The Kennett Square Police Department is seeing a rise in counterfeit Pennsylvania safety and emissions inspection stickers. These fake stickers often come from unlicensed mechanics or scammers who take advantage of unsuspecting motorists. Not only can counterfeit stickers lead to costly citations, but they may also indicate that your vehicle was never properly inspected for safety.

To help protect our residents, KSPD is providing a guide on how to avoid scams and spot fake inspection stickers.

Only Official PA Inspection Stations Can Issue Stickers

To ensure your inspection is legitimate:

Look for a Certified Inspection Station

• PA inspection/emissions stickers can only be issued by an Official Pennsylvania Inspection Station.
• Certified stations must display the Commonwealth’s inspection station sign with their station number clearly visible.
• The inspection station number on the sign should match the number written on the back of your stickers.
• You should always receive a printed inspection report that includes the same matching station number.
• Inspections must be performed in Pennsylvania. If you received a PA inspection in another state, the stickers are counterfeit.

If you’re ever unsure, PennDOT provides updated lists of:

• Approved inspection stations
• Suspended or prohibited stations

These can be found under “Safety Station List by County for the Web” and “Currently Suspended Inspection Station Report” on PennDOT’s website.

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How to Spot Counterfeit Stickers – Front Side

Genuine Pennsylvania inspection and emissions stickers include detailed holograms and multiple security features.

Authentic stickers will have:

• A clear, distinct hologram
• Readable images of the PA Capitol building, state seal, PennDOT keystone, and the “COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA” lettering

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Counterfeit stickers often have:

• Flat, dull, or missing holograms
• Blurry or indistinct images
• Incorrect or missing security elements

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There are many additional markers that law enforcement officers use to detect counterfeit stickers, but these visual cues can help motorists avoid scams.

How to Spot Counterfeit Stickers – Back Side

The back of an inspection sticker tells an even clearer story.

Counterfeit or invalid stickers may have:

• A missing paper backing
• Blank backs with no handwritten or printed information
• Incorrect or mismatched station information
• Stickers that peel apart into layers, which real stickers do not do

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Even if a sticker itself is genuine, a blank or incomplete backside is still a citable offense.

Some scammers may go further and fill out the back of counterfeit stickers to make them appear valid. Others fail to include the required month sticker entirely. Any of these signs indicates the sticker should be checked by law enforcement.

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Here’s what every motorist should do:

• ✔️ Get your vehicle inspected only at Official PA Inspection Stations located within Pennsylvania
• ✔️ Ensure you receive a PA Inspection/Emissions Report from your mechanic
• ✔️ Confirm the station number matches on the sign, the sticker, and your paperwork
• ✔️ Look closely at holograms and the sticker backing for defects or missing information
• ✔️ When in doubt, contact the Kennett Square Police Department

Our officers are always willing to assist residents in verifying the legitimacy of inspection stickers.

Staying vigilant can help you avoid being scammed—and help you avoid citations, fines, or even criminal charges related to counterfeit inspection materials.

If you believe you were sold a counterfeit sticker or have concerns about a recent inspection, please contact KSPD for assistance.