Vehicle Inspections?

[MichEnvoyGuy]

Ok so here in Michigan we dont have vehicle inspections or emissions testing or anything like that... we just have MANDATORY life and disability (Paid Life, Paid Disability) car insurance required which makes us the only state with that requirement, and the top 3 state with the highest insurance premium

Anyhoo....

I read all of the time of other states with mandatory vehicle inspections, every year or every few years.

What exactly do they inspect/fail for?? I mean are they just checking for emissions related problems? I thought I read before you can fail inspection for a little rust/cracked windshield/power mirrors that dont work, etc.

I was just reading a post on here (it was closed for some weird reason or I would've asked in the thread) about a guy from NJ whose fuel tank sender went bad on his gmt360 and he had to replace it before state-mandatory "inspection" or he wouldnt pass. You mean to tell me, that state will deny you vehicle registration if your gas gauge doesnt work?! That seems ridiculous to me.

Sorry for sounding surprised or ignorant, but remember in Michigan we dont have "any" inspection by the state - you just pay for your registration every year and go on your merry way.

 

[Playsinsnow]

Jesse Ventura got rid of emissions testing in MN. Other states have safety inspections or emissions testing. We used to roll into a bay, inspector used a mirror to check for a cat, and out you went to get tabs. I hated it. Everyone did pretty much. The states with higher populations have more crap to deal with. So check engine lights, and almost anything else covered under a typical 27 to infinity point inspection that would be done at a shop. Bjs, tire tread, headlights taillights, windshield, any fluid leaks, possibly brakes... Anything that would deem the vehicle unsafe if not addressed in the next 12 months perhaps?


Any chance someone who has to partake in these inspections can post an outline of what various states/your state look for? I know my wife's Toyota she had for 12 years wouldn't have passed a safety inspection the last few years it was on the road.


The following is for MN:

 

[MichEnvoyGuy]

So are the inspection performed by employees of the State? Or do independent shops do the inspections?

If they are done by the state, isnt that a conflict of interest - couldnt they just fail you for anything so you have to pay a shop that "they" approve of to get (insert minor stupid problem here) fixed?

 

[Playsinsnow]

In MN the inspectors were employees of the state. I don't see a conflict of interest because you are able to make repairs yourself in most situations. Whether you are capable or not. Either go back for another inspection or have an authority signoff on said repair(s). I know some states allow shops to complete the inspection, not sure of specifics though. Hopefully someone who deals with this will chime in...

 

[Wooluf1952]

In Wisconsin, the inspection is now done by dealers and/or private mechanics, picked by the state. They can, IIRC, offer to fix a problem, but can't force you to get the problem fixed there.
For newer OBDI and OBDII vehicles, a reader is connected. If there is a CEL ON, or has been reset, it fails.
I'm not sure about pre-OBD vehicles.

 

[MichEnvoyGuy]

So what do people pay for the inspection? Is it annual or bi-annual or...?

If you fail inspection, the vehicle comes off the road right i.e. non-registerable, until you get it fixed right?

 

[MichEnvoyGuy]

I guess my main question is, earlier I was reading a thread on here about a fuel sending unit or something on a t360. And the guy was worried about getting it fixed before inspection.

You mean to tell me, in the states with inspections, they will fail you for a gas gauge that doesnt work?

 

[xOgrex]

Here in Maryland, emission inspections are required for all vehicles manufactured after 1977. Older vehicles are exempt. 77 - 95 vehicles they use a tailpipe sniffer while it idles and something with the gas cap (to make sure fumes aren't escaping, I assume). Vehicles from 96 and up it's basically just checking to see if there are any active engine codes through the OBD port and a mirror check of the exhaust system. The stations are operated by the state, but I believe auto sales business can apply to get a license to do there used cars in house. I think the emissions inspections are every 5 or 6 years and it's like $15. There was also a waiver if you fail and spend like $500 on repairs and it still fails, but I don't know if they still do that.

A "Safety" inspection has to be done any time a vehicle is re-titled. This is done by independent shops as opposed to the state. Basically, they have certain minimum requirements for things like tire tread depth, brake pad/rotor thickness, and make sure all light bulbs are working, no windshield cracks and the like. If the vehicle fails to meet the requirements, then it can't be titled until repairs are made. The price for this varies depending on where you go, but it's generally about 1 to 1 and a half hours labor at most shops (just for the inspection, repairs are obviously extra). The techs that perform it are required to pass a test administered by the state police to do state inspections. There's pros and cons depending on what side you look at things from: as a consumer, it helps ensure you're not paying a price for a vehicle that may need thousands of dollars in repairs shortly after you purchase it. From the perspective of a seller, it means that if theres a problem, you're going to have to come to an agreement with the buyer before the vehicle title can be transferred. It's also not unheard of for less reputable shops/individuals to sell the inspection tickets instead of actually doing the inspection, but if caught they face fines and the inspector whose signature is on the ticket faces jail time.

