What element of the vehicle's braking system is critical to pass inspection?

The critical element of the vehicle's braking system that is necessary to pass inspection is its effectiveness and responsiveness. This aspect ensures that the brakes can bring the vehicle to a stop safely and efficiently under various conditions. During a state inspection, inspectors check that the braking system responds promptly when the brake pedal is pressed, demonstrating that it can handle emergency situations effectively. If the braking system is not effective or responsive, it poses a significant safety risk to the driver, passengers, and others on the road.

In contrast, considerations such as the style of brake pads, the type of fluid used, or the color of brake lights, while they play roles in the overall performance and legality of a vehicle, do not directly address the fundamental functionality of the braking system itself. Therefore, they are not as critical as ensuring that brakes can operate effectively and responsively, which is what the inspection aims to verify.