Some good news! New Hampshire just eliminated mandatory “safety” inspections in the state. These inspections have very little to do with “safety” – and much to do with rent-seeking. The term refers to a private business leveraging the coercive power of the government to compel people to do business when – if they were free to choose not to – most wouldn’t.
An example of rent-seeking is Tesla’s leveraging of federal regulations that pressure vehicle manufacturers to manufacture so-called “zero emissions” vehicles, in order to “offset” their “carbon emissions.” The government permits them to buy “carbon credits” to “offset” their “emissions” as a way to avoid having to “invest” in the manufacturing of “zero emissions” vehicles – electric vehicles – which are the only vehicles that count as “zero emissions” vehicles. Tesla builds nothing but “zero emissions” vehicles and so has lots of “credit” available for “sale.”
Of course, this sort of “sale” is coercive and creates nothing of value and that is what makes it rent-seeking.
Just the same – in states that require “safety” inspections – vehicle owners are coerced to bring their vehicles in for “inspection” every so often (it is usually once a year). The “inspection” gives the government-authorized shop that does the “inspection” a captive audience for its services and a steady stream of revenue. Not just for the stickers, either.
It is understood by both parties that without that sticker, the vehicle is rendered functionally useless even if there is nothing “unsafe” about it. If the air bag light is on, for instance, the car will generally fail inspection. Why? How does a dashboard light make a car “unsafe” to drive? It doesn’t. It is merely not compliant – a difference that ought to matter more to people but doesn’t because so many do not understand the distinction.
There are, of course, things that are related to safety that will cause a vehicle to fail inspection – such as worn out brakes or worn out tires. This fact is the one used by people who favor forcing everyone who owns a vehicle to have it inspected as the justification for the forcing. But there’s a fallacy they either do not see or do want to see – another difference that matters, or ought to. It is that a vehicle with nearly-bald tires or almost-gone brakes will still pass inspection on the day it was inspected. In fact, the inspector must pass the vehicle, even he knows it would fail in a couple of weeks (or even sooner) once the tires wear down a little more (and ditto the brakes). But he is required by law to put that fresh sticker on the car, indicating it is “safe” to be on the road until the next inspection – which might be a year away.
The driver is thus encouraged to believe his vehicle is safe to drive when it might just barely be. An inspector with a conscience might tell the vehicle’s owner that while he had to pass the thing it will need brakes or tires much sooner than next year and they really ought to have it taken care of. But will they? If they don’t, will the cop hiding up ahead be able to tell the car is a disaster waiting to happen when it passes by him a few months from now? Probably not – because it’s hard to see bald tires when a car is rolling and impossible to see bad brakes without the vehicle up on a lift. What he will see is that proud-looking sticker that says the vehicle passed “safety” inspection and thus is “safe” to drive.
In other words, it’s all for show.
Well, for money, too.
While not all inspectors are corrupt, some leverage the power they have to issue that sticker to stick people for repairs they say are needed to get the vehicle successfully through the inspection. And maybe sometimes the repairs are necessary. Of course, many vehicle owners lack any understanding of mechanical things and so just believe whatever they are told the car needs in order for it to pass. They want to leave the shop with the vehicle inspected – not rejected.
This is a vulnerability notoriously taken advantage of by shops (not all) that do these state-mandated inspections. Absent the pressure to get that sticker, the vehicles owner might be inclined to question what he’s told or consider getting a second opinion.
Arguably, though, the worst thing about mandated “safety” inspections is that they induce passivity in the vehicle owner, who assumes the car is “safe” because it passed inspection. He does not worry about its “safety” until he needs to worry about getting a new sticker. In between then he may never even bother to glance at the condition of his vehicle’s tires – much less pull a wheel to have a look at the brakes.
Arguably, it’d be a lot safer for everyone if vehicle owners were more personally interested in the condition of their vehicles – as opposed to getting that sticker.
. . .