 

[Wooluf1952]

So what do people pay for the inspection? Is it annual or bi-annual or...?

If you fail inspection, the vehicle comes off the road right i.e. non-registerable, until you get it fixed right?

It's a bi-annual test and no charge. My sister-in-law failed twice. She paid a fee (don't remember how much) each time to extend the license for another month so she could keep driving.

I guess my main question is, earlier I was reading a thread on here about a fuel sending unit or something on a t360. And the guy was worried about getting it fixed before inspection.

You mean to tell me, in the states with inspections, they will fail you for a gas gauge that doesnt work?

It depends on the state. Maybe they're worried about people running out of gas causing a safety hazard.

I have a brother in NY. He says they are sticklers for brake testing.

 

[MichEnvoyGuy]

Interesting!

In Michigan, they forego emissions testing (Although as a young child, I remember my parents having to get it done - the State discontinued it sometime during my childhood) and safety inspections and we just pay for it in other ways.

My Aunt in Rhode Island was trying to tell me something about the state makes her pay taxes on her car every year... I was like what? We pay taxes on the car based on the sale price (and most sellers let you write anything you want in that space on the title) which is 6%, our sales tax rate and thats it. No more taxes on it unless you buy another car, you pay taxes on the new car. And the person who buys your car now pays taxes on whatever you or they report it was sold for

I dont know what you guys pay for registration but every year on our birthdays here in Mi, we get a "happy-gram" from the state, which is our registration renewal. lol. My old 2002 Envoy used to cost ~$160 every year to re-register. Years ago, registration was based solely on weight of the vehicle, and then they revamped it so that its on a percentage on the value of the vehicle. After so many years (5?) of depreciation, it stops and you pay a flat rate on the re-registration.

 

[MichEnvoyGuy]

Another interesting tidbit as I sit here and exercise the pea in my skull...lol.

So my state doesnt have safety inspections, so you'd think our roads would be un-safe with car parts flying off, lights not working causing accidents, etc... but apparently Michigan is #4 in the safest highways ??

The States with the Safest Highways

I'd have thought it would be less safe on our roads! Especially with the good ol' Metro Detroit road rage, lol

 

[Canary2323]

I just had to take off my tint and tinted tail lights before u could get a inspection/emissions sticker In Rhode Island.

 

[jrSS]

No inspections here...no retard to tell me I have no muffler or too dark of windows... that's just stupid. How do the lower or low class get around?? Hell here u can buy a beater for $500 a last u years. It may not smell or sound good but it goes.

 

[Mark20]

PA has safety inspections for the whole state (details here) and emissions inspections for the more populated areas of the state (at least Philly and Pittsburg). For the newer cars, emmissions is just a read of the computer and a test of the gas cap, maybe a check underneath for the catalytic.

Inspections are done by private locations licensed by the state and the state does run test cars through to catch places that aren't doing the job or noting unneeded repairs.

Considering the two rotors that were on display in a local dealership's service department, worn down to the internal ribs, there is stuff on the roads that shouldn't be out there.

 

[YOUNG]

Similar to JrSS 's state, here in TN we dont have any inspections, but you should see some of the vehicles here on the road.. A buddy of mine has a 1990 z71 and that damn thing probably has over 300k on it, it is louder than his dirt track cars, and that is not on purpose, leeks oil, backfires, has exaust leaks, and is rusted somewhere in just about every body panel,but that truck is registered and has insurance and he drives it everyday lol

 

[fletch09]

IL. at least chicago and surrounding counties, emmission test every 2 years after vehicle is 4 or more years old. ( just had to do my 09)
done @ state run facility, no charge, no appoint. needed.
can call a toll free number for shops that are closer to you (midas, merlins etc.) to make an appointment, still no charge.
state sends a notice at least 2 months in advance of your plate renewal.
if new enough, just plug into computer and look for codes. if you fail, you have a certain time to fix and retest.
it's just a pain in the arse to get it done.
if you don't get it done (pass) the state will not issue a new license plate sticker @ renewal.
"Illinois, where our ex goveners make your licence plates"

 

[xOgrex]

My Aunt in Rhode Island was trying to tell me something about the state makes her pay taxes on her car every year... I was like what?

