Car roadworthyness legal requirement in US

[flapcats]

Reading This thread about the parents being responsible for her driving (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=196635) ...

I get the impression that there is no MOT or eqivalent in the US (unlike the UK)...

Our cars have to pass a series of tests before it can be insured and taxed - if it fails, you can't drive it on the road until you've fixed the problems. It sounds like from this thread Americans can drive whatever state their car is in and it's their responsibility to have a mechanic tell them their tread is thin, their lights don't work ect.

Is that right? Isn't it dangerous?

[Doomtrain]

It's usually called a brake tag or inspection sticker over here.

It depends on the state, flapcats. For example, in Lousiana, last time I went there, you pulled into the inspection station, flashed your headlights n brights, showed your brake lights and reverse lights, demonstrated your signals, and honked your horn. If something there didn't work, you got a temporary brake tag that'd go about 5 miles, to the nearest shop, to get things fixed.

Whereas Georgia combines a similar "roadworthiness" inspection with an emissions test.

[friedo]

What's a MOT? Does it have to do with applesauce?

Automobile safety is not federal jurisdiction, so each state has their requirements for safety. Most states (maybe all) require safety inspections from time to time. Enforcement of inspections varies a lot, though.

[flapcats]

http://www.ukmot.com/news/faq.htm

[everton]

It's also being discussed in this thread: British Dopers: MoT certificate? (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=196973)

[amarone]

Originally posted by GMRyujin
Whereas Georgia combines a similar "roadworthiness" inspection with an emissions test. Nope (and I think I recall you being based in GA, from the GA dopefest thread).

First, emissions testing is only mandated in a dozen counties around Atlanta. The rest of the state requires nothing. The tests performed are:

All 1996 and newer vehicles subject to vehicle emission inspections will receive a two-part inspection - click here for complete information regarding the OBD test

An OBD test to check your vehicle’s emission control performance history.
A fuel cap inspection to check for adequate seal.
If an OBD test is unable to be performed on a vehicle, it may be necessary to perform a Two-Speed Idle test (TSI).

All 1995 and older model year vehicles will receive a four-part inspection:

A visual inspection of the catalytic converter to check for tampering or removal
ASM2 or Accelerated Simulation Mode Test - A dual-mode test including a 25/25 test = 25 lbs. of load at 25 MPH and a 50/15 test = 50 lbs. of load at 15 MPH.
A tailpipe exhaust emission test.
A fuel cap inspection to check for adequate seal.

An inspector can reject a vehicle for testing if it is considered unsafe to test. And, if the test has already begun when the safety problem is detected, the inspector may charge the full price of the test.
So the only element of safety inspection is if the car is so unsafe that it is dangerous to test. And bear in mind that the car is stationary when tested, so this is not a high bar to clear.

[Thin Ice]

Maybe twenty years ago Florida had a yearly auto inspection requirement at state facilities, as opposed to letting service stations do it. They checked your brakes, tires, lights, wipers, horn and, I think, muffler for noise. Tailpipe emissions were not checked.
Sometimes there were long lines to wait in. It sucked. I don't remember how long it lasted or when it was stopped, but I hope they never bring it back.

[Road Rash]

Each state is responsible for its vehicle inspections. Automobiles in Texas have to get inspected once a year. If its new, you get to skip the first year. Some states are tougher than others.

The emmisions testing I believe is federally mandated for high pollution areas, much like re-formulated gasoline (another issue).
In Houston, they are required. The other larger Texas cities will, or have, likely follow(ed).

[Dogface]

Indiana used to have vehicle inspections. They were repealed at about the same time motorcycle helmet laws were repealed. Indiana also theoretically requires liability insurance to have a driver's license. The Indiana state legislature has refused to permit any database or other means to check drivers to see if they have current insurance, since this would "stop too many people from driving". Thus, about half of all automobile accidents in Indiana involve an uninsured driver.

(It works like this: The license bureau requires that one bring in a written certification of having insurance. People get insurance, get the certification from the insurance company, and then stop payment on their check and cancel the policy.)

[Doomtrain]

Originally posted by amarone
Nope (and I think I recall you being based in GA, from the GA dopefest thread).

