change

A proposal to change Vermont’s vehicle inspection requirements is continuing to generate debate. Legislation being considered in Montpelier would reduce how often vehicles must be inspected and alter how certain driving violations are enforced.The bill in the Vermont Senate would change the state’s inspection schedule from once a year to once every two years. Supporters say the goal is to reduce the burden on consumers. If the measure was passed and signed, the new two-year inspection cycle would take effect in 2028, with the state collecting $16 per inspection.The proposal has drawn mixed reactions from people in the automotive industry.While some mechanics are concerned about the potential loss of revenue inspections bring, Christopher Aruzza, owner of Aruzza’s Automotive in South Burlington, said his main concern is the safety issues that inspections often uncover.»I could name thousands of scenarios where we’ve got a lot of inspection issues,» he said. «I’m against it. Of course, if the bill passed, I would still recommend all the recommendations for inspection.»Others argue the current system can be frustrating and costly for drivers, especially when vehicles fail and require repairs before passing.»You could go into one place and be failed, another place and be passed,» said Jaques Lefrancois, a retired auto dealer from Milton who still holds an inspection license.Lefrancois said he would prefer Vermont follow neighboring New Hampshire’s approach and eliminate vehicle inspections altogether. However, the Granite State’s measure has faced legal challenges. Lefrancois believes most drivers already take their vehicles to repair shops when problems arise and thinks income from inspections is not something for businesses to rely on. «A good quality shop that does good work and treats their customers fairly should not have to depend on state inspections,» Lefrancois said.Another piece of legislation in the House would change how certain driving violations are classified. Under that proposal, police officers would no longer be able to pull drivers over solely for issues such as an expired inspection sticker, an obstructed license plate, or an obstructed windshield.Members of Vermont law enforcement have raised concerns about the potential change. The Vermont Police Association said it «strongly opposes any provision which would prohibit law enforcement officers from requesting the voluntary consent from another to conduct a search.»The reclassification bill likely won’t make next week’s crossover deadline. The state inspection proposal is currently being considered by the Senate Finance Committee, and it remains unclear how far the bill will progress this legislative session.