It's called a personal property tax. Don't have it here in MD but they do in neighboring VA. They also have to get an annual safety inspection there.

I dont know what you guys pay for registration but every year on our birthdays here in Mi, we get a "happy-gram" from the state, which is our registration renewal. lol. My old 2002 Envoy used to cost ~$160 every year to re-register. Years ago, registration was based solely on weight of the vehicle, and then they revamped it so that its on a percentage on the value of the vehicle. After so many years (5?) of depreciation, it stops and you pay a flat rate on the re-registration.

I believe it was $180 the last time I did it for my truck. We went to a bi-annual renewal a while back so that price covers 2 years and I believe it varies depending on the GVW of the vehicle being registered.

Similar to JrSS 's state, here in TN we dont have any inspections, but you should see some of the vehicles here on the road.. A buddy of mine has a 1990 z71 and that damn thing probably has over 300k on it, it is louder than his dirt track cars, and that is not on purpose, leeks oil, backfires, has exaust leaks, and is rusted somewhere in just about every body panel,but that truck is registered and has insurance and he drives it everyday lol

Odd as it may sound, I wish we would go to an annual inspection here in MD. Some of the POS's we used to have come into the shop made me cringe over the fact that I might be driving on the same roads as them at some point. Once had a guy get pissed at the service manager and I because he showed up for his appt to have his brakes checked the morning after we got 18" of snow and he drove it in on a unplowed roads. Got his car in a couple of days later and found the front were metal to metal with a stuck caliper and the rear had a cracked drum.

 

[northcreek]

double post ??...sorry

 

[northcreek]

We've had annual vehicle inspections here as long as I can remember, (far be it from Albany to overlook a fee that it could be charging us). The inspection stations plug into the OBD ports and Albany checks for codes. At the start you were not allowed any codes to pass but, then people started having windshields busted for their stickers so I think that they allow a few(?) codes now. They also do a hands-on inspection too lights,tires,1 brake,suspension,etc.
You have to find a garage that you trust because this has become a gold mine for unscrupulous mechanics(in abundance). "Sir your truck passed except for the outer tie rod ends"(you know the easy ones)....Mike
View attachment 31170

 

[Mark20]

Odd as it may sound, I wish we would go to an annual inspection here in MD. Some of the POS's we used to have come into the shop made me cringe over the fact that I might be driving on the same roads as them at some point. Once had a guy get pissed at the service manager and I because he showed up for his appt to have his brakes checked the morning after we got 18" of snow and he drove it in on a unplowed roads. Got his car in a couple of days later and found the front were metal to metal with a stuck caliper and the rear had a cracked drum.

A friend moved from MD to PA and found out how much his Honda Civic cost to get it to pass inspection.

 

[eutechnyx]

Apparently Florida isn't too safe. Lol I figured that,we probably have some of the worst vehicles on the road hands down.

 

[STLtrailbSS]

http://www.mshp.dps.mo.gov/MSHPWeb/Publications/OtherPublications/documents/SHP-494.pdf

 

[Matt]

In Ohio we have to do an emissions test every 2 years. It's done by contactors working for the state and costs nothing.

Older vehicles, they do the exhaust pipe test and the newer ones are the OBD II test. But, it also depends on which county you live in. Summit County (my county) has to have them, but the one next door (Portage, which is literally 1 street over from my house) you don't have to have them done...apparently there's more pollution in Summit county. Cost to register my truck is about $105 a year with personalised plates.

In Australia, you have to get what we call a pink slip,every year before you can register your car. They check everything...tyres, rust, windows, brakes etc. If it has ANY rust...fail. Crack in the windows...fail. Bald/ing tyres...fail. Brake test doesn't come back near 100%...you guessed it, fail. It costs about $40 every year and any licenced registered mechanic can do the tests. Surprisingly, there's very little shady stuff going on with it. Registration will then cost you a further $300 or so dollars and you have to have manditory third party injury insurance...another $300+ dollars. So, each year, you are up for a minimum of $650 to register your car. But, if you have personalised plates, that's another $300-400 per year, so you can potentially spend $1000+ to register you car. For the first two years you have a new car, you don't have to get it inspected.

I guess I'm happy it costs me $105 to register my truck every year, regardless of the emissions testing.

 

[jimmyjam]

Apparently Florida isn't too safe. Lol I figured that,we probably have some of the worst vehicles on the road hands down.