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Here in Northwest Indiana, a few politicians are trying to end our emission testing (it’s only for us that live near Chicago), which is a de-facto inspection. The last attempt failed, but it seems there is more backing to end this stupid and unnecessary government waste this time.
So hopefully Eric will be writing a piece on the ending of this in the near future.
This was a topic of discussion at Porcfest. The FSP folks really want libertarians to move to New Hampshire and have a local effect politically. Their modification of “Live free or die” is “Live free and thrive”. The jury is still out on how it turns out but they have a bunch of wins in their column including school choice recently. Next door in Vermont, home of Bernie Sanders, you have a different story. I will say I could spend summers in New Hampshire in a heartbeat…..winters not so much. It is a truly beautiful area, moreso in the northern, relatively more rural area. I’d recommend a trip to Porcfest for anybody who has the means…..the presentations are, IMO, excellent. My favorites this year were Scott Horton, Naomi Brockwell, Angela McArdle, Ross Ulbricht, Joel Salatin and Connor Boyack.
“Live free and thrive” — Giuseppe
On the other coast, something I’ve been expecting is underway:
‘44% of Californians would vote for a ballot measure for peaceful, legal secession—but 54% would vote against’
https://ic.institute/2025/06/29/june-2025-topline-poll-results/
Their reasoning is the opposite of free New Hampshire, of course: California’s hard-left, hyper-regulated statism is incompatible with federal R-party rule. By next year, I expect more than half of Californians to support secession. *waves a fond farewell*
In Germany, there is an Inspection requirement every two years and because it’s a German Test, it carries more weight than an Inspection from other Countries. Comparing used Car Prices, a vehicle with a current German Inspection Sticker commands a higher Price than one from say, Poland or Spain.
These Tests however are sometimes stupid. When I purchased my car new in 2015, I programmed-out the DRL, Seatbelt Warning as well as the Headlight Washers. German Law requires Headlight Washers if the vehicle is equipped with Xenon Lights therefore the first time I had it inspected it failed. So while still at the Inspection Station, with my Laptop, I programmed the Washers to work and the Car passed. Immediately afterwards, at the Inspection Station, I deprogrammed them again. No Problem.
How about those patriotic Americans that open up inspection stations to make a buck off of their neighbors. The American way!
Good for New Hampshire! There was a referendum here in Taxachusetts a few years ago to do the same but amazingly (to me anyway) it failed. The state ran a fear campaign to scare all the Clovers into thinking every vehicle on the road would be a rolling death trap; probably bankrolled by the dealers who wouldn’t get their fee plus whatever unnecessary “repairs” they could do. So now I get an email from the insurance mafia reminding me my sticker is due and I had better get it pronto or it’s a surcharge on my policy. As if the car is “safe” today but once the calendar turns to the next month all of a sudden it’s magically not.
Good for New Hampshire. A move in the right direction.
When Utah eliminated safety inspections several years ago (2018), there was a hue and cry about how “unsafe” vehicles would be all over the place.
Surprise that none of that is true. There are still occasional calls to reinstate the inspections, but the typically fall on deaf ears.
Safety inspections are like EVERYTHING government does. They are a sick joke that make endless problems and accomplish nothing.
As exhibit A i present the FedEx Freightliner van I parted out a few years ago. Fully DOT inspected and legal to run, the FedEx contractor dumped it after the frame rotted away to the point there were 2 foot lengths missing and it collapsed. As exhibit B witness the DOT inspected International 4700 which also had the frame break in the middle which also collapsed.
It’s a gift, a hustle, and a scam run by tyrannical government at gun point.
You have to inspect your vehicles at least once a week, the oil has to be checked, the gas gauge needs to be above the E to about half full, the coolant needs to be checked for proper level, the tires have to have proper tire pressure, can’t drive with too low of pressure.
A weekly run through is a big help, keeps you in the know.
Make sure your car’s serpentine belt is not cracked, install a new one or be stranded when you least expect it.
It is regular maintenance that keeps you safe on the road.
You have to do it to avoid major problems.
Going to be 96 degrees today, must stay cool.
