Changes to Motor Vehicle Inspections Mean Safer Roads

On Feb. 1, changes to motor vehicle inspection regulations take effect to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians.

One of the most significant changes is the new out of service designation for vehicles that are not roadworthy and could jeopardize the health and safety of the driver or others. Under the new regulations, those vehicles are not allowed back on the road until the problem is repaired.

Vehicles that require minor repairs but do not pose an immediate safety hazard will still receive a rejected sticker, and the owner will have 10 days to make the repairs and get the vehicle re-inspected.

Additional changes include the need to keep the inspection certificate in the vehicle. Wheel removal will be required in order to thoroughly inspect brakes. There are exceptions for new vehicles that dealerships purchase from manufacturers. Industry is also subject to new inspection rules and penalties for non-compliance.

"These improvements will make the roads safer for Nova Scotians. Our inspectors have seen accidents where regulations like these may have saved lives," said Jamie Muir, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "The brake inspection also brings us in line with New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, with whom we have a reciprocal agreement to honour inspections."

The changes will ensure vehicles with a sticker are safe at the time of inspection. They will make it more difficult to avoid a valid inspection with stolen stickers or a poor-quality inspection.

Changes also include enhanced qualifications for testers and increase the accountability of station operators to ensure the quality of safety inspections. Training for motor vehicle inspection testers across the province will be completed by Feb. 1. The sessions focus on changes to the motor vehicle inspection regulations, the new motor vehicle inspection manual, and information on the new standards for vehicle testers.

These are the first substantial changes to the motor vehicle inspection process since its inception in 1967.

Because of the improved vehicle inspections, fees have been increased to $25 for most passenger vehicles. For more information, see the Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations website at www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/popular/mvi.asp .