When I first moved down here in 1990 they had mandatory inspections. They got rid of it shortly thereafter.

 

[strat81]

Another interesting tidbit as I sit here and exercise the pea in my skull...lol.

So my state doesnt have safety inspections, so you'd think our roads would be un-safe with car parts flying off, lights not working causing accidents, etc... but apparently Michigan is #4 in the safest highways ??

The States with the Safest Highways

I'd have thought it would be less safe on our roads! Especially with the good ol' Metro Detroit road rage, lol

Being safe and feeling safe are not the same thing. Just more government control and revenue collection.


NE does not have any inspections. When I lived in NY, that involved safety and emissions testing. It's been 8 years since I lived there, but it may have changed. I believe it was annual, and it required the vehicle to be placed on a 2-wheel "dyno" (roller assembly so the drive wheels could be brought up to speed, I think 50 mph). Full-time 4WD/AWD vehicles were exempt from that. I had a vehicle fail inspection for a worn tire. They check things like functioning brake lights and turn signals too. Inspections were done by private shops that were licensed by the state. Cost around $35 or so, probably more these days.

When I worked for a Harley shop, the shop did motorcycle inspections. Those were a sham. With a wink and a nod from a manager, the bike would pass. Joe Schmoe off the street riding a Honda? Better bake sure every light works and that you have the stock exhaust.

 

[MichEnvoyGuy]

In Australia, you have to get what we call a pink slip,every year before you can register your car. They check everything...tyres, rust, windows, brakes etc. If it has ANY rust...fail. Crack in the windows...fail. Bald/ing tyres...fail. Brake test doesn't come back near 100%...you guessed it, fail. It costs about $40 every year and any licenced registered mechanic can do the tests. Surprisingly, there's very little shady stuff going on with it. Registration will then cost you a further $300 or so dollars and you have to have manditory third party injury insurance...another $300+ dollars. So, each year, you are up for a minimum of $650 to register your car. But, if you have personalised plates, that's another $300-400 per year, so you can potentially spend $1000+ to register you car. For the first two years you have a new car, you don't have to get it inspected.

I guess I'm happy it costs me $105 to register my truck every year, regardless of the emissions testing.

Yeah, after reading that I guess Im happy with the way Michigan does things too...lol.

I was just surprised when I heard another poster here say he had to get his gas gauge fixed before inspection. I couldnt believe they'd fail you for something like that. I guess it would probably set a DTC that would be picked up during OBD2 reading when they inspect...makes I guess.

 

[Mark20]

Being safe and feeling safe are not the same thing. Just more government control and revenue collection.


NE does not have any inspections. When I lived in NY, that involved safety and emissions testing. It's been 8 years since I lived there, but it may have changed. I believe it was annual, and it required the vehicle to be placed on a 2-wheel "dyno" (roller assembly so the drive wheels could be brought up to speed, I think 50 mph). Full-time 4WD/AWD vehicles were exempt from that. I had a vehicle fail inspection for a worn tire. They check things like functioning brake lights and turn signals too. Inspections were done by private shops that were licensed by the state. Cost around $35 or so, probably more these days.

When I worked for a Harley shop, the shop did motorcycle inspections. Those were a sham. With a wink and a nod from a manager, the bike would pass. Joe Schmoe off the street riding a Honda? Better bake sure every light works and that you have the stock exhaust.

But the shop takes a big risk cause if an accident occurs and the inspection can be shown to be faulty then they better have good liability insurance. But easier said than proved.

Fake inspection stickers for PA can be found for a price. Some cops are good at spotting them and confiscating them. Then some are good at declaring that the legit sticker is an obvious fake. Happened to a friend of mine a day or two after inspection. They ripped it off his windshield and gave him a ticket. He got a call from the department's chief (several towns away) apologizing for the mistake and offering to get him new stickers at their expense and rescind the ticket. My mechanic told me why, legal stickers can only be removed by a licensed inspection station. He only had to contact PENNDOT to get a summons issued against the police officer.

Probably why when I needed a windshield replaced, they cut out the section with the stickers and gave it to me. The windshield shop said to get it re-stickered ASAP since one town near me liked to stop and ticket cars without visible inspection stickers as there was no provision for this situation. They changed the law/rules to give you a couple of days grace now.

