AGENDA DATE: 2/5/2020
TITLE:
Title
Motor Vehicle Safety Inspections
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Resolution to oppose legislation to eliminate Virginia's Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Program.
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Kamptner, Lantz, Jenkins
PRESENTER (S): Chief Ron L. Lantz
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The Virginia Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Program was started in 1932 to help reduce highway crashes and deaths. According to the Virginia State Police, the program is the oldest continuous motor vehicle inspection program in the United States and has been used as a model program for countries worldwide.
Virginia currently requires all vehicles registered in the Commonwealth to undergo a safety inspection annually to ensure that each vehicle meets safety standards for the highway. During each safety inspection, certified technicians confirm operating standards for twenty-one vehicles systems or elements, including brakes, tires, and safety equipment such as headlights and turn signals. The regulation applies to all vehicles, from personal vehicles to commercial buses and tractor-trailers.
The Virginia Safety Inspection Program is managed by the Virginia State Police with 5,433 inspection stations throughout the state which employ 15,566 certified inspectors.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission: To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all citizens through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: In December 2019, Governor Ralph Northam announced a proposal to eliminate the Annual Vehicle Safety Inspections Program. According to the Virginia State Police, over eight million (8,209,716) vehicles were inspected in 2018 with over 20% (1,634,740) of those vehicles failing the safety inspection due to a critical safety defect. When considering that the average vehicle on the highway ...
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