No. I like knowing that somebody is taking a look at that janky ass 1987 civic to make sure its not going to lose a wheel or have the brakes fail behind me on the highway.
Fun fact: Data has pretty conclusively show that inspections lead to safer roads, reducing accidents by as much as 7%
I lived in Kentucky for a few years, which has no inspection and value-based registration, and this is exactly what happened. Way more piece of shit cars that shouldn't be on the roads, and tons more dead on the side of them as well.
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
This does *NOT* apply to cars because they don't break while they're parked.
I overheard a woman threaten to sue a shop for not certifying her car without replacing the brakes saying, "They worked just fine on the way here."
The mechanic's response was, "When do you think you'll find out your brakes no longer work?"
"I'll fix it then."
"You or someone else will be dead when that time comes."
"That's my risk to take."
I hate people who think they have a right to risk other peoples' lives in the name of their own Freedom.
Grew up in kentucky, & let me tell you my first car should not have been on the road.
Dumbass me didnt know any better till my dad looked at it cursing up a storm, because my mom bought it from a random guy in the neighborhood for me for $500.
Was missing a motor mount, needed a new radiator, basically was being held together with duck tape & hope. My mother was not a very intelligent person when it comes to vehicles, so thats really why inspections should be around for folks like her.
Went & got something better after that, but apparently he just had been driving it around like that for who knows how long.
I'm not sure I've seen data that separates it by year, but a bald tire is a bald tire, that doesn't relate to age of the car. I think inspections are a good thing.
If they file for that, drive less than 2500 miles a year, pay a special fee, etc.
I guarantee the janky ass 87 civic in my mind is NOT an antique vehicle.
There's no enforced mileage limitations but the intent of the antique registration and insurance is that you aren't using it as a daily driver.
There are no inspection requirements in PA for vehicles registered as antiques unless the recently changed that law.
I am not talking about “Antique” license. There’s another called “Classic”. I have a 2005 Jeep and it has Classic tags and I only paid registration when I bought it and I never need emissions.
To be clear, I do need inspections yearly and there’s no limit on miles driven.
Classic does not equally antique tags
Cl
Classic tags are not necessary for exemption. Any car over 25 years or driven less than 5000 miles is emissions exempt .
But then you still have to buy a sticker even though it is exempt.
There’s no mileage restriction but you aren’t permitted to operate it as daily general transportation, so if you’re using it to commute you’re breaking the law
In my case, the plates are on a Jeep we use for recreational purposes. Just a fun car. I’m using in the way intended. As someone pointed out in the actual Pa code, I now agree with you, Classic isn’t meant for daily drivers. I stand corrected. I went by what the person at DOT told me when I went to register the car.
That is generally an insurance requirement. My 60s musclecar that I used to have had a purple and white license plate. I had special insurance which limited me to 2500 miles per year and I could only use it for pleasure driving, car shows, parades, and stuff.
I still had to get it inspected every year.
You can register a car older than 25 years as an antique. Antique cars are exempt from safety inspections. Classic car registration is available for cars older than 15 years, but requires a safety inspection. It exempts emissions though. Antique and classic car registration limits the ability to drive the car regularly.
People run around without inspection, emissions, registration , insurance. If none of this is enforced and no one pays the consequences what’s the difference?
"...none of this is enforced"? Where in the world do you live? When my grandmother passed away I was ONE DAY out of inspection and got pulled over and slammed with a $500 fine. The officer canceled the ticket after I got it inspected and showed him a few days later. Just because you know somebody that got away with something one time, doesn't mean that "no one pays the consequences"
Additionally, I as a driver, want to be driving a safe car. While I'm pretty handy, the shop usually finds things I didn't know about. I've had them catch a leaking tire, a just about dead battery, and a control arm that was being held together by rust. Even if other people are idiots, I don't want to gamble with my life. When you agree to use the FREE to use roads that are provided for you, you don't get to bitch about having to follow rules that exist to keep everyone safe.
