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Rationale Behind the Elimination of Mechanical Inspections in NJ

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July 15, 2010

Dear Legislator:

Beginning August 1, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) will implement two significant changes to the state’s Enhanced Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Program.  The purpose of this letter is to explain the rationale for these changes, which will result in a total savings of approximately $17 million in fiscal year (FY) 2011, and how such changes will be implemented.  This letter also reflects our commitment to keep you apprised of any major MVC initiatives that affect you and your constituents.

First, in eliminating the mechanical portion of the biennial inspection that is required of all passenger automobiles New Jersey will be joining 29 other states (including the District of Columbia).  Currently, all passenger vehicles must undergo an inspection every two years that tests for both emissions levels and mechanical defects.  Under a new state law, the inspection process will entail only an emissions test.  Additionally, inspections will be eliminated entirely for motorcycles and certain diesel-powered vehicles (which are already exempt from emissions testing).  Mechanical inspections will continue to be required for various commercial vehicles such as taxicabs, limousines, jitneys, and school buses.

Please note that any vehicle which failed an inspection for mechanical defects prior to August 1 will still need to get the required repairs and return for a re-inspection in order to obtain a valid inspection sticker.

The decision to eliminate mechanical inspections comes after careful review of other states’ programs and various academic studies conducted by educational institutions as well as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  Our research indicates that motor vehicle crashes are overwhelmingly related to driver error and/or poor road conditions, rather than the result of any mechanical defect.  Also, data obtained by the MVC illustrates no significant difference in fatality rates when comparing states that check for mechanical defects versus those that do not.

Despite the elimination of mechanical inspections, law enforcement will continue to cite motorists for equipment that is not in compliance or for failure to make necessary repairs.  Additionally, the MVC will continue to deploy members of its mobile inspection team to assist local police departments when they set up roadside checkpoints to identify vehicles with mechanical deficiencies. 

The second change to the I/M program is an extension of the waiver from vehicle inspections for newer vehicles from four years to five.  Currently, passenger vehicles with a model year of 2004 or later do not have to undergo an inspection for four years.  Under the new law, new and used cars manufactured in 2006 or later will not have to return for an inspection for five years.  Subsequent inspections will continue to be required every two years thereafter.  New vehicles will be provided with a five-year sticker at the time of purchase, while vehicles with a model year of 2006 or later that are already on the road will be mailed a “1-year extension” sticker, which is to be affixed to the inspection decal already located on the windshield. 

The decision to extend the inspection waiver is based on the fact that cars manufactured today are much cleaner and more fuel-efficient than they once were.  The MVC is implementing this extension of the inspection waiver in close coordination with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which oversees the emissions portion of the state’s I/M program.

These changes to the inspection requirements afford us the opportunity to reinforce with vehicle owners the importance of taking proper care of their vehicles with regular maintenance, including oil changes, tire pressure checks and replacement, brake repairs, and general tune-ups.  As you are well aware, owning a vehicle is just as much of a responsibility as driving one.  While drivers must act responsibly behind the wheel, keeping one’s vehicle well-maintained and “road-ready” is equally important.

I encourage you to share this information with your constituents to help us spread the word regarding the changes to the inspection program described above.  Should you or your staff have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the MVC’s Legislative Liaison, Jonathan Pushman, at (609) 341-5751.  

Sincerely,

3
Raymond P. Martinez
Chief Administrator


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