Which entity is responsible for attaching a warning tag?

The inspection authority is the entity tasked with attaching a warning tag. This role is critical as the inspection authority is responsible for ensuring that vehicles meet safety and operational standards. When a vehicle is found to have deficiencies during an inspection — such as safety or emissions violations — it is the inspection authority that has the authority to take the necessary steps to safeguard public safety. This includes affixing a warning tag to indicate that the vehicle is not safe to operate until the issues are resolved.

In contrast, while the vehicle owner may be aware of their vehicle's condition and may have a responsibility to report issues, they do not have the official authority to declare a vehicle unsafe. Local government entities may oversee or fund inspection programs but do not perform the direct action of tagging individual vehicles. The vehicle manufacturer is responsible for creating and testing vehicles for safety and functionality but is not involved in the inspection process or the attachment of warning tags post-production. This delineation of responsibilities highlights the critical role played by the inspection authority in maintaining safety on the roads.