states phasing out mandatory vehicle inspections

Wed, 06 May 2026 13:43:27 +0000

**States Phasing Out Mandatory Vehicle Inspections: A National Shift in Road Safety** Imagine a world where the sound of your car's engine revving takes priority over the required biennial smog check. With an increasing number of states opting out of mandatory vehicle inspections, this reality is becoming a tangible possibility. As policymakers and drivers across the US grapple with the ripple effects of this shift, we're left wondering: what does this mean for the nation's vehicle upkeep and road safety? **Why States Phasing Out Mandatory Vehicle Inspections Is Gaining Attention in the US** A combination of cultural, economic, and digital trends has led to this shift. One driving factor is the growing reliance on emissions-assessment technology. Advanced onboard diagnostics (OBD-II) devices, now standard in most modern vehicles, enable real-time monitoring of an engine's performance and potential problems. As more states rely on these gadgets to detect emissions, odometer, and safety issues, some lawmakers conclude that the need for biennial inspections diminishes.