The Commander used to chide me “you’re out in the garage with those cars every Saturday fussing under the hood”.
“Well Cupcake, how many times have you been stranded by a car failure in your 14 year old Nova?” Silence. “Who’s always right?” “You are Sparkey!!” “Atta girl.”
S
My since departed friend use to call his wife “the warden” , not to her face mind you. LMAO… I like commander
In real life she is sweet as pie, not technically minded but definitely has that “certain zest for living” as Judge Smails would say!
The non tech brain can be an issue as I’ve had to step in over the years to prevent mechanical disaster / damage control. Not to be mean the Eastern Europe (Poland grandparents) genetics are only a plus in the looks department. Unfortunately the German genetic side was recessive.
As a matter of principle I’m against the concept of mandatory safety inspections; the problem then becomes one of how do we weed out the cars with tires worn down into their steel belts, cars with only one brake still sorta functioning, cars with no signal lights? As Eric has pointed out, if the car is rolling none of this is especially noticeable.
I suspect that using the same regulations that is done for the big rigs and running a couple dozen random cars through for inspection might work but will cause a lot of backlash.
Probably most of Eric’s readers have at least a passing familiarity with working on their own cars and can tell if it’s “really” unsafe or just a hole in the muffler but I know plenty of people who have no desire to fix it themselves nor desire to pay someone else. I’ve got buddies who hire others to work on their cars and have had a wheel fall off due to the lug nuts not being tightened, engines seized because the filter leaked as they had an oil change just as they were leaving on a road trip, etc.
I neglected to mention I’m also against mandatory emission inspections also.
Way to tell us that you are a slave and favor using Government to force others to conform to your desires to be controlled by your masters.
Amazing how many on a libertarian website favor tyranny.
Hi sucker, where did I call for GovCo to do it?
“I suspect that using the same regulations that is done for the big rigs and running a couple dozen random cars through for inspection might work but will cause a lot of backlash.”
What – you think Goverment isn’t running the checkpoints? Give me a break.
At least be an honest Statist. You would love to see inspections via roadside checkpoints but only regret that it would cause “backlash”
And that’s why I know that they won’t do roadside inspections of passenger cars on mass. Sure you can sue for damages caused by someone else’s unsafe car; oh wait that would be using GovCo’s courts.
So how would you remove obviously unsafe cars off the road? Bearing in mind that unsafe car might cause a loss for you without using any GovCo or adjacent entities?
I don’t have a problem with requiring them to work off their debt to you but who would be enforcing the contract?
So what’s your solution to GovCo?
Hi Landru,
This issue is similar to the issue of how to deal with drunk drivers. No one supports driving drunk. But how to define it? Does one size fit all? Is it just to presume all drivers are “drunk” – as at a checkpoint – until they prove to the satisfaction of a government goon that they are sober? The law in some states says a person is “drunk” if they have a BAC of as little as .05, irrespective of their actual driving. I think it’s inarguable that many drivers are worse drivers when they have a BAC of 0.0 than some drivers are with a BAC of .05 or even more. If a person’s actual driving doesn’t suggest impairment – for whatever reason, incidentally – why not just leave them in peace? Why not just deal with the people who are the problem – having caused one – rather than presume everyone is the problem?
Hi Eric.
Makes sense and is reasonable. I have no problem with doing it that way.
Eric, with the recent discussions here about marijuana use it’s interesting to note that one of the objections to re-legalization is that there’s no way to tell if someone is buzzed at a roadside checkpoint.
In other words, their driving is fine and they aren’t nonfunctional as far as motor skills are concerned. It that’s the case why should you be punished for having “one toke over the line”? It means they can’t prove anything is wrong except you violated their sensibilities and even that they can’t prove.
Police State Uber Allis!!
“Why not just deal with the people who are the problem ” Eric
Maybe because they have badges, guns and have been known to kill pesty citizens.
