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ME LD547

ME LD547
An Act to Modify Maine Motor Vehicle Inspection Standards to Permit Exterior, Nonstructural Corrosion That Does Not Directly Affect the Passenger Compartment


summary

Introduced
02/11/2025
In Committee
02/11/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/20/2025

Introduced Session

132nd Legislature

Bill Summary

This bill provides that a motor vehicle may not be rejected for violation of any inspection standard for exterior, nonstructural corrosion. It defines "exterior, nonstructural corrosion" to be corrosion of a body component, including corrosion that has resulted in a hole or aperture in the body component, that does not compromise the integrity of the frame or any mechanical component of the motor vehicle necessary for safe operation. The bill specifies that "exterior, nonstructural corrosion" includes but is not limited to corrosion of a hood, trunk, hatch, door, fender, rocker panel or pickup bed but does not include corrosion that affects the interior of the motor vehicle's passenger compartment. The bill allows the Chief of the State Police to adopt rules to facilitate the application and administration of this provision.

AI Summary

This bill modifies Maine's motor vehicle inspection standards by preventing vehicles from being rejected during inspections solely due to exterior, nonstructural corrosion. Specifically, the bill defines "exterior, nonstructural corrosion" as damage to a vehicle's body components, which may include holes or openings, that do not compromise the vehicle's frame or mechanical components necessary for safe operation. The bill provides examples of exterior components that can have corrosion without causing inspection failure, such as hoods, trunks, hatches, doors, fenders, rocker panels, and pickup beds. Importantly, the legislation distinguishes this type of corrosion from damage that affects the interior passenger compartment, which would still be grounds for rejection. The bill empowers the Chief of the State Police to establish rules for implementing this new standard, allowing for more flexibility in vehicle inspections while maintaining a focus on safety. This change aims to prevent vehicles from being failed for cosmetic rust damage that does not impact the overall structural integrity or operational safety of the vehicle.

Committee Categories

Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) (on 05/20/2025)

bill text


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