Alright, so I'm pretty sure this has been visited a couple times already but I'm way too angry to use the search function.

So, I failed my safety on Jan 22nd, and received the 30 day thing that says what to fix. Unfortunately, my recon appointment isn't until March 27th. Awesome, right? Now here's my question, is that 30 day thing a pass to keep driving or am I still technically illegal? If so, how do they expect someone to get around when recon is so backed up? I failed for my car "appearing lowered". Yes, appearing. Nothing confirmed or proof any of that nonsense. Basically, it's BS. So, is it possible to see another inspector and get it passed, even if they uploaded those pictures? Or am I legitimately stuck having to get recon? Also, they got me for my front plate and a sticker on that useless, non-window behind the back window on the hatch. So, if I fix those two, and an inspector realizes that I drive an STi and it's not a high sitting car, can they say it's good and pass it? If I have to get Recon, do I need an alignment sheet prior? If so, where is a good place to get an alignment for us?

Thanks for any help with this. I'm about ready to explode on someone.

 

I know if you do get pulled over and show the cop the 30 day notice, it is up to the cop to either ticket or not. But he should know that the recon is backed up and "should" let it be. Cops should know that you need to get around. That saying I know cops here seem to have something against military. That is with personal experience and that is just my opinion.

If you did not modify your car to make it lower I see no reason to have the inspector look and realize it is not. The sticker would need to come off, but it makes no sense to me that just because it "appeared lower" that would make you fail. Seems like wherever you took it didn't do the correct job. Them uploading your failure with pics, seems wrong, if they didn't have any confirmed proof. Seems fishy. I've read some posts about "hook ups" with safety on here, I know you don't want to search but it might help you to PM some people on there for better information. I'd buy you a beer if I could, I know your frustration.

 

I'm pretty sure that the blue safety is a temporary safety so you should be able to drive around with it. In regards to your car "looking low", if your suspension isn't modified, why not just take your car into subaru and have them safety it?

 

Sorry, to be clear it does have springs on it. Small drops though, 1in front and .8 in the rear. That being said, there's no way they would know that just by looking at it from far away. They never confirmed it either, it was just their suspicion and they said I needed recon. I'm somewhat trying to get away without having to Recon, but more so concerned with being able to drive. I tried to get it re-failed today and was told they aren't allowed to do that. So how am I supposed to drive?

 

Thats a tough one. Lookin sexy or driving legal. Guess you'll have to fix your drop if you are more concerned about being able to drive. Or if you still think its not super obvious, maybe look for someone who can hook a fellow suby fan up. Though, with them putting your fail out there so others can see online, that might be a problem because now whoever inspects you may be looking for that drop. Hate this new thing with online photos.

Off topic, I hate 35% tint with a passion, but went with it anyways because I didn't want to have to worry about safety inspections and fines.

 

Yeah. The drop isn't illegal it's just I need a recon. And my appointment isn't until mar 27th. So another month of this. It just doesnt make sense why they won't fail it again for another 30 day thing.

 

Once your in the system as having failed its a whole paper work thing to get it passed now. You have to fix the items it failed for, then take it in to a station (doesn't have to be the same one) and tell them you fixed the items. They check it, and if they agree, they file the paper work, and my understanding is, you have to wait for it to get the ok before you get the sticker.

I think you should just swap the stock springs back in. Don't admit it waslowered the first time, just say you fixed the items, and that it is not lowered. Its stock suspension. After safety swap the springs back. This is what we are all going to have to do. Keep the stock suspension parts and swap em back in once a year. Good thing for me I like the stock STI ride the best.

As far as recon goes.... I just got it on my lifted jeep and passed. I asked them about Subaru's and the guy laughed. He said once the suspension has been modified any way from how that specific car came from the manufacturer, it needs recon but (get this part!).....all Subaru's will fail! The WRX and STI will not pass the bounce test even with stock suspension. So, don't even bother to try with after market.

He said in the 10 years he's been doing recon, he has only seen a few pass and Thats because the guys swapped in old blown out struts so it would bounce. Push on the fender right above the wheel with your hand. If the car doesn't dip and anything suspension related has been changed, you fail.

Its because of our awesome struts. Sports suspension should not have bounce.... Its bs!

So, I will keep my car a stock looking sleeper and never try for recon. I hope things change. Please keep me posted if anyone passes recon!

 

They bounce test them still? I heard there was an instruction saying they can't do it anymore.

 

I take it you are a Marine just by the way you are talking, and the fact you are at Kbay.... #1 problem driving on base might get away with it a couple times but, they can suspend your on base driving. Also.... JUST SWAP THE SPRINGS lol tooooo easy.

 

I went in for recon the other day on the 20th with my WRX. I didn't pass, but only because I have to swap out the front bumper beam due to a previous owner cutting it up for maybe an intercooler at some point. Anyways the beam and my fender reflectors need to be replaced back to Amber as they are Carbon Fiber at the moment. Other than that the inspector was super cool. My WRX is sitting on Tanabe coilovers and wasn't marked down for anything suspension wise. I saw another guy pushing on the fenders trying to make it bounce, but the car wasn't budging much. Not sure if the bounce test just doesn't count anymore or if he just didn't say anything?

But I feel your pain JunkPirate. I bought the car not even knowing about safety inspections (My noob fault) and mine is expired since May. Made an appoint back in January and was scheduled for the end of March. I just called every morning until they had an opening sooner and got in a month early. If you decide to take the recon route let me know if you have any questions and good luck!

 

I'm guessing no one reads the sticky up top?!?!

https://www.i-club.com/forums/hawaii...-192672/page8/

Technically if you have any suspension mod like a drop and you do not get recon it is illegal. The blue paper you got is saying that you went in for a safety but failed.

 

I didn't see that. Is it up to date, though? I did some research last night and a lot of people are saying the bounce test was officially taken out. This was apparently very recently, though. I'm hoping its true, since nothing else on my car requires recon.

That being said, swapping my springs out might be easy, but its not something I have time for unfortunately. Also, totally not a Marine. All I really want, is another fail sheet for the next 30 days so my bases are covered. I'm not sure if I can even get one of those though.

 

This was on 2/18/14 that the recon guy told me that. So, if they don't do the bounce test, I guess they are just being nice because they know it won't pass.

The guy who did the recon on my jeep said that the bounce test is still required (if any suspension mods) and no WRX or STI will pass.

But, as we all know they don't always enforce the rules. Keep us all posted when any of you pass recon! I'd like to get it one day...

 

I retract my statement lol. But yea man id swap the springs out in all honestly or plasti dip them black (If they are a different color) and go and if anyone says anything, just say its how it sits stock.

 

If I had some plastidip I would so do it.