STICKER SHOCK: MAINE’S BURDENSOME VEHICLE INSPECTION MANDATE

MAINE’S CLIMATE AND VEHICLE DETERIORATION

A common objection to repealing Maine’s inspection program is that our harsh winters accelerate vehicle deterioration and warrant special government oversight, even if more temperate states can get away without periodic inspections.

There is little doubt that the harsh chemicals used on Maine’s roads to combat snow and ice have a highly corrosive effect on many critical automobile components. But Maine is hardly the only state to experience long, snowy winters.

Winter conditions haven’t prevented Minnesota, North Dakota, Connecticut, Colorado, Michigan, and Alaska from repealing their periodic vehicle inspection programs entirely. Most of these states use road salt extensively, yet research has not shown an increase in vehicular accidents, injuries, or fatalities in these states.