Out-of-Province (OOP) Inspection Policy

Introduction

If you’ve just moved to Alberta or are bringing in a powersport vehicle from another province, you’ll need to complete an Out of Province (OOP) Inspection before registering it here. At Cycle Clinic, we’re certified to perform these inspections — and we take it seriously. Our goal? To make sure your machine is safe, legal, and road-ready.

This article breaks down what our OOP inspection includes and what to expect.

What is an Out-of-Province Inspection?

An Alberta Out-of-Province Vehicle Inspection is required by the Alberta government to register any vehicle coming in from outside the province. It’s designed to ensure the vehicle meets provincial safety and mechanical standards.

This applies to motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, and other powersports machines — basically, if it needs to be registered, it needs to be inspected if it came from out of province.

Why Cycle Clinic Offers This Service

We’re proud to be an authorized shop for Out-of-Province Inspections in Alberta. Our certified technicians know the ins and outs of powersports machines, so you’re not just getting a box checked — you’re getting a real safety assessment from people who know bikes, quads, and sleds inside out.

What’s Included in the OOP Inspection

We inspect all critical systems and components for safety, wear, and compliance. Here’s what our inspection covers:

Structural Integrity

  • Frame alignment and condition

  • Mounting points for subframes, racks, or accessories

  • No visible cracks, bends, or major corrosion

Lighting and Electrical Systems

  • Headlights (low and high beam)

  • Turn signals, brake lights, tail lights

  • Battery condition

  • Wiring harnesses and connectors

Brake System

  • Front and rear brake pads/shoes

  • Brake discs or drums

  • Hydraulic lines and connections

  • Brake operation and responsiveness

Tires and Wheels

  • Tread depth (minimum 1.5mm recommended)

  • No visible cracks, bulges, or punctures

  • Tires must be less than 5 years old from manufacturer’s date

  • Wheel alignment and spoke condition (if applicable)

Suspension and Steering

  • Fork seals (no leaks)

  • Rear shock absorber condition

  • Steering stem and bearing function

  • Handlebar integrity

Engine and Drivetrain

  • No oil or fuel leaks

  • Proper engine mounting

  • Chain/belt condition and tension

  • Operational throttle and clutch

Exhaust and Emissions

  • Exhaust system securely mounted

  • No excessive noise (within legal limits)

  • Emission components intact (if applicable)

Tire Age Policy

This is important, so let’s dive into it.

Why Age Matters

Tires degrade over time — even if they look brand new. Rubber hardens, sidewalls weaken, and the tire becomes less grippy. That’s why tire age is just as important as tread depth.

Tires older than 5 years are more likely to suffer a blowout, lose traction, or delaminate — especially at high speeds or under load.

Our 5-Year Limit

At Cycle Clinic, any tire older than 5 years from the date of manufacture will automatically fail the OOP inspection.

We check the DOT date code on every tire. It's a four-digit number molded into the tire sidewall:

  • Example: A code reading “2119” means the tire was made in the 21st week of 2019.

If your tire was manufactured more than 5 years ago — even if it looks fine — it won’t pass.

How to Prepare for Inspection

Before bringing your powersport vehicle in, here’s a quick prep checklist:

✅ Clean the vehicle (especially undercarriage)
✅ Get an Out-of-Province Request for Inspection sheet from the registry office & bring with you

What Happens if Your Vehicle Fails

If your machine doesn’t pass, don’t panic. We’ll give you a detailed report explaining what needs to be fixed. You then have 10 days to complete the repairs and return for a reinspection. Cycle Clinic will perform these fixes if you’d like, within those 10 days, and charge you only once for your inspection. However, if you remove your vehicle from the premises, you are required to have it fixed and return for reinspection within the 10 days and pay for a re-inspection.

If you wait longer than 10 days, a full inspection may be required again.

Documentation You’ll Receive

When your vehicle passes, we provide:

  • Government Inspection Form (Out of Province Vehicle Inspection Certificate)

  • Cycle Clinic invoice and inspection checklist

  • Any recommendations for upcoming maintenance

You’ll take this documentation to your local Alberta registry office to complete your vehicle registration.

Book Your Inspection Today

📞 Call us: 403-872-6390
📧 Email us: cycleclinic@outlook.com
🛠️ Online Booking

Conclusion

At Cycle Clinic, your safety is our priority. That’s why we follow Alberta’s strict Out-of-Province Inspection standards and go the extra mile to make sure every component is safe.

Come see us for a reliable, transparent inspection experience — and hit Alberta roads and trails with confidence.

FAQs

Q1: Where do I find the manufacturing date on my tires?
Look for the four-digit DOT code on the sidewall. The first two digits are the week, and the last two are the year (e.g., “2518” = 25th week of 2018).

Q2: My tires are in great shape but 6 years old. Can you make an exception?
Unfortunately, no. The 5-year rule is a hard cutoff for safety and regulatory compliance.

Q3: Do you offer tire replacement if mine are too old?
Yes! We can recommend and install new tires that meet inspection standards — all in-house.

Q4: How long does the inspection take?
Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours. If repairs are needed, we’ll provide a quote and timeline.

Q5: Is there a grace period after failing an inspection?
Yes. You have 10 days to fix any issues and return for a reinspection without paying full price again.