The bill H.684, introduced by Representative Satcowitz, aims to amend the current laws regarding motor vehicle inspections in Vermont. It grants owners of cars, motorcycles, and light trucks the right to decide whether to repair safety issues identified during their annual inspections. The bill specifies that for commercial motor vehicles and those with a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 10,001 pounds, a vehicle will not fail the safety inspection unless the condition poses a danger to the operator or other highway users. For noncommercial vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less, the inspection station must notify the owner of any dangerous conditions, identify necessary repairs, and provide cost estimates, but the vehicle will not fail the inspection based solely on the condition of parts or systems.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that require vehicles failing emissions or on-board diagnostic (OBD) system inspections to undergo necessary repairs and retesting before receiving a valid inspection certificate. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2026. The bill also maintains that inspection fees must be approved by the Commissioner and clearly displayed at inspection stations.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 23-1222