What indication is given to vehicles that do not comply with inspection standards?

When a vehicle does not meet the inspection standards in Maine, it is issued a "failed" sticker. This sticker serves as a clear indicator that the vehicle has not passed inspection and is not in compliance with the regulations set forth by state authorities. The failed sticker is critical for enforcement purposes, as it informs law enforcement and the vehicle owner that necessary repairs must be made to bring the vehicle into compliance before it can be legally operated on the roads again. This process aims to ensure that all vehicles on the road are safe and meet the required safety and emissions standards, contributing to overall public safety.

The other options, while related to vehicle compliance, do not accurately describe the process used for vehicles that fail inspection standards. For instance, receiving a "passed" sticker would indicate compliance, and immediate removal from the road or referral for mandatory repair represents different actions that might occur as a result but are not specifically tied to the failure of inspection itself.