Bill