PennDOT MV-403: Mechanic Physical Disability Exemption – Pennsylvania vehicle safety inspection stations must employ at least one certified inspection mechanic. Under state regulations, that mechanic is normally required to perform the entire inspection, including the road test. Form MV-403 provides a pathway for certified mechanics with a qualifying physical disability to request a medical exemption from the road-test portion of the inspection.
This official PennDOT form, currently revision MV-403 (2-25), is issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. It allows eligible mechanics to continue performing safety inspections while being excused from the physical demands of the road test when a licensed physician certifies a permanent or temporary disability.
What Is PennDOT Form MV-403?
Form MV-403 is the “Application for Safety Inspection Mechanic Physical Disability Medical Exemption.” It is used to request an exemption under Section 175.28(a) of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Equipment and Inspection regulations (67 Pa. Code § 175.28).
According to the regulation, every official inspection station must have at least one certified mechanic, and the mechanic who signs the inspection sticker is responsible for the complete inspection—including the road test—unless the Department grants a physical-disability exemption.
The form is completed jointly by the applicant (the certified safety inspection mechanic) and a physician licensed in Pennsylvania or a contiguous state (New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, or Ohio).
Who Needs to File Form MV-403?
Certified Pennsylvania safety inspection mechanics who have a physical disability that prevents them from safely performing the required road test portion of a vehicle inspection should use this form. The exemption applies only to the road test; the mechanic remains responsible for all other inspection procedures for which they are certified.
Important limitations include:
- The mechanic must still hold a valid driver’s license for the vehicle classes they inspect (unless the exemption itself removes that requirement for road-test purposes).
- If the mechanic’s driver’s license is later suspended, cancelled, or revoked for any reason other than the medical condition listed on the application, the exemption becomes null and void, and the individual may no longer perform vehicle inspections in Pennsylvania.
Key Sections of Form MV-403
The current version of the form contains the following main sections:
- Patient/Applicant Information – Name, telephone number, street address, city, state, and ZIP code.
- Diagnosis/Prognosis of Condition – Physician indicates whether the condition is permanent or temporary. For temporary conditions, the physician recommends the exemption duration (6 months, 1 year, or other with explanation).
- Physician Information – Physician’s name, medical license number, office address, and signature.
- Applicant Information and Certification – Applicant’s driver’s license number, date of birth, and a signed release authorizing PennDOT to receive the medical information. The applicant certifies under penalty of law that all information is true and correct.
The form must be typed or printed clearly. Incomplete applications may be returned or delayed.
How to Complete and Submit Form MV-403?
- Download the official current version of the form from the Pennsylvania government website.
- Have a licensed physician in Pennsylvania or a contiguous state complete the medical portions, including diagnosis, prognosis, recommended duration (if temporary), and signature.
- The applicant completes their personal information, driver’s license number, date of birth, and signs the certification and release of information.
- Mail the fully completed form to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle Control Division
P.O. Box 68697
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8697
No fee is associated with Form MV-403 itself. Processing times can vary; applicants should retain a copy for their records and contact PennDOT if they have not received a response within a reasonable period.
Download the Official PennDOT Form MV-403
Always obtain the form directly from official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania sources to ensure you have the most current revision.
Download Official PennDOT Form MV-403 (PDF)
You may also visit the main Driver and Vehicle Services forms page or call PennDOT at 717-412-5300 (TTY callers dial 711) for assistance.
Legal Basis and Related Regulations
The authority for the exemption is found in 67 Pa. Code § 175.28(a), which states that the mechanic signing the inspection sticker shall conduct and be responsible for the entire inspection of the vehicle, including the road test, “except that the Department may exempt a mechanic from the requirement to perform a road test because of a physical disability.”
Additional requirements for certified inspection mechanics appear in the same section, covering age (18 or older), valid driver’s license requirements, certification course completion, and limits on the number of vehicles that may be inspected per hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the exemption permanent?
It can be permanent or temporary, depending on the physician’s recommendation. Temporary exemptions are typically issued for 6 months or 1 year, or another period specified by the physician.
Can any physician complete the form?
No. The physician must be licensed in Pennsylvania or one of the contiguous states listed on the form (New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, or Ohio).
Does the exemption allow the mechanic to skip other parts of the inspection?
No. The exemption is limited to the road-test requirement. The mechanic remains fully responsible for all other inspection procedures.
What happens if my driver’s license status changes?
If your driver’s license is suspended, cancelled, or revoked for reasons unrelated to the medical condition on the MV-403 application, the exemption becomes void and you may no longer perform vehicle inspections in Pennsylvania.
Additional Resources
- Pennsylvania Driver and Vehicle Services (PennDOT DMV)
- Pennsylvania Code and Bulletin (official regulations)
- Phone: 717-412-5300 (TTY: 711)
Using the current official Form MV-403 and following the submission instructions carefully helps ensure timely processing of your physical disability medical exemption request. Always verify information directly with PennDOT, as forms and procedures may be updated.