A colleague of mine has just advised that the licensing department can no longer provide vehicle inspections in rainy weather. Is this true? Being that we have hurricane season five months out of the year, is this realistic? Do you know what the reason for this rule is if it’s in fact true?


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Auntie’s answer: Actually, your colleague is correct. A Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing official confirmed that and also offered quite reasonable and practical reasons for the rule, which has pretty much always been in place.

The official pointed out that when a car comes into the inspection pit off of a wet road there will be a lot of water on the undercarriage.

“Imagine attempting to inspect a vehicle (looking up at it) with water dripping from everywhere. This is somewhat difficult to do, even wearing eye gear,” he explained.

In addition, inspecting a car in dry conditions “allows the inspectors to not only see better, but better identify any possible fluid leaks that may be occurring”.

The explanation is logical to me, though I realise it will not be convenient for someone whose appointment has to be changed due to rain.