×
X logo

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox.

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)

You may opt-out anytime by clicking "unsubscribe" from the newsletter or from your account.

Vehicle Inspections Can Be Important

Gov. Jim Justice wants West Virginia motorists to pay more in taxes and fees, to support a massive highway construction project. In exchange, he has suggested a way to save them a few dollars.

During a press conference Monday, the governor recommended eliminating the current requirement that most cars and trucks undergo safety inspections once a year, at a cost of about $14.

Instead, vehicles could be inspected once every three years, the governor said.

Of course, car and truck owners should take care of their vehicles. Safety factors such as tires, brakes, lights, shocks and springs should be checked regularly.

But how many of us do that? Not many, we suspect. In reality, many vehicle owners have come to depend on those annual inspections to alert us to safety problems that require repairs. Doing away entirely with the annual inspections may not be a good idea.

Perhaps state officials could consider a hybrid of the Justice proposal. Newer cars and trucks are not likely to develop problems that require repairs or replacements to be safe. Why not consider a system of less frequent inspections for newer vehicles, while retaining the annual requirement for older ones?

That could save some motorists time and money, while continuing to require safety equipment checks for owners of vehicles most likely to have worn out equipment such as brakes. Retaining some inspections could save lives.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today