The double whammy is maddening. Don’t know about other states but WA the drill is nail the middle class .08 barely buzzed since they have enough money for the fines and fees, but not enough for a court battle. The wealthy connected class meh, no biggy, including court judges.
However the border jumpers with no assets go on their merry way until they kill someone. This POS got 10 years and it was no accident, it was a POS being a POS if you watch the crash video. Priors, of course! Sanctuary state = no consequence for prior behavior.
https://thepostmillennial.com/illegal-immigrant-sentenced-to-10-years-in-prison-for-killing-washington-state-trooper-in-dui-crash
Hi Landru!
My suggestion is that people be expected to be responsible and when they aren’t – and their irresponsibility causes problems for others – then they (and only they) ought to be held responsible. Some will say this trusting of everyone (until they give reason to not trust) will result in some people not being trustworthy. Of course it will. But would assuming everyone isn’t trustworthy weed out the ones who aren’t? Does “controlling” guns prevent criminals from using them? The point I am trying to make is that risk cannot be eliminated, But freedom can. The distinction matters.
Hi Eric.
Eric: “The point I am trying to make is that risk cannot be eliminated, But freedom can.”
I agree that the actions of those in power can only serve to eliminate freedom.
If my understanding of Liberty is correct it is that your rights come with responsibilities. Most people who say FREEDOM fail to grasp they have a responsibility to engage in a way that supports Liberty. For example the original Minutemen; as standing army’s can be used to take away the populace’s Liberty the populace must take it’s place even if it means your death.
My point based on what I see happening these days as a result of the barbarians on the streets that engage in mass looting, taking over the streets and if you resist they’d probably kill you. GovCo will go after you if you “deal” with the problem so it becomes a question of how we can have the most rights and the least encumbrances on us. The school system has been dumbed down, Civics isn’t mentioned, and the courts exist to punish the people who were not at fault.
I think we all know where in the Titler Cycle we are currently. For what it’s worth I’m probably more of a Libertarian leaning conservative who wants to live life without the boot of GovCo on my throat for harming no one.
Tytler Cycle
‘These inspections have very little to do with “safety” – and much to do with rent-seeking.’ — eric
If saaaaaaafety inspections actually reduced accidents, it would be apparent in the data coming from states that require mechanical inspections and those that don’t. But —
‘In fact, when researchers dig into the data, they consistently fail to find any significant reduction in motor vehicle injuries or fatalities in states that have mandatory inspections. In 2015, the Government Accountability Office found that the existing research “has generally been unable to establish any causal relationship” between inspection requirements and crash rates.
‘When North Carolina officials examined the efficacy of mandatory inspection programs in 2008, they concluded that “nearly three decades of research has failed to conclusively show that mechanical defects are a significant cause of motor vehicle accidents or that safety inspections significantly reduce accident rates.”
‘Nebraska discovered that the number of crashes caused by vehicle defects actually declined after its mandatory inspection program was ended in 1982.’
https://www.theamericanconsumer.org/2019/06/do-mandatory-vehicle-inspections-really-make-us-safer/
Yet Google AI, largely trained on mainstream media disinformation, tells me that —
‘Mechanical inspections of automobiles offer significant benefits, including enhanced safety, reduced maintenance costs, and increased vehicle lifespan. They help identify potential issues early, preventing accidents and costly repairs down the line.’
Well, this is just unadulterated horseshit. It’s not supported by the data. But what do we expect from leftist Google, headquartered in collectivist Commiefornia?
Cancel the tech lords.
Once dual-circuit master cylinders were implemented in 1967, brakes became more or less failsafe. I think the only real safety concern for lack of maintenance might be bald tires in the rain, which can drastically affect stopping distances and loss of control. Having completely inoperable brake lights might also be a problem, but there’s triple redundancy on all cars since 1986.
Amen, Jim!
And I note the use of the word (by the AI) of “offer.” Really? Are these inspection on offer? Or are they required?
Same as when I had a maintenance plan for the heat pump. Every so often the tech would find a “problem” that needed to be fixed for a few extra $.