 

[Decado]

IL. at least chicago and surrounding counties, emmission test every 2 years after vehicle is 4 or more years old. ( just had to do my 09)
done @ state run facility, no charge, no appoint. needed.
can call a toll free number for shops that are closer to you (midas, merlins etc.) to make an appointment, still no charge.
state sends a notice at least 2 months in advance of your plate renewal.
if new enough, just plug into computer and look for codes. if you fail, you have a certain time to fix and retest.
it's just a pain in the arse to get it done.
if you don't get it done (pass) the state will not issue a new license plate sticker @ renewal.
"Illinois, where our ex goveners make your licence plates"

Just to add on to this accurate info...

Illinois used to require it on all vehicles every 2 years. They checked for trouble codes on the computer (if applicable), they would hook up "sniffers" into the exhaust to make sure the car isn't polluting too much, and they also did visual inspections under the car and under the hood to make sure there was a catalytic converter and all the factory required emissions systems.

Recently they switched to 4 years or older, and 96 or newer. No more visual inspection, no more sniffer test. They hook up an OBD2 scanner and if you pull certain trouble codes you fail, if you don't you pass. I just tested my Trans Am which has all emissions systems removed (AIR, EGR, CATs) and I passed because I had it custom tuned to not throw codes for those systems being absent.


It's a pain in the ass because it's a waste of tax payer money and time.

 

[jailfood]

I would rather have the safety inspection than not. It makes sure my cars are safe at least once a year, and it's a good double check on me that I am not missing something that could cause harm to my family or someone else.

In NY they inspect them all. Pre 1996 is just safety 1996- now is emissions and safety.

My TB came from michigan. When I got it, there was no way in heck it was safe to drive. The tires had belt showing cause the alignment was out so bad.

 

[blazinlow89]

Here in Maryland, emission inspections are required for all vehicles manufactured after 1977. Older vehicles are exempt. 77 - 95 vehicles they use a tailpipe sniffer while it idles and something with the gas cap (to make sure fumes aren't escaping, I assume). Vehicles from 96 and up it's basically just checking to see if there are any active engine codes through the OBD port and a mirror check of the exhaust system. The stations are operated by the state, but I believe auto sales business can apply to get a license to do there used cars in house. I think the emissions inspections are every 5 or 6 years and it's like $15. There was also a waiver if you fail and spend like $500 on repairs and it still fails, but I don't know if they still do that.

A "Safety" inspection has to be done any time a vehicle is re-titled. This is done by independent shops as opposed to the state. Basically, they have certain minimum requirements for things like tire tread depth, brake pad/rotor thickness, and make sure all light bulbs are working, no windshield cracks and the like. If the vehicle fails to meet the requirements, then it can't be titled until repairs are made. The price for this varies depending on where you go, but it's generally about 1 to 1 and a half hours labor at most shops (just for the inspection, repairs are obviously extra). The techs that perform it are required to pass a test administered by the state police to do state inspections. There's pros and cons depending on what side you look at things from: as a consumer, it helps ensure you're not paying a price for a vehicle that may need thousands of dollars in repairs shortly after you purchase it. From the perspective of a seller, it means that if theres a problem, you're going to have to come to an agreement with the buyer before the vehicle title can be transferred. It's also not unheard of for less reputable shops/individuals to sell the inspection tickets instead of actually doing the inspection, but if caught they face fines and the inspector whose signature is on the ticket faces jail time.

Emissions not required in St. Marys, and the hippies in Annapolis hate that fact. I know the price is cheap, but I think its every 2 years at least in Charles and Calvert.

I used to know a few guys who sell inspection stickers, they face some pretty hefty fines and serious risks in doing so. The shop could lose its license overall, the person who signed the ticket like you said will face fines and jail time. Honestly though, I really think that the shops can pass or fail some things at their own discretion.

 

[xOgrex]

Honestly though, I really think that the shops can pass or fail some things at their own discretion.

Yeah, when it comes down to it, a visual inspection is nothing more than a personal opinion. <---- per my daughters request

 

[Tallman]

I live in PA and have to have my vehickles inspected once a year. I think that is a good thing. Helps keep some of the vehicles off the roar
d that are not safe to drive. Still see some questional ones but I am sure it helps. As far as the polution test all that is is a farce.
Ken

 

[TollKeeper]

In Missouri, you have both safety, and emissions, but only for certain counties.

Safety includes, Exhaust, brakes, windshield, windshield wipers (front and rear), mirrors (inside and outside (passenger side not required)), ball joints, tie rods (inner/outer), wheel bearings, parking brake, all exterior lights (if the vehicle has the light, it needs to work), stabilizer links, HVAC (heat, defrost and fans), window tint (not allowed on front 3 windows), seatbelts, and a few other things... Cost, $12.