First, emissions testing is only mandated in a dozen counties around Atlanta. The rest of the state requires nothing. The tests performed are

You know, I said to myself going to bed "Just watch, it'll be some only in Atlanta thing." But fair enough, no one cares about the rest of GA anyway, right? :D

[RealityChuck]

New York requires yearly inspections, where they check your brakes, seat belts, lights, windshield wipers, and other safety-related equipment. The New York City area has additional testing for emissions standards.

[whiterabbit]

I lived in Augusta for six years and didn't even KNOW until about the fourth year that they did any sort of inspections in the Atlanta area.

Louisiana inspections are a joke. All they really do is check your lights. The place I took it they check your horn by having you honk when you pull up so the guy will come out to look at the car. All it is an excuse to screw you out of some money, really.

[Doomtrain]

Originally posted by whiterabbit

Louisiana inspections are a joke. All they really do is check your lights. The place I took it they check your horn by having you honk when you pull up so the guy will come out to look at the car. All it is an excuse to screw you out of some money, really.

Yea, at the Kenner inspection, it's a miracle if the guy gets out of his chair. Or was.

[teleute12]

I don't know about road-worthiness inspections, but CA just upped their emissions standards. I believe that those are every-other-yearly -- my car *barely* passed last fall, and I'm going to have to sell it once inspection time rolls around again in November of '04.

Just asked the momma, and other thand the emissions test, California does not have any sort of road-worthiness test. However, if you have a light out or something, you can be pulled over for it.

[herman_and_bill]

Mandatory every year in West Virginia, Its brakes, tires, exhaust, steering, lights, horn, body rust through, and insurance,maybe more.

[Johnny L.A.]

Body rust-through is one thing we don't really have to worry about there. :p

[Ringo]

Texas has had annual required safety inspections since the 1960s. They were sometimes easy to slide by, until emissions testing became mandatory in the mid-'90s.

Now they check brakes, horn, emergency flashers, signals, tires, lights (function and alignment for headlights), wipers (both blade condition and if they work), windshield, lenses, intact smog equipment and emissions. Most of the lackadaisical shops got out of it when the need to acquire emissions testing equipment came around.

[Ringo]

Oh yeah - you need proof of insurance to get a safety sticker. Frankly, you just don't see La Bomba on the roads here that often.

[GaryM]

Missouri has a safety inspection where brakes, lights, and such are checked. In the counties surounding St. Louis and I think Kansas City, there are emmisions tests as well.

[Road Rash]

Originally posted by Ringo
Texas has had annual required safety inspections since the 1960s. They were sometimes easy to slide by, until emissions testing became mandatory in the mid-'90s.

Now they check brakes, horn, emergency flashers, signals, tires, lights (function and alignment for headlights), wipers (both blade condition and if they work), windshield, lenses, intact smog equipment and emissions. Most of the lackadaisical shops got out of it when the need to acquire emissions testing equipment came around.

To add to that, I believe that all the tests on the car automatically go to a central database in Austin as it is tested. I remember back in the 80's, the inspectors always had to "adjust" the headlights, which added about 7 bucks to the bill. My dad told me to just expect this. That does not happen anymore, but inspections cost quite a bit more nowadays.

[MLS]

New Jersey has mandatory inspections for lights, including alignment, tires, steering, brakes, horn, exhaust noise or smoke, emissions, liability insurance, and probably more I am forgetting. If you cancel your insurance, the insurance company is required to notify the state dept. of motor vehicles. In addition, if you are observed to be driving a car with a light out, or emitting noticable smoke or excessive noise, or anything else that is deemed unsafe, you can be ticketed. If it's really bad, your car can be impounded, IIRC. Having a taillight out is an excuse sometimes used to stop a car and do a quick visual check for drugs, intoxication, driving while black, or anything else they feel like laying on you.

[county]

In Memphis, TN they have an inspection process to check lights, wipers, turn signals and emissions. But that is just for MEMPHIS - as far as I know, there is NO state requirement for anything to get tags/registration. You are required to carry proof of insurance in the car BUT you do not have to show proof of insurance to get tags/registration.

