Roadside Vehicle inspections by OSHP

[Phantom135]

What are the factors in how the OSHP decides where and when to have the roadside safety inspections? Is there any way to find out when the next ones would be in our area (Ashtabula County)? Also, would the new clear license tag covers we have on our two cars be a problem? With OH going back to using steel for plates instead of aluminum like when we moved here in '78, I have the covers on our plates so they don't rust like my in-laws' plates are. I also painted the backs of them, but still wanted the extra protection.

Please excuse the rambling. Any info you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

[Bing_Oh]

Actually, Ohio is going to printed plastic license plates (personally, I hate those things...they're much more difficult to read at night). License plates are permitted to have clear covers on them as long as they do not obstruct the plate...no colored/fogged/smoked covers are permitted.

No idea what the criteria are for roadside vehicle inspections. You could always call your local OSP post. I've never done it personally, and it's not required by law but, if you're looking to have your vehicle inspected, why no just take it to a post and ask?

[Phantom135]

The reason I asked also about the coveres was in '00 (the year of my car) I did go to a post and asked about the inspection, as I worked as a detailer at the time and saw cars in the place with the stickers. My car was turned down because of the covers. I was told "They keep the salt and dirt off the tags, so they aren't really liked." Seeing my now in-laws' tags all rusty makes me glad I use the covers, besides the spray paint on the backs.

Any guess as to when or if the state actually does go to plastic tags? I'll send an email to their site and inquire, as well.

[Bing_Oh]

I've already seen the plastic tags around. They're not as common as the metal tags at this point, but I don't believe that any metal tags are being issued anymore. I think the BMV is replacing the plastic tags in the same way that they replaced the old blue and white tags...just issuing plastic tags with new registrations and switching them out over time.

[Phantom135]

Thanks. My tags are due up in July, and I was thinking of getting the 2 year reg for both our cars (both are in my name). I am also thinking of getting rid of my reserved tags because even the $10 savings would help. Then there is also I want to see about better service, so I am thinking when I get them all taken care of to get it done in another county. The three DRs we have here are nothing to write home about when it comes to "service."