Emissions.. Cost $24

IF 95 or newer, plug in ALDL cable, check for recent clearings, or active codes, if none, pass. If any, FAIL. If a SES light is on when entering bay, automatic failure. Also Gas Cap. Failure requires you to take it to a State Certified emissions repair center.

IF 94 and older, gas cap, put sniffer in tailpipe, take vehicle up to 40-55 MPH on a dyno. Fast pass, half way thru, the machine passes the vehicle. Failure requires you to take it to a State Certified Emissions certified repair center.

Now I am in Colorado. A bit better. No Safety.

Emissions, all vehicles are required to run on the Dyno with the sniffer in the tailpipe. Don't know about failures, haven't had that problem, yet. Still have one car to test. There is a way to get Collectors Cars plates, without getting the sniff test.

 

[DocBrown]

In Wisconsin, the inspection is now done by dealers and/or private mechanics, picked by the state. They can, IIRC, offer to fix a problem, but can't force you to get the problem fixed there.
For newer OBDI and OBDII vehicles, a reader is connected. If there is a CEL ON, or has been reset, it fails.
I'm not sure about pre-OBD vehicles.

Only '96 and newer with the OBDII connectors are checked. Everything '95 and older is now exempt. Its why dad won't get rid of his '95 Burb.

 

[IllogicTC]

WV, yearly inspection. What's confusing is the inspection sticker expires at the end of the month indicated, the registration expires at the BEGINNING of the month indicated. Real eggheads up at the capital I guess.

About $12.66 to get it done, price set by law. Done through local shops who apply for it and receive a neat little sign to hang out front showing they do inspections. Mine's actually about to expire.

From what I understand, they do some things, others do less. Some shops may check OBD-II, though it is not on the official list. A person I know was failed for the driver's window failing to roll down. I don't see how much difference that'll make when it's power windows and you're in a lake, but whatever makes them feel happier at night I guess. This is the "official" list, straight from the WV DOT website:

1. Verify legal registration.

2. Check certificate of insurance.

3. Remove old sticker.

4. Check safety glass.

5. Check sheet metal, bumpers, fenders and frame.

6. Check horn, rearview mirror, windshield wipers and plate mounting.

7. Check brake system, i.e., service and emergency brake, brake linings, brake pedal and all hoses.

8. Check front end and steering components.

9. Check exhaust system and fuel system.

10. Check tires and wheels.

11. Check lights, safety devices and seat belts.

12. Affix sticker.

I guess the window got busted under item 11, "Safety devices," though it's not really a safety device as I would imagine (as compared to say a bus window with whole window units that pop out) and I would imagine the particular shop just wanted to make some money. As for checking the sheet metal and stuff, surface rust is okay but holes in the body are not. EVERY light must work. This includes clearance lights, so if you had a North Face edition TB and the lights up top didn't work (even though they are completely for show), you don't pass. If you put on any lights yourself and they don't work, same deal, even if it's lights along your running board or something (depending on the shop. Others know that's not really in the rules).

I don't know personally, place I showed up to just made me show registration and insurance and report my miles, wrote it up in the book and slapped a sticker on. That's not how it's SUPPOSED to go, but whatever, saved me 20 minutes.

 

[IllogicTC]

Also, it doesn't matter how tightly-built and maintained your vehicle is, that's not even half of the equation in a majority of crashes.

Around here, where people will pass me (doing 55, speed limit) doing 75+ in hills and curves, it doesn't matter how good their vehicle is. Just like a computer man, you can have all the best parts in it but you put an idiot at the keyboard and suddenly it's getting messed up.

I would say to lighten up on the inspections to bare-basics, I don't see what basic inspection would hurt, and focusing more resources into certifying the person should be even allowed behind the wheel.

 

[Texan]

In Texas we have auto inspections since the early 1950's. I was allowed to get my DL at age 14 (1954)
Big mistake, but that is another story. The first kid to get his own car, it was a 1928 Model A Ford, and
had mechanical brakes. He loved to take it to the Ford dealer to get it inspected. In the beginning, they
would just get in and push the brake pedal, and if it did not go to the floor, you passed. That old Ford
was very hard to stop. Some times we had to jump out and push backwards to get it to stop. A year or
so later when he drove in to get it inspected, they ask for the keys. They said that they had to drive it
to test the brakes. That mechanic was white as a sheet when he got back from the drive, and we learned
how to adjust mechanical brakes.

The inspections back then all expired in April. I can remember my Dad complaining about having to
file his income tax and get the car inspected.