During the inspection, if a muffler shows holes, what should happen?

When conducting an inspection, a vehicle with a muffler that shows holes must be rejected. A muffler is a critical component of a vehicle's exhaust system, primarily designed to reduce noise coming from the engine and to direct exhaust gases away from the vehicle. Holes in the muffler can lead to increased noise pollution and may allow harmful exhaust gases to enter the vehicle, compromising safety and comfort for the occupants.

Moreover, from an environmental standpoint, a damaged muffler can contribute to excessive emissions, which may violate state regulations focused on air quality and environmental protection. Inspectors are trained to adhere to these regulations, and any component that fails to meet safety and environmental standards must result in the vehicle not passing inspection. This ensures that all vehicles on the road are compliant with safety regulations and function effectively without contributing negatively to public health or the environment.

The other options do not uphold these vital standards, as passing inspection or just documenting fines would allow potentially unsafe and environmentally harmful vehicles to remain on the road.