What does a 'passed' inspection indicate about a vehicle?

A 'passed' inspection indicates that the vehicle is compliant with state safety regulations. This means that during the inspection process, all critical safety components of the vehicle, such as brakes, lights, mirrors, and steering, have been thoroughly examined and deemed to meet the required standards set forth by state law. A passed inspection assures vehicle owners and other road users that the vehicle is safe for operation under normal driving conditions.

The other options do not accurately reflect what a passed inspection represents. For example, passing a safety inspection does not solely pertain to cosmetic checks; it encompasses essential safety elements that ensure the vehicle's roadworthiness. Furthermore, while vehicles may have varying schedules for future inspections based on their type and use, passing the current inspection does not inherently indicate that future inspections are needed sooner. Lastly, passing the inspection does not provide information about the vehicle's previous damages; it strictly addresses the current state of the vehicle's safety features. Thus, the essence of a 'passed' inspection lies in its compliance with established safety regulations.