What condition of wiper blades would lead to inspection failure?

When assessing the condition of wiper blades for a vehicle inspection, a blade that is torn more than one inch in total is a significant safety concern. Wiper blades are essential for maintaining visibility during adverse weather conditions, and any damage, especially a tear of this magnitude, can impair their functionality. A tear can prevent the blade from making proper contact with the windshield, leading to streaks, missed spots, or complete failure to clear water or debris from the surface. This renders the wipers ineffective, which could cause dangerous driving conditions.

Maintaining effective wiper performance is crucial for the overall safety of the vehicle, as it directly affects the driver's ability to see clearly while driving in rain or other situations requiring windshield clearing. Therefore, a torn blade exceeding one inch represents a condition that would appropriately lead to an inspection failure.