Bill H.358, introduced by Representative Boutin, aims to modify the regulations surrounding the annual safety inspections of noncommercial motor vehicles in Vermont. The proposed changes include limiting the reasons a vehicle can fail an inspection to only those parts or systems that pose an imminent danger to the operator or other highway users. Additionally, if a vehicle has parts or systems that are not in good mechanical condition but do not pose such a danger, inspection stations are required to provide the vehicle owner with written documentation detailing the condition and recommended actions for repair. This documentation must be signed by the vehicle operator or owner and kept in the vehicle.

The bill also amends existing legal language to clarify the scope of safety inspections and the responsibilities of inspection stations. Specifically, it removes the previous provision that allowed for broader failure criteria and introduces new requirements for documentation and communication with vehicle owners. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 23-1222