Interestingly, once I dropped the plan, I went years without spending any money until I needed to call someone to replace the capacitor.
Saved hundreds over the years and only was without AC for a few hours.
Slaves love their state safety inspections
“I bet you can squeal. I bet you can squeal like a pig. Go ahead, squeal. Squeal, now. Squeal.” Deliverance
I grew up with this, what a hassle:
https://www.wtae.com/article/pennsylvania-car-inspection-annual-law-1982/43882836
Huh, PA used to have a twice-yearly inspection requirement. Just think how much safer you’d have been if it was quarterly or monthly inspections.
Here’s a guide to the inspection tyranny. Of course, the northeast states lead the way.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_inspection_in_the_United_States
Texas did the same thing with the following exceptions:
1. If you live in an “ozone non attainment” area, you still have “emissions” inspections. Those areas include San Antonio, Dallas-Ft Worth area, and Houston
2. They include a 7.50 fee in registration to make up the revenue lost by the inspection.
Texas is a joke. I’m switching my car registration to an area outside the city soon
Austin retained emissions inspections also.
I knew i was missing something. I dint even consider Austin… nevermind.
NY recently updated the “technology” for its inspection stickers and required them to print the VIN and odometer reading on it.
But in doing so, they forced ALL the shops that inspect (which is almost all) to not only buy a special printer, but entirely new computers to connect to Commie DMV central in Albany.
And who do the shops buy these magical computers from? Why it’s the ONE approved state vendor. No price shopping for the mechanic! A “preferred” vendor for sure. And undoubtedly that vendor has no connection to any NY politicians, right?
Nice. They’ve got multiple grifts going on at once. This ain’t NY’s first rodeo, you know.
Just the cost of doing business as a consumer in NY.
Ask Grifter Musk, who scored a billion in “subsidies” to build an (empty) Tesla shingle factory in Buffalo.
I’m sure the janitor who runs the place appreciates the work.
A Tale of Three States
In Florida in the late 70’s their inspection included a bizarre brake test. You drove up on a huge steel plate, slammed on the brakes to lock them up and the plate would move forcing a column of red fluid to rise. If it didn’t rise enough you failed the test. This worked fine if you had an Olds Delta 88 but, a VW Bug, not so much. The plate weighed more than the car and after repeated failures they’d pass you anyway. This idiocy ended a few years later.
Maryland
I moved there and took my 2 year old VW GTI in for inspection. It had about 50k miles. It cost me ~$1000 to get it to pass. They forced me to get new tires AND replace the suspension. F Maryland.
North Carolina
If your vehicle is 20 years or older they stop the emissions part of the inspection. When it hits 30 years NO inspection is needed, including safety. Talk about bass-ackwards. But, then, it is GovCo.
Mark in BC: “In Florida in the late 70’s their inspection included a bizarre brake test. You drove up on a huge steel plate, slammed on the brakes to lock them up and the plate would move forcing a column of red fluid to rise.”
NJ used to use the same system. I have been gone for over 60 years, so not sure. But knowing SSNJ they have something similar to keep folks in line, maybe a bit more high-tech now, mass adjusted or such.
They used to have that brake test here in New Jersey too years ago along with a whole slew of other tests. Now a sticker is good for two years and the only inspection is emissions. They plug in and a few minutes later you’re done. Of course, the things that are no longer inspected can be way more dangerous than your emissions being out of sort.
Klink: I remember them getting down to check the muffler on my red-primed ’48 Ford. It “loped” a bit because of the engine I had built. They were worried about the rumble. The guy looked and hollered “They’re stock, but there’s two of them!”
A few years later, I was taking a somewhat shopworn ’54 Studebaker Commander Coupe that I had bought the day before for inspection. I was the first car in line at the brand new inspection station they built for Trenton. I rolled right off the end of the brake test. They were so excited about all the media and big-shots there that they stuck the sticker on the windshield anyway. So much for the validity of a safety inspection.
NH state motto: “Live Free, or Die”….
Glad to see that they’re finally doing it!