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Motor Vehicle Safety: NHTSA Should Resume Its Support of State Periodic Inspection Programs

RCED-90-175 Published: Jul 05, 1990. Publicly Released: Aug 06, 1990.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO evaluated the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) state motor vehicle inspection program, to determine whether: (1) a 1989 NHTSA report accurately represented the safety benefits of state inspection programs; (2) available evidence indicates that state inspection programs reduce accidents; and (3) NHTSA appropriately carried out its responsibilities regarding inspection programs.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Transportation The Secretary of Transportation should direct NHTSA to support periodic motor vehicle inspection through such actions as sponsoring research that would assist states considering the initiation or reinstatement of inspection programs.
Closed – Implemented
The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) reviewed state periodic motor vehicle inspection (PMVI) programs and procedures, prepared a report on existing high technology inspection equipment, and conducted PMVI research. A uniform inspection guideline has been developed and is awaiting agency approval.
Department of Transportation The Secretary of Transportation should direct NHTSA to support periodic motor vehicle inspection through such actions as assisting inspection states so that they share their experiences and adapt to changing automotive technology.
Closed – Implemented
AAMVA completed its review of state PMVI programs and procedures. A uniform inspection guideline has been developed and is awaiting agency approval.
Department of Transportation The Secretary of Transportation should direct NHTSA to support periodic motor vehicle inspection through such actions as promoting public awareness of the need to properly maintain the safety-critical components of vehicles.
Closed – Implemented
The AAMVA plan provides for developing a public PMVI information document.

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Topics

state relationsResumeHighway safetyInspectionMotor vehicle safetyMotor vehicle standardsTraffic accidentsTransportation safetyAccidentsPolice