What that means is that while you are on your annual pilgrimage to the mechanic, praying to a higher power that there is nothing expensive wrong with your vehicle, the residents of D.C. will be sleeping in.
The decision was made in an attempt to trim the cost of maintaining a car in the District, which will increase property taxes and also cut administrative costs, allowing D.C. a better chance to tackle their budget problems.
It’s a drastic measure and one that will likely leave those involved scratching their heads, should the move result in more accidents—or more stalled cars—actually worsening traffic. Most safety experts have expressed alarm at the prospect, although a substantial number of states have gone the same way, leaving any safety inspection requirements to the municipalities. Virginia is one of only 18 states that actually requires annual or biannual safety inspections.
Maybe D.C. is actually on to something. If the change could save money, simplify auto ownership and remove one more slice of government intervention in our lives, then it’s at least worth considering. While many public officials are examining those pieces of legislation that hinder business, perhaps more attention should be paid to regulation of voters and consumers.
In all likelihood, most drivers will still need to have a mechanic look over their car on a regular basis. If for no other reason, insurance companies will almost certainly begin to provide a break for those policyholders who regularly inspect their vehicles—because vehicles in good working order are either less likely to get into an accident or require less repairs when they are in one.
The major obstacle to this move is safety—and safety on the road, which impacts multiple drivers. While jurisdictions differ over how extensive the true value of safety inspections are to roadway safety and accident numbers per state. Like every federal, state and local regulation, the benefits of the requirement must be weighed against the burden to society.
Should the government require all cars be inspected annually? Maybe, maybe not, but it’s worth asking the question, and asking Virginia to show that the time and money spent by every driver in Virginia has a payoff.
Should you get your car inspected regularly? Of course, you should—but maybe it should be your choice. In the meantime, drive carefully in D.C. and Maryland (which only requires safety inspections when a car is sold.)
Remember, when you make "your choice" to do the right thing to have your vehicle inspected and maintained properly, the guy behind you on I-95 with no brakes and only one working headlight did not make the same "choice".