N.C. Senators Want to End Yearly Car Inspections

Annual vehicle safety inspections may become a thing of the past in North Carolina.

A legislative report criticized the state’s annual vehicle safety program, but law enforcement and a group representing drivers opposed an effort at the General Assembly to eliminate the yearly requirement.

Fifteen senators have co-sponsored a bill would do away with the safety inspection program. It would also take a close look at emissions testing performed in 48 largely Piedmont or urban counties to meet federal clean air regulations.

Chief bill sponsor Sen. Stan Bingham of Davidson County says there’s less need for inspection, particularly with newer cars, because they’re well-made and roads are better than they once were.

Mike Robertson, commissioner of the Division of Motor Vehicles, says the program helps reduce the number of accidents.