Mainers May Save Millions By Eliminating Vehicle Inspections

A new bill would get rid of most vehicle inspections, citing a "waste of taxpayer money."

Currently, 34 states do not have a vehicle inspection process, and according to WGME News 13, Maine could become number 35. Tuesday afternoon, the Transportation Committee of the Maine State Legislature discussed a bill that would eliminate most current motor vehicle inspection rules.

Proponents like Rep. Richard Cebra say "It would allow personal vehicle owners, or non-commercial drivers, to no longer get vehicle inspections." He cited vehicle inspections to be costly.

Not everyone is on board with it. Lt. Bruce Scott of the Maine State Police told WGME News 13 the state could lose millions. "Under this bill it remove about 1.2 million of those inspections. Roughly about $2.5 million in annual revenue. Others say it's a matter of safety, with state vehicle officials telling WGME people shopping for cars should know that their car is safe when they buy it.

Last year, just over a thousand crashes were the result of a defective car part, according to Maine State Police report.

The bill is set for a vote next month.