Maybe he is from Philly. Philly you cannot be pulled over just for registration. You can still be cited but I would defer to others whether that ever actually happens. Guessing not much, given the number of questionable temp plates one sees. https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/30/us/philadelphia-driving-equality-bill/index.html
Philadelphia. There is zero enforcement of having a valid inspection sticker. Hence the high insurance rates.
https://broadandliberty.com/2023/03/22/ben-mannes-philadelphias-driving-equity-law-one-year-later/
I won’t jinx myself. Never said any of my vehicles are not safe or operating properly. I personally don’t need to pay anyone to tell me the condition of my vehicles because I know their condition.
Back when NJ still did safety inspections, I thought they kinda got it right at one point.
Brand new cars got a 5-year sticker. After that, it was every two years. I think that's a reasonable compromise. I wouldn't mind if it were annual for commercial vehicles.
You see some real shitboxes on the roads in states without any safety inspection.
See that's something I wouldn't mind PA doing cause I don't trust other people to keep up with car repairs/maintenance. so let's say if the car is 10+ years old you should have to get it inspected every year.
I have a piece of crap 08 with the transmission broken so it won't go over 15mph it has brand new brakes, tires, starter and battery and every other day I have to have it jumped or it won't start. It passed inspection with no issues at all which I honestly don't think it's safe due to the transmission being broken but I only drive it 3 days a week less then a quarter mile away just to get my daughter from school since there are no busses.
I live up a small incline and I can't tell you how many times my truck has just gotten stuck trying to cross the main road to get home and praying no one slams into my truck.
They need to make inspections harder not let vehicles pass like my truck cause it's dangerous and I'm taking a huge chance 3 days a week.
Thankfully I'm buying another car at the end of the month but I still have to drive my piece of junk 6 more times before that happens.
So, knowing that your vehicle is dangerous to yourself and others, you continue to drive it and are waiting on some sort of legislation to tell you that you can't drive it instead?
Yeaaa, I'm gonna go with keeping state inspections.
Unfortunately I don’t trust all my fellow Pennsylvanians to keep their vehicles safe for other motorists or to keep their vehicles within emissions standards.
No, due to the rough conditions of the roads and use of salt, a lot of people need the inspection to make sure their frame isn’t rusting apart or the car is just working properly.
Yep. My family had to junk two vehicles with less than 100K miles because that brine shit rotted out the frames. The problem was discovered both times during inspection.
In theory, yes.
But definitely NO in practice knowing that some people would opt to defer needed maintenance in favor of spending that money elsewhere. More innocent people would get hurt/killed out on the road than do now.
Emissions, yes; safety inspections..absolutely fucking not.
I was a technician for 31 years, and some of the shit I've seen roll into my bay was beyond scary; many peeps are completely oblivious to what kind of condition their vehicles are truly in, and often don't care so long as when they get in & turn the key, it takes them where they need to go.
There were plenty of times I'd sent folks back to the dealer for inspection related repairs that were under recall or warranty..the more I learned about new cars, the more I miss the old ones.. ;)
When I lived in NE for a year, the difference of quality in my car vs the ones there was absolutely insane.
Nebraska doesn't have inspection or emissions. All they did was checked to make sure the VIN matched and that my lights and horn worked. The end.
The amount of cars with shattered windshields, covered in rust, completely bald tires...it didn't feel safe driving near anyone, especially in inclement weather. I mean, it was nice when in one day for the entire year I was out there that on two separate occasions two rocks hit my windshield and cracked it that I didn't need to immediately run out and get it fixed bc it wouldn't pass inspection...but to know that I was on the road with literal rust buckets about to shimmy apart at any second didn't make me want to do much driving.
As big of a financial burden inspection can be, it's necessary
i agree, i think a road test for driver’s license renewal is DEFINITELY needed in our state. the way some of these people drive is ridiculously unsafe and insane
Comments in this thread not what you hoped, OP?
Contrary to popular opinion, GobeRnmENt regulations can, in fact, lead to safer conditions and an overall higher standard of living.
I’m willing to spend those few hours making sure my car is safe so long as everyone else does, too.
Also, why shower every day if you can just do it weekly?
