Which finding would be considered an official tampering finding in VI?

• A. Missing license plate frame.
• B. A dented exhaust tip.
• C. A loose bumper cover.
• D. Removal or alteration of emission-control devices or evidence of bypass.

Answer: (D)

Tampering with emissions controls is what the visual inspection is checking for. If there’s removal or alteration of emission-control devices or any evidence that the system has been bypassed, that directly shows someone has manipulated the emissions equipment. That’s why this finding is considered an official tampering finding—it flags intentional modification that undermines the vehicle’s emissions controls and is illegal. The other items listed are not related to tampering of the emissions system; a missing license plate frame, a dented exhaust tip, or a loose bumper cover may be cosmetic or structural issues but don’t indicate deliberate bypass or removal of emissions components.