You require a valid safety Certificate of Inspection (COI) to register a newly acquired vehicle in Manitoba. A COI confirms that, at the time of inspection, a vehicle met basic standards for operation in Manitoba, which are set out in the Vehicle Inspection Handbook.
A COI doesn’t include a detailed inspection of the engine or transmission and is not a guarantee of the overall quality of the vehicle. A COI provides a snapshot of the vehicle condition at the time of inspection. This condition can change over time and it is a good idea to have your vehicle fully inspected by a trusted mechanic before purchase.
When do you need a COI
A COI is required:
- When ownership of a vehicle is transferred.
- When bringing any vehicle into Manitoba. This includes vehicles owned by people moving to Manitoba.
The COI inspection
An inspector at one of Manitoba’s registered vehicle inspection stations signs a COI after a vehicle passes an inspection of components and systems, including:
- Brakes
- Suspension
- Tires
- Lights
- Exhaust system
- Seat belts
- Steering
- Other components and systems
There are three possible outcomes to the COI inspection:
Pass: The vehicle passes the inspection and receives a COI.
Advisement: The vehicle currently meets all minimum safety standards and receives a COI. However, the advisement notes that specified components will soon require servicing or repair.
Fail: The vehicle does not meet certain standards. The vehicle must undergo specified repairs and pass a re inspection before a COI can be issued.
In Winnipeg, Western Turbo is a certified inspection station for automobiles, light duty trucks, heavy duty trucks, RVs, buses up to 24 passenger and also ambulances and handicap vehicles. We can also perform safety inspections on modified and lifted vehicles.To learn more about the inspection process, please contact us.