What make/model headlight aimer is required to meet the minimum requirement for PA safety inspection stations at this time?

Post date: Mar 16, 2013 5:47:14 PM

The PA Department of Transportation does not stipulate what brand or type of headlight aimer is to be used; just so the headlight aimer is operating correctly, is accurate and can measure headlights to the state required specification of 4” in 25’. The acceptable headlight aimer could be as “low tech” as a headlight aiming screen (as available through PAA) or a digital headlight aimer available through American Aimers (formerly Hoppy) Here is a list of some common headlight aimer manufacturers that I have seen in use in Inspection Stations in Pennsylvania:

http://symtechcorp.net/index.php/headlamp-aimers/

http://americanaimers.com/shop/

http://www.lujanusa.com/sniper/sniper.htm

The current PA Vehicle Equipment and Inspection Regulations also states that, “Discontinued Testers: An inspection station equipped with discontinued testers may continue to use them as long as they are in good working order and capable of testing all types of headlights.” (Page B-3). Basically this means the state is not going to say that a type or brand of aimer is unacceptable to use; so long as it is calibrated properly, measuring accurately and capable of testing the headlights on the vehicles brought to your inspection station.