Section 451.110   Official Testing Stations Classifications, Specifications and Safety Test Equipment

a)         Effective July 1, 2025, all new OTSs shall meet the following dimension requirements before a permit is issued (does not apply to permit renewals).  OTSs shall have both an entrance and an exit door that provide drive-through capability for vehicles subject to safety test.

b)         The following are the minimum dimensions and lane OTS classifications for those OTSs which were first issued a permit prior to July 1, 2025:

*       With a combination wheel alignment and brake testing device

+       Must have an entrance and exit door in direct line with the safety test equipment.  D OTS's have optional drive through capabilities.

++     Lane dimensions have been waived to accommodate vehicles. Refer to subsections (e) and (f) for requirements.

c)         All OTSs that were issued a permit prior to July 1, 2025 shall retain the OTS classification assigned to it under subsection (b).

d)         Public School Bus Only OTSs are authorized to only safety test school buses and are open to the general public.  Private School Bus OTS are not open to the public and are authorized to safety test 75 or more school buses owned or leased by the firm in whose name the permit is issued.  All School Bus Only OTSs are exempt from the drive-through requirement and dimensions of subsection (a) but shall have a lane length of at least 45'.

e)         Class B OTS are limited to testing single unit motor vehicles (trucks, tractors and buses).  No trailers or semitrailers shall be tested at a B OTS.  Vehicles tested at B OTS must not exceed authorized capacity of test equipment or Permit limitations (refer to subsection (b) for limitations).

f)         Class B1 OTS are authorized to test single motor vehicles. The Station can be a drive-through operation but it is not required.  Special category vehicles or school buses being tested cannot exceed the capacity of the authorized safety test equipment.  No trailers or semitrailers shall be tested at a B1 OTS.

g)         Class B2 OTS are authorized to test all sizes and combinations of vehicles.  B2 OTS must have drive-through capabilities.  Special category vehicles or school buses being tested cannot exceed the capacity of the authorized safety test equipment. The size of any vehicle being inspected shall not exceed the limitation of the Official Testing Station's building.

h)         Class C OTS are authorized to test all sizes and combinations of vehicles which can enter the lane facilities and not exceed the capacity of the authorized safety test equipment.

i)          Class D OTS are public OTS established solely to conduct school bus safety tests.  These OTS are authorized to test all school buses which can enter the lane facility and not exceed capacity of the authorized safety test equipment.  D OTS may have drive through capabilities, if their building so permits, but it is not a requirement.

j)          Any OTSs may test school buses provided authorization has been granted by the Department.  The owner shall employ at least one school bus CST prior to authorization being granted by the Department.  The ABTD must be capable of testing the weight of a school bus.

k)         The requirements for private OTSs shall be the same as for public OTSs, except where noted. 

l)          An OTS' lane shall be outlined with a readily visible perimeter line at least 3" wide and of a color that contrasts with its background.  The lane perimeter lines shall be permanently marked on the floor in the dimensions set forth in subsection (a).

m)        There shall be no obstruction caused by building design or fixture placement within the dimensions of the lane.

n)         All ABTDs must be approved by the Department prior to being utilized by an OTS to perform safety tests.

o)         All ABTDs shall be installed and/or utilized according to the respective manufacturer's specifications.  The location of drive-on or roll-on devices shall be approved by the Department (see subsection (o)). The center line of a drive-on or roll-on device may be offset from the center of the lane entrance to the center of the lane exit; however, drive-through capabilities (if applicable) and accurate test readings shall be maintained.

p)         All OTSs and OMSTCs shall be equipped with the following items:

1)         black or blue permanent marker;

2)         measuring device;

3)         tread depth gauge;

4)         set of calipers;

5)         wheel chocks;

6)         flashlight;

7)         scratch pad or small notebook; and

8)         a printer to provide customer VIR copy.

q)         Public and private OTSs required to use an ABTD shall also be equipped with an approved jack or lift that has a manufacturers specified capacity of raising the front of any vehicle submitted for a safety test that requires the front end to be raised.

r)          OTSs and OMSTCs are prohibited from inspecting motorcoaches to satisfy 49 CFR 396.17 (Appendix G inspection) utilizing any COS, forms, or any supplies provided by the Department.

s)         For drive-on and roll-on brake testing devices, the tower shall be located either on the left side or at the right front corner of the lane and must be easily read from the driver's seat of the vehicle being safety tested.

t)          ABTDs shall be maintained in accordance with the respective manufacturer's instruction manuals and specifications.

u)         If an OTS changes its location, it will lose its previous classification under subsection (b) and shall meet the requirements of subsection (a). Any change in ownership, business name, or location requires a new permit application and a $50 filing fee.  Following approval by the Department, a new permit and Identification Number will be issued. The Department will not require a change in classification for an ownership change where the requirements of 625 ILCS 5/13-103.2 are met.

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 15244, effective November 13, 2025)