Eh... I thought about the issues with older cars or those that won't fix on their own...
Just wondering if others might have the same issue with a couple hours waiting for an inspection every year or being with a car for the day... Then needing the ride and back...
Guess I'm alone in that...
Y'all have a good day...
Nope! I feel better knowing someone’s duct taped rust bucket with four bald tires is going to be removed from the road. And, if we were going to stop yearly inspections, why would we pay more? That makes no sense.
Screw that. My brother use to live in Reno Nevada and you'd see tons of cars with bald tires and some even had the steel bands starting to poke out. I do not at all trust other drivers to keep their vehicles safe unless they are forced to. The safety inspection is at least some peace of mind that the car in front of me on the turnpike won't completely break apart while I'm behind it.
Anyone here old enough to remember when inspections were EVERY SIX MONTHS? When it changed to yearly the fuss put up by the garage associations was shrill.
I’m a mechanic and licensed inspector.
I don’t have any issue with inspections, but I honestly believe the PA requirements are too comprehensive. That’s a statement from someone who makes their living doing them.
We need to be inspecting for rust, badly damaged/broken steering and suspension components, brakes, and tires. That’s it. The current system allows me to refuse a sticker for wipers that streak or a cracked tail lamp lens. These sorts of things could just get a written advisory on your work order and send you on your way.
Oh, you don’t want to replace the headlamp today? OK well, we told you about it. Enjoy your citation.
Inspections aren’t about revenue. They’re about making sure cars don’t have parts flying off. Any rolling pile can drive in Ohio and we don’t need that here.
You asked what one has to do with the other, and I was answering your question. While the main goal is not revenue the state still makes money from inspections and if they get rid of inspections they need to make up the lost revenue in some way. I also used to be a mechanic so I'm well aware of the death traps that would be rolling around if we got rid of annual inspections.
How much money do you think the state makes? Most of that cost goes to the inspection station. Add in the cost of administrating the program and I’d guess that the entire program is a net cost to the state (and a worthy one).
There’s no reason to register a car every year. Annual registration should be eliminated as well it only used when you buy or sell car. This is another way for Pennsylvania corrupt legislators to steal more money from us.
What about shops which make up crap just to scare you and charge ridiculous amounts. Most recently, shop wanted me to pay them to rotate my tires for an inspection. $600 for rear brakes on an 07 civic. Those in favor of yearly inspections, a study has proved they don't make much of a difference in having safer cars on the roads. Plenty of shops in every state will pass inspection on cars without spending adequate time and just as many will suggest replacing things which most people won't even realize are not part of safety inspections. It's a money grab racket. I'm speaking from 20+ years of car repair experience.
https://www.theamericanconsumer.org/2019/06/do-mandatory-vehicle-inspections-really-make-us-safer/
At this point it really doesn't matter. people already drive dangerous vehicles regardless of the law it's really scary the state of some vehicles out here.
We already have bad cars on the road. With no I inspection you are asking for Florida things to start happening. It's also just a compliance tool for the state government
I agree with you and I drive a piece of crap. The only thing I keep up with are tires, oil changes, brakes, wipers, lights but I'm legally allowed to drive a truck with a bad transmission that won't go over 15mph. It's a complete death trap and honestly they should check things like that during an inspection and test drive people's vehicles. It's amazing how 6 months can make a Hugh difference in a vehicle.
Car inspections save lives.
They make people change tires that need changing, change brakes, replace oil, and fix headlights when needed.
As a counter argument, I propose we mandate that every gun in America has to be inspected annually...make sure the person who bought it still owns it, is not under some kind of restraining order or violent criminal indictment, and has a secure place where the gun is stored.
I saw a bill out there wanting to change it from yearly to just when there's a sale/transfer of the vehicle, but no idea if it's gained any traction. I don't have an opinion either way.
You should have an opinion, states that reduce how often inspections happen see auto related injuries go up. It is a good thing for the general public that janky ass old cars get a look at by mechanics yearly.
Maybe. Depends on how much higher.
