A licensed motorcycle mechanic will then take a look at various aspects of the motorcycle to ensure they are up to Alberta regulations. 

3) Upon passing the inspection, the electronic file is updated, a paper copy generated and then the owner can return to any Alberta registry to finalize registration.

 

KEY POINTS:

  • Inspection certifications are only valid for 14 days, and the vehicle must be registered in Alberta before it expires

  • If your vehicle fails the inspection then the repairs need to be made within 10 days of the initial inspection and then re-inspected once they are complete

  • This inspection needs to be completed whether you bring a motorcycle from another Canadian province or the United States

      

What happens when my bike fails the inspection? 

The failed components must be addressed before a re-inspection can be done. Record of Inspection (ROI) may be presented to any vehicle inspection facility within 10 days of the initial inspection and only the failed items noted on this ROI are required to be re-inspected.

If the vehicle is not returned for re-inspection within 10 days of the initial date of inspection, a new inspection must be conducted. 

Failed inspection options

#1: Leave your bike with Performance Cycle and Auto and we make the necessary repairs, once complete we re-inspect your bike at no charge
We make every effort to complete your bike repairs as soon as possible however delivery times are dependent on parts availability and scheduling. 

#2: Vehicle is taken away and repairs completed (returns within 10 days)
Re-inspect charge

#3: Vehicle leaves and Is not re-inspected within the 10 day expiry, a new Inspection Is required.

 

We are more than happy to answer any questions regarding an OOP Motorcycle Inspection.  You can give us a call during regular business hours Tuesday - Saturday

 Phone: 403-258-3588

 

References: https://ama.ab.ca/registries/auto/vehicle-inspection/out-of-province
http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType41/Production/Motorcycle_Inspection_Manual_Version_2Point0_July2011.pdf