What safety equipment must be functioning in a vehicle for it to pass inspection?

A vehicle must have several key components functioning properly to ensure safety on the road, which is why the option listing the brakes, headlights, taillights, and turn signals is the correct choice. Each of these elements plays a critical role in the safe operation of the vehicle.

Brakes are essential for controlling the vehicle's speed and stopping it safely, making them a fundamental requirement for any car on the road. Headlights allow drivers to see at night or in low-visibility conditions, and they help other drivers see the vehicle as well. Taillights are crucial for indicating to drivers behind when a vehicle is stopping or turning, while turn signals are important for communicating intentions to other road users, thereby preventing accidents.

The other options fail to encompass the complete safety equipment necessary for a vehicle to pass inspection. The horn, for example, while useful for signaling, is not as vital for safety as the braking and lighting systems. Windshield wipers are important for visibility in inclement weather, but they do not address the essential aspects of vehicle control and communication with other drivers. Lastly, seat belts are a critical safety feature, and they are always checked during inspections to ensure occupant protection, contradicting the information in the incorrect option suggesting they need not