[fessie]

In Pennsylvania the test is pretty rigorous & they're serious about it, you can't get your plates until everything's AOK. Including rust spots. But OTOH, you almost never see a broken down abandoned car by the side of the road (good thing, given those mountains). Whereas in Illinois....

[whiterabbit]

Originally posted by GMRyujin
Yea, at the Kenner inspection, it's a miracle if the guy gets out of his chair. Or was.

I don't know why they bother, really. It was only ten dollars, so it's not like they're making much off of each car.

I have no problem with the idea of inspections, especially after some of the cars I saw around Augusta, but in a weird way I'd be a lot happier if it was a REAL inspection. My car ought to pass anything just fine, it's in good shape. I resent being asked to pay ten bucks for, essentially, nothing.

[Doomtrain]

Same here, whiterabbit, and the inspection station used to not even be air conditioned, it was just a cinderblock...well, shed. So you'd have to pull up and turn your car off, then sit and cook in the Louisiana heat until they could get around to it. And you know Louisiana officials when it comes to speed.

And, seriously, make an effort inspector guys. I know driving is in the Bill of Rights, but still...

[Violet]

Originally posted by flapcats Our cars have to pass a series of tests before it can be insured and taxed - if it fails, you can't drive it on the road until you've fixed the problems. It sounds like from this thread Americans can drive whatever state their car is in and it's their responsibility to have a mechanic tell them their tread is thin, their lights don't work ect. Is that right? Isn't it dangerous?
The real problem occurs when there is an accident with an assessment of liability. If someone's car is not road worthy, and they cause an accident, then the driver could be sued for negligence.

Also found an older article that shows that since 1996, "On Board Diagnostics (OBD) is mandatory for all new cars in the USA." The article was arguing against this for the EU:

http://www.fia.com/tourisme/enviro-a/obda.htm

[Gunslinger]

Originally posted by Ringo
Texas ... emissions testing became mandatory in the mid-'90s.
BTW, that's only in metro areas (Dallas, Austin, etc.). Out here in the middle of nowhere (which happens to be one of the most polluted counties in the US...), it's just the lights/horn/brakes bit.

[Ringo]

I'd forgotten that. And it seems I remember now some bit about Houstonians wanting to register their cars in adjacent counties.

[Turbo Dog]

Just seconding GaryM here in that both of our cars failed this year's safety inspection due to inadequate wiper blades. They check everything here, which is something that I had never heard of, coming from MN and then CA. Lights, tires, signals, brake linings, wipers, horn, belts, windows, etc... then you have to go through emissions.

[Atlantis]

As per my location, I'm from PA and currently live in Wisconsin.

Back in Pennsylvania, there was pretty much a full inspection of the vehicle, like Turbo Dog says above.

In Wisconsin, the only requirements are that the car rolls into inspection on its own and that it passes an emissions test. My mother has an '84 Cavalier that she paid 25 bucks for, its got more rust than paint, and we avoid driving it except when we have to because the brakes suck and it truly is an unsafe car. It does, however, get where its going and pass an emissions test, so its perfectly safe here.

I personally find that to be very negligent of the WDMV, myself.

[engineer_comp_geek]

I happen to live in Pennsylvania. The yearly inspections are a good idea (IMHO) but they are rather nitpicky, at least around here. When I lived in West Virginia the yearly inspections there were much more oriented towards what was safe for the vehicle. PA, in contrast, will fail a car for something as simple as having its dome light out, and the dome light is hardly necessary for safe operation of the vehicle.

In Maryland they only have an inspection when the car is sold. They do have emissions inspections which I think are every 2 years.

[Tuckerfan]

Originally posted by county
In Memphis, TN they have an inspection process to check lights, wipers, turn signals and emissions. But that is just for MEMPHIS - as far as I know, there is NO state requirement for anything to get tags/registration. You are required to carry proof of insurance in the car BUT you do not have to show proof of insurance to get tags/registration. The only state requirement for vehicle inspections in TN if you bring the car here from another state and register it here, or if it's a kit car. Any other inspections are strictly local.