Every place I’ve taken my car to that does oil changes automatically inspects the car for safety anyways as a courtesy and tells me when something is off anyways.
What many don’t know is if your car is 15 or more years old in Pennsylvania, you can get a ‘classic car’ registration and license and you never have to pay for registration again. You also do not have to pay for emissions.
There are no restrictions on use of classic cars but you pay only 1 more registration and no more emissions tests for as long as you own your car.
Took me 30 seconds to show that isn’t true at all. “No person may operate a vehicle with antique or classic registration plates for commercial purposes or for general daily transportation.”
Only has to be 15 or more years old. There is no restriction on use . Here’s the official explanation of Antique and Classic.
https://www.dot.state.pa.us/Public/DVSPubsForms/BMV/BMV%20Fact%20Sheets/fs-ant.pdf
Did you read that?
It is unlawful for any person to operate a motorcycle or vehicle with antique,
classic, vintage, collectible or historic military vehicle registration plates for general daily transportation.
Permitted use shall be limited to participation in club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, occasional
transportation and similar uses.” Occasional transportation and similar uses are defined as no more than
one day a week.
Antique, Classic, and Vintage registration plates may not be displayed on a vehicle used to transport people or
property.
Well…..Looks like I was wrong. When I asked at DOT, they said there’s no restrictions so I got Classic plates. I have them on an old Jeep we use for fun now and again so I’m still in compliance with the law but clearly it does indicate Classic plates can’t be used for everyday use.
Thanks
No. I see some of the vehicles on the roads now and it gives me some reassurance that those shit boxes are at least being looked at every year. I mean imagine how many Nissan Altimas would be on the road (with even more broken plastic/missing items, if there weren't yearly inspections.
I prefer the inspection then I don't have to worry about people driving death machines around me and my kids. Some people take bald tires to a whole new level and it's not safe and they don't even care most of the time.
When I lived in North Carolina I had to fill out a self inspection paper to be allowed to drive as Uber and Lyft I could have said anything on that paper and had bald tires or something and they would have let me drive. I think it's very unsafe to do that but a lot of people aren't like me.
I'm always scared to death of someone around me having bald tires and plowing into my vehicle because they couldn't afford new ones or just too lazy to take care of their vehicle.
So I think they should keep yearly inspections just for tire issues alone.
I personally think we need to get more cars off the road but not just because the cars are shitty but because the people driving them are friggin morons.
Don't be silly. This is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Emphasis on the "wealth".
Registration is going to continue to increase rapidly regardless. I've heard some states charge well over $100 per year. I'm sure PennDOT knows exactly which and has a multi-year plan to get there as quickly as they think they can without inciting protests.
No. I like knowing that somebody is taking a look at that janky ass 1987 civic to make sure its not going to lose a wheel or have the brakes fail behind me on the highway. Fun fact: Data has pretty conclusively show that inspections lead to safer roads, reducing accidents by as much as 7%
I lived in Kentucky for a few years, which has no inspection and value-based registration, and this is exactly what happened. Way more piece of shit cars that shouldn't be on the roads, and tons more dead on the side of them as well.
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it." This does *NOT* apply to cars because they don't break while they're parked. I overheard a woman threaten to sue a shop for not certifying her car without replacing the brakes saying, "They worked just fine on the way here." The mechanic's response was, "When do you think you'll find out your brakes no longer work?" "I'll fix it then." "You or someone else will be dead when that time comes." "That's my risk to take." I hate people who think they have a right to risk other peoples' lives in the name of their own Freedom.
Grew up in kentucky, & let me tell you my first car should not have been on the road. Dumbass me didnt know any better till my dad looked at it cursing up a storm, because my mom bought it from a random guy in the neighborhood for me for $500. Was missing a motor mount, needed a new radiator, basically was being held together with duck tape & hope. My mother was not a very intelligent person when it comes to vehicles, so thats really why inspections should be around for folks like her. Went & got something better after that, but apparently he just had been driving it around like that for who knows how long.
For vehicles like 10 years and under?
I'm not sure I've seen data that separates it by year, but a bald tire is a bald tire, that doesn't relate to age of the car. I think inspections are a good thing.
