What should an inspector do if they find an error in records after changes can no longer be made?

When an inspector discovers an error in records after the point where any changes can be made, the most appropriate course of action is to abort the test. This is crucial because any potential inaccuracies in the vehicle's inspection data could lead to misjudgments about its compliance with emissions standards. By aborting the test, the inspector prevents potentially flawed outcomes from being entered into the system or relied upon for decision-making.

Aborting the test also ensures that the integrity of the inspection process is maintained, allowing for the situation to be properly addressed, documented, and resolved before proceeding further. Once the test is aborted, the inspector can take the necessary steps to investigate the error, correct it in accordance with proper procedures, and ensure that any future inspections are conducted using reliable and accurate information.

Focusing exclusively on documenting the error without aborting the test could lead to a false representation of the vehicle's condition. Continuing the test or rolling back changes after the error is already present would not be compliant with standard protocols and could undermine the inspection's reliability. Therefore, aborting the test is the best action when an error is found that cannot be corrected.