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My Subaru Forester has factory-installed fog lights (w/ Driver Assist) below the bumper. This item is an upgrade of the Limited trim level. Premium and lower trim levels have no fog lights.

Some time ago one of the lights got hit by something and the lens was smashed. Shortly after, the light stopped working. The other side works well.

I need to get the MA state inspection for the car. Fixing the light is some $350 at the dealer. Replacement parts on ebay are about $100.

The question is - since this is not a standard accessory, could a broken light fail the state inspection, or is it safe to do the inspection regardless?

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    You may run into one of those little clauses that say if it's on the vehicle, it has to be working. To save a buck, consider to remove it. If it's not state regulated equipment and it's not there, it can't fail the inspection.
    – fred_dot_u
    Jul 19, 2021 at 14:48
  • I suppose it depends on the actual state regulations. But my guess is that this will fail inspection since a damaged fog light could present safety problems for other drivers. But if you simply remove it there should not be any problems.
    – jwh20
    Jul 19, 2021 at 15:15
  • A $100 replacement for something you can do yourself seems like the solution to me.
    – GdD
    Jul 19, 2021 at 15:25
  • @GdD - yes, I found a video on how to install kit lights, so that enabled me to get to the assembly. The problem is that there is one screw that is held by a rusty U-style spring nut, which seems impossible to unscrew w/o damaging the soft mounting plastic. Subaru designers must had the dealer cash flow in mind when they chose such fasteners.
    – ysap
    Jul 19, 2021 at 16:00
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    Remember that you're talking about state regulations. Making sense, especially in a place like MA, should not be expected.
    – jwh20
    Jul 19, 2021 at 16:05

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After visiting the inspection station for a second time, I was able to talk to the tester himself. He explained that they work according to a checklist that is generated automatically, and includes all the things they must check. It goes according to the specific model and trim. Thus, he will have to fail the inspection for that car.

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