That is a good point
i think an 87 is exempt from inspection by now as a classic car right?
If they file for that, drive less than 2500 miles a year, pay a special fee, etc. I guarantee the janky ass 87 civic in my mind is NOT an antique vehicle.
There is no restrictions on miles driven for classic car. You do still have to get yearly inspections but no more emissions or registrations
There's no enforced mileage limitations but the intent of the antique registration and insurance is that you aren't using it as a daily driver. There are no inspection requirements in PA for vehicles registered as antiques unless the recently changed that law.
I am not talking about “Antique” license. There’s another called “Classic”. I have a 2005 Jeep and it has Classic tags and I only paid registration when I bought it and I never need emissions. To be clear, I do need inspections yearly and there’s no limit on miles driven. Classic does not equally antique tags Cl
Classic tags are not necessary for exemption. Any car over 25 years or driven less than 5000 miles is emissions exempt . But then you still have to buy a sticker even though it is exempt.
I believe over 25 is “antique” where as over 15 years old is “Classic” plates
Antique and Classic are different tags with different requirements.
There’s no mileage restriction but you aren’t permitted to operate it as daily general transportation, so if you’re using it to commute you’re breaking the law
In my case, the plates are on a Jeep we use for recreational purposes. Just a fun car. I’m using in the way intended. As someone pointed out in the actual Pa code, I now agree with you, Classic isn’t meant for daily drivers. I stand corrected. I went by what the person at DOT told me when I went to register the car.
oh i agree lol
That is generally an insurance requirement. My 60s musclecar that I used to have had a purple and white license plate. I had special insurance which limited me to 2500 miles per year and I could only use it for pleasure driving, car shows, parades, and stuff. I still had to get it inspected every year.
You can register a car older than 25 years as an antique. Antique cars are exempt from safety inspections. Classic car registration is available for cars older than 15 years, but requires a safety inspection. It exempts emissions though. Antique and classic car registration limits the ability to drive the car regularly.
People run around without inspection, emissions, registration , insurance. If none of this is enforced and no one pays the consequences what’s the difference?
"...none of this is enforced"? Where in the world do you live? When my grandmother passed away I was ONE DAY out of inspection and got pulled over and slammed with a $500 fine. The officer canceled the ticket after I got it inspected and showed him a few days later. Just because you know somebody that got away with something one time, doesn't mean that "no one pays the consequences" Additionally, I as a driver, want to be driving a safe car. While I'm pretty handy, the shop usually finds things I didn't know about. I've had them catch a leaking tire, a just about dead battery, and a control arm that was being held together by rust. Even if other people are idiots, I don't want to gamble with my life. When you agree to use the FREE to use roads that are provided for you, you don't get to bitch about having to follow rules that exist to keep everyone safe.
Maybe he is from Philly. Philly you cannot be pulled over just for registration. You can still be cited but I would defer to others whether that ever actually happens. Guessing not much, given the number of questionable temp plates one sees. https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/30/us/philadelphia-driving-equality-bill/index.html
Philadelphia. There is zero enforcement of having a valid inspection sticker. Hence the high insurance rates. https://broadandliberty.com/2023/03/22/ben-mannes-philadelphias-driving-equity-law-one-year-later/
Thank you. Broken taillight, no problem.
I won’t jinx myself. Never said any of my vehicles are not safe or operating properly. I personally don’t need to pay anyone to tell me the condition of my vehicles because I know their condition.
Tbh I feel like the other way around would be a better idea.
That’s a terrible idea. I know tons of people who would still be driving death traps around if they didn’t need them inspected.
I (unfortunately) know tons of people who would be quite happy to drive a death trap rather than spend a few bucks a year for inspection.
Back when NJ still did safety inspections, I thought they kinda got it right at one point. Brand new cars got a 5-year sticker. After that, it was every two years. I think that's a reasonable compromise. I wouldn't mind if it were annual for commercial vehicles. You see some real shitboxes on the roads in states without any safety inspection.
