Virginia State Police is notifying authorities statewide about ink on some vehicle inspection stickers fading or disappearing when exposed to sunlight.
The agency's safety division sent a notice earlier this month to local police and inspection stations about the red expiration stickers for 2013 after receiving complaints over the summer.
The company that made the stickers used a pigment that's unable to endure intense sun exposure, officials said. The manufacturer has corrected the problem and printed new stickers.
The state police notice said authorities can ask a driver for official inspection receipts to confirm the sticker is valid. Drivers also may contact the nearest state police safety division office to have the sticker replaced without an additional inspection.
About 7.6 million vehicle inspection stickers are issued annually in Virginia.
Virginia State Police: Some Inspection Stickers Fade in Sun
Manufacturer printed new stickers
Copyright AP - Associated Press
