SB 123, Eliminate Motor Vehicle Safety Inspections, would eliminate the annual safety inspection program for automobiles. The legislation was inspired somewhat by a 2008 General Assembly Program Evaluation Division government watchdog report that found the inspection program largely ineffective. The chief sponsor, Sen. Stan Bingham (R-Davidson), noted that new technology and cars in addition to better roads means that cars can operate safely for longer periods of time. The annual safety inspection began in the 1940s but may be unnecessary and cumbersome given the vehicles driven on today’s roads. However, Sen. Bingham suggested that he was open to inspections for older vehicles or approving longer intervals between inspections.
Of course, the car repair shops that participate in the safety inspections are vehemently opposed to any legislation that would rid NC of the inspection program. The inspection cost $13.60 or $30 when combined with emissions testing. Sen. Bingham added that for most cars, usually the only thing “caught” in safety inspections is taillights, horns, and other non-safety, obvious things.
Getting rid of the annual car inspection would be one small step closer to less government intervention into the daily lives of North Carolinians.
Nice! Glad to see some crufty old regulations being revisited.
There are approximately 6.1 million vehicles in N.C. which have to participate in the safety inspection program. Based on data provided by Mr. Binghams office, 7-9% of vehicles fail for one reason or the other, mostly bulbs, etc. That means about 427,000(7%) vehicles fail in N.C. each year. If only a third of those vehicle are failing for a serious problems (bald or worn tires,ineffective wipers), that means 140,000 unsafe cars would be driving our highways with our wives, daughters and sons. To me the $13.60 I spend on a safety inspection is worth knowing that these vehicles would not be endangering
my loved ones!
I’d be willing to bet that Mark Newell works in the auto industry. These inspections are totally unnecessary. South Carolina eliminated them a few years ago and vehicle deaths in South Carolina in 2010 were the lowest they have been in nearly 30 years. Really?
Please please stop the inspections….Every year for 6 years, I pay 150.00 for some o2 sensor to be replaced because of a faulty check engine light….no one has been able to help me in anyway…although they all agree that isn’t really an issue but it has to done to pass inspection.This year I do not have 150.00 to pay for nothing….yet I can not renew my registration! I trully believe the inspection stations are taking advantage of folks like me and this just isn’t right!! After numerous calls …as far up as I could go was David Trexler with NC DMV and he offered me no assistance in any way!!!He never asked me about my vehicle, never looked at my records…just a pat answer…”unfortunately there is nothing anyone can do to help you”…..Please consider removing yearly inspections!
South Carolina eliminated vehicle inspections several years ago and their vehicle fatalities in 2010 were the lowest they have been in almost 30 years. Nationally, vehicle deaths in 2010 were the lowest they have been since 1949. Cars are much safer now. These inspections are totally unnecessary and only benefit $$ those who perform them.
Another tax and layer of government intrusion that needs to be gone.
Oh good! Now I can drive on the freeway with bald tires and put you and your families lives at risk. Sounds like a great idea.
Removing safety inspections will not help you pass emission inspections, which they do not want to remove so they still get federal funding for roads. A faulty O2 sensor is part of your emissions system. The only difference will be a few more dangerous cars on the road with bad tires, failing brakes, or no tail lights.