Bill > LD667

This bill modernizes Maine's motor vehicle inspection program by introducing several key changes. First, it allows the Chief of the State Police to require an electronic inspection program, which is defined as a system using electronically generated data to create and exchange inspection records. The chief can develop a phased implementation approach, contract with private entities to implement the program, and establish associated fees that do not exceed the state's actual costs. The bill also provides flexibility for inspection stations experiencing economic hardship by allowing them to be exempted from the electronic program requirements. Additionally, the legislation updates inspection fees, eliminating the previous tiered fee structure based on vehicle model year and replacing it with a single maximum fee of 2.5 times the state's minimum wage for standard vehicle inspections and school bus inspections. Importantly, the inspection fee remains payable regardless of whether a vehicle passes or fails inspection, and the fee does not include labor or materials needed to correct identified faults. These changes aim to streamline the vehicle inspection process, modernize record-keeping, and provide more consistent fee guidelines for inspection stations.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=667&snum=132