Many states have been eliminating safety inspections. Fifteen states have a periodic (annual or biennial) safety inspection program, while Maryland requires a safety inspection and Alabama requires a VIN inspection on sale or transfer of vehicles which were previously registered in another state. An additional 16 states require periodic emissions inspections. Florida has no vehicle inspections.
I would think the best way to determine if safety inspections truly help to promote safety would be to look at a comparison between state accident rates attributed to things like bald tires in states with and without inspection laws.
I never thought the NH inspections would be eliminated due to the NH Auto Dealers Association influence over politicians. The repair shops like inspections that generate work, or sometimes even the need for a new car.
The next law to face a challenge might be the NH front license plate law. Currently only 29 states require a front plate but you cannot pass a state inspection in NH without one.
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