There’s a new push to end a requirement for most drivers in Maine to get annual motor vehicle inspections.
While many drivers aren’t exactly thrilled to get their car “stickered” every year, industry experts say there are some good reasons to keep the system in place.
Right now, Maine sells more than 1.3 million inspection stickers per year, but an act to repeal certain inspection requirements could soon change this.
Maine state Rep. Ann Fredericks, R-Sanford, has sponsored a new bill that would eliminate mandatory yearly vehicle inspections for a majority of Maine passenger vehicles.
Fredericks cites several reasons for ending certain inspection requirements.
“There have been several advancements in automotive technology and improved safety standards,” Fredericks said.
The bill would exclude commercial motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers, but some in the automotive industry believe this bill will affect Mainers negatively.
“To the extent that you weaken the protections that inspection programs provide, it creates problems for everyone in Maine,” said Bruce Gerrity, general counsel for the Maine Automobile Dealers’ Association.
Don Foshay’s Discount Tire Store manager Andrew Hobin says the bill brings up safety concerns.
“You take somebody that isn’t very mechanically minded, and you put them in a car on the road in the state of Maine,” Hobin said. “They’re not going to feel every time a ball joint is a little loose or anything like that. That’s where we really rely on shops like this and other local independent shops in the state.”
Fredericks believes Maine should get more in line with other parts of the country.
“Other states have already abolished this antiquated requirement that is an inconvenience,” Fredericks said.
Hobin says Maine road conditions are different.
“Some of the states without state inspection stickers down south, you might not be seeing as much rust as down in the state of Maine,” Hobin said. “Just another reason you want someone who is fully trained to be looking over your car, at least once a year.”
The bill still has to be presented to the Transportation Committee, with a date yet to be scheduled.
Ted Homer of WGME contributed to this report.
