Jan. 14, 2011 – U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee, D-Texas, introduced House Bill 229, the Michael Jon Newkirk Transportation Safety Enhancement Act of 2011, which proposes national standards for state safety inspections of motor vehicles, according to the Automotive Service Association (ASA).
The bill proposes that U.S. states enact and enforce a law requiring motor vehicle owners to have an annual inspection of their vehicle. The inspection would ensure the vehicle meets or exceeds motor vehicle safety standards established by the state. At minimum, the standards would ensure that the seatbelts and speedometer installed in the vehicle are operable, according to ASA.
The bill also proposes that a state lose specific federal funds if it chooses not to enact a vehicle safety inspection program.
Fewer than half of U.S. states have vehicle safety inspection programs, and many of the programs that do exist have inconsistent standards. Both Missouri and Pennsylvania have conducted studies that show motor vehicle safety inspections are a deterrent to vehicle accidents, injuries and deaths, according to ASA.
ASA proposed that Congress expand the number of minimum standards included in vehicle inspections if Congress opts to move forward with the bill.
For more information, or to view the full text of the bill, visit www.ASAshop.org or www.TakingTheHill.com.
