Must work orders be retained for two years?

In Pennsylvania, work orders must be retained as part of the record-keeping requirements for auto inspection stations. The correct interpretation of the retention policy is that if the mechanic fills out a record of the work performed, this documentation can substitute for the work order, meaning it does not need to be kept for the full two years. This practice highlights the importance of proper documentation and the ability to fulfill regulatory requirements with the correct records.

Other options suggest different retention policies that are not aligned with the state's regulations. For example, stating that work orders must always be retained or that they only apply to commercial vehicles would misrepresent the flexible nature of retention when proper records are maintained by the mechanic. Discarding work orders entirely without any replacement documentation contradicts the requirements for keeping some form of records to ensure compliance and accountability in vehicle inspections.