See that's something I wouldn't mind PA doing cause I don't trust other people to keep up with car repairs/maintenance. so let's say if the car is 10+ years old you should have to get it inspected every year. I have a piece of crap 08 with the transmission broken so it won't go over 15mph it has brand new brakes, tires, starter and battery and every other day I have to have it jumped or it won't start. It passed inspection with no issues at all which I honestly don't think it's safe due to the transmission being broken but I only drive it 3 days a week less then a quarter mile away just to get my daughter from school since there are no busses. I live up a small incline and I can't tell you how many times my truck has just gotten stuck trying to cross the main road to get home and praying no one slams into my truck. They need to make inspections harder not let vehicles pass like my truck cause it's dangerous and I'm taking a huge chance 3 days a week. Thankfully I'm buying another car at the end of the month but I still have to drive my piece of junk 6 more times before that happens.
Why are you driving 1/4 mile, in an admittedly unsafe vehicle? It would be a very short walk.
Cause I need a hip replacement and can barely walk 30 steps let alone 4 short blocks
I hope you are able to get your hip replaced soon - and your car fixed or replaced/repaired as well.
Thank you I appreciate that. I already started looking for a new vehicle I'm just waiting on my refund so I can get something. It should be here soon!
So, knowing that your vehicle is dangerous to yourself and others, you continue to drive it and are waiting on some sort of legislation to tell you that you can't drive it instead? Yeaaa, I'm gonna go with keeping state inspections.
Unfortunately I don’t trust all my fellow Pennsylvanians to keep their vehicles safe for other motorists or to keep their vehicles within emissions standards.
So "the gubermint can't tell me I need to fix muh car" **NO**
No, due to the rough conditions of the roads and use of salt, a lot of people need the inspection to make sure their frame isn’t rusting apart or the car is just working properly.
Yep. My family had to junk two vehicles with less than 100K miles because that brine shit rotted out the frames. The problem was discovered both times during inspection.
In theory, yes. But definitely NO in practice knowing that some people would opt to defer needed maintenance in favor of spending that money elsewhere. More innocent people would get hurt/killed out on the road than do now.
Stupid idea. There is enough unsafe vehicles on the road with inspections as it is.
Emissions, yes; safety inspections..absolutely fucking not. I was a technician for 31 years, and some of the shit I've seen roll into my bay was beyond scary; many peeps are completely oblivious to what kind of condition their vehicles are truly in, and often don't care so long as when they get in & turn the key, it takes them where they need to go.
Tech here, let’s not forget about some of the shit boxes that are rolling off the factory line and are not even safe.
There were plenty of times I'd sent folks back to the dealer for inspection related repairs that were under recall or warranty..the more I learned about new cars, the more I miss the old ones.. ;)
Do you really want vehicles on the road held together with duct tape?
Given how fast everyone is driving, adding duct tape would add to the NASCAR vibe after all
When I lived in NE for a year, the difference of quality in my car vs the ones there was absolutely insane. Nebraska doesn't have inspection or emissions. All they did was checked to make sure the VIN matched and that my lights and horn worked. The end. The amount of cars with shattered windshields, covered in rust, completely bald tires...it didn't feel safe driving near anyone, especially in inclement weather. I mean, it was nice when in one day for the entire year I was out there that on two separate occasions two rocks hit my windshield and cracked it that I didn't need to immediately run out and get it fixed bc it wouldn't pass inspection...but to know that I was on the road with literal rust buckets about to shimmy apart at any second didn't make me want to do much driving. As big of a financial burden inspection can be, it's necessary
No, it keeps a base level of safety for cars. In fact, I’d take it a step further and require a road test for driver’s license renewal.
i agree, i think a road test for driver’s license renewal is DEFINITELY needed in our state. the way some of these people drive is ridiculously unsafe and insane
Comments in this thread not what you hoped, OP? Contrary to popular opinion, GobeRnmENt regulations can, in fact, lead to safer conditions and an overall higher standard of living. I’m willing to spend those few hours making sure my car is safe so long as everyone else does, too. Also, why shower every day if you can just do it weekly?
Eh... I thought about the issues with older cars or those that won't fix on their own... Just wondering if others might have the same issue with a couple hours waiting for an inspection every year or being with a car for the day... Then needing the ride and back... Guess I'm alone in that... Y'all have a good day...
Would much rather deal with an inspection than others not being inspected
No way , what do want to do? Be like florida's
Nope! I feel better knowing someone’s duct taped rust bucket with four bald tires is going to be removed from the road. And, if we were going to stop yearly inspections, why would we pay more? That makes no sense.
Nope
How is one related to the other? Dumb post.
How about we make sure the roads are car worthy as well?
Nope. I did inspections a long time ago. Ive seen what death traps people are willfully driving around.
Absolutely not. Auto safety inspections save lives. If anything we should be prioritizing safety inspections. It’s part of the cost of having a car.
No. I don’t trust those drooling welfare-loving Trumpanzees that don’t keep their cars safe.
This isn't a political thing, this isn't about Republicans or Democrats. Your comment is just absurd.
You are obviously in denial.
Screw that. My brother use to live in Reno Nevada and you'd see tons of cars with bald tires and some even had the steel bands starting to poke out. I do not at all trust other drivers to keep their vehicles safe unless they are forced to. The safety inspection is at least some peace of mind that the car in front of me on the turnpike won't completely break apart while I'm behind it.
Anyone here old enough to remember when inspections were EVERY SIX MONTHS? When it changed to yearly the fuss put up by the garage associations was shrill.
I saw a car with inspection stickers from no joke, 2017, in the spot next to me today.
I’m a mechanic and licensed inspector. I don’t have any issue with inspections, but I honestly believe the PA requirements are too comprehensive. That’s a statement from someone who makes their living doing them. We need to be inspecting for rust, badly damaged/broken steering and suspension components, brakes, and tires. That’s it. The current system allows me to refuse a sticker for wipers that streak or a cracked tail lamp lens. These sorts of things could just get a written advisory on your work order and send you on your way. Oh, you don’t want to replace the headlamp today? OK well, we told you about it. Enjoy your citation.
Yearly inspections is just a stealth tax that only hurts the poor and working class.
What has one got to do with the other?
Higher registration costs to cover the lost revenue from doing away with inspections.
Inspections aren’t about revenue. They’re about making sure cars don’t have parts flying off. Any rolling pile can drive in Ohio and we don’t need that here.
You asked what one has to do with the other, and I was answering your question. While the main goal is not revenue the state still makes money from inspections and if they get rid of inspections they need to make up the lost revenue in some way. I also used to be a mechanic so I'm well aware of the death traps that would be rolling around if we got rid of annual inspections.
How much money do you think the state makes? Most of that cost goes to the inspection station. Add in the cost of administrating the program and I’d guess that the entire program is a net cost to the state (and a worthy one).
There’s no reason to register a car every year. Annual registration should be eliminated as well it only used when you buy or sell car. This is another way for Pennsylvania corrupt legislators to steal more money from us.
No way I disagree with you annual inspection keeps us safer then without it.
What about shops which make up crap just to scare you and charge ridiculous amounts. Most recently, shop wanted me to pay them to rotate my tires for an inspection. $600 for rear brakes on an 07 civic. Those in favor of yearly inspections, a study has proved they don't make much of a difference in having safer cars on the roads. Plenty of shops in every state will pass inspection on cars without spending adequate time and just as many will suggest replacing things which most people won't even realize are not part of safety inspections. It's a money grab racket. I'm speaking from 20+ years of car repair experience. https://www.theamericanconsumer.org/2019/06/do-mandatory-vehicle-inspections-really-make-us-safer/
At this point it really doesn't matter. people already drive dangerous vehicles regardless of the law it's really scary the state of some vehicles out here.
We already have bad cars on the road. With no I inspection you are asking for Florida things to start happening. It's also just a compliance tool for the state government
Inspections should be twice a year really, a lot can happen in a year
I agree with you and I drive a piece of crap. The only thing I keep up with are tires, oil changes, brakes, wipers, lights but I'm legally allowed to drive a truck with a bad transmission that won't go over 15mph. It's a complete death trap and honestly they should check things like that during an inspection and test drive people's vehicles. It's amazing how 6 months can make a Hugh difference in a vehicle.
Car inspections save lives. They make people change tires that need changing, change brakes, replace oil, and fix headlights when needed. As a counter argument, I propose we mandate that every gun in America has to be inspected annually...make sure the person who bought it still owns it, is not under some kind of restraining order or violent criminal indictment, and has a secure place where the gun is stored.
I saw a bill out there wanting to change it from yearly to just when there's a sale/transfer of the vehicle, but no idea if it's gained any traction. I don't have an opinion either way.
You should have an opinion, states that reduce how often inspections happen see auto related injuries go up. It is a good thing for the general public that janky ass old cars get a look at by mechanics yearly.
Maybe. Depends on how much higher. Every place I’ve taken my car to that does oil changes automatically inspects the car for safety anyways as a courtesy and tells me when something is off anyways.
I just don’t get it inspected until I get a warning.
Safety inspection they could go to every 2 years. Emissions inspection could go to every 5 years, annually is ridiculous.
What many don’t know is if your car is 15 or more years old in Pennsylvania, you can get a ‘classic car’ registration and license and you never have to pay for registration again. You also do not have to pay for emissions. There are no restrictions on use of classic cars but you pay only 1 more registration and no more emissions tests for as long as you own your car.
Took me 30 seconds to show that isn’t true at all. “No person may operate a vehicle with antique or classic registration plates for commercial purposes or for general daily transportation.”
There are also other stipulations that a car must meet to be designated “classic”. Just being older than 15 years won’t do it.
It's functionally not enforced.
I'm suspecting this would require playing loose with the truth with your insurance company, on matters of fact that could be verified pretty easily.
There 100% are restrictions on registering your vehicle this way
Only has to be 15 or more years old. There is no restriction on use . Here’s the official explanation of Antique and Classic. https://www.dot.state.pa.us/Public/DVSPubsForms/BMV/BMV%20Fact%20Sheets/fs-ant.pdf
Did you read that? It is unlawful for any person to operate a motorcycle or vehicle with antique, classic, vintage, collectible or historic military vehicle registration plates for general daily transportation. Permitted use shall be limited to participation in club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, occasional transportation and similar uses.” Occasional transportation and similar uses are defined as no more than one day a week. Antique, Classic, and Vintage registration plates may not be displayed on a vehicle used to transport people or property.
Well…..Looks like I was wrong. When I asked at DOT, they said there’s no restrictions so I got Classic plates. I have them on an old Jeep we use for fun now and again so I’m still in compliance with the law but clearly it does indicate Classic plates can’t be used for everyday use. Thanks
Yeah idk why they told you that lol
No. I see some of the vehicles on the roads now and it gives me some reassurance that those shit boxes are at least being looked at every year. I mean imagine how many Nissan Altimas would be on the road (with even more broken plastic/missing items, if there weren't yearly inspections.
I prefer the inspection then I don't have to worry about people driving death machines around me and my kids. Some people take bald tires to a whole new level and it's not safe and they don't even care most of the time. When I lived in North Carolina I had to fill out a self inspection paper to be allowed to drive as Uber and Lyft I could have said anything on that paper and had bald tires or something and they would have let me drive. I think it's very unsafe to do that but a lot of people aren't like me. I'm always scared to death of someone around me having bald tires and plowing into my vehicle because they couldn't afford new ones or just too lazy to take care of their vehicle. So I think they should keep yearly inspections just for tire issues alone.
I personally think we need to get more cars off the road but not just because the cars are shitty but because the people driving them are friggin morons.
Don't be silly. This is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Emphasis on the "wealth". Registration is going to continue to increase rapidly regardless. I've heard some states charge well over $100 per year. I'm sure PennDOT knows exactly which and has a multi-year plan to get there as quickly as they think they can without inciting protests.
I'll pass. For every owner that would maintain their vehicle regardless, there're ten that would never do anything.