Safety Inspections
Although billions of dollars are spent annually on designing and constructing safe highways, testing and licensing drivers, and enforcing traffic laws, some jurisdictions do not conduct vehicle safety inspection programs. AAMVA promotes periodic motor vehicle inspections (PMVI) to ensure that vehicles are maintained for safe operation.
PMVI programs can prevent vehicle failure on the highways and crashes that may result in injuries or death. These programs are increasingly important as people keep vehicles for longer period of time.
In conjunction with the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, AAMVA has developed the Vehicle Inspection Handbook, a tool to assist jurisdictions in developing or reviewing their inspection programs.
Resources:
AAA Digest of Motor Laws (lists state safety inspection requirements)
Emissions Inspections
In the United States, the 1990 Clean Air Act gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) broad authority to regulate motor vehicle emissions. Vehicles built for sale in the United States must meet tailpipe and evaporate emissions standards, as determined by Congress. The EPA generally sets performance standards, rather than the pollution control devices to be used.
In Canada, the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME), serves as an intergovernmental forum for discussion and joint action on environmental issues, and it makes recommendations about where I/M programs should be implemented. The CCME also publishes federal guidelines for I/M programs that provide a standard format for the future development of I/M programs in Canada.
Resources:
EPA (inspection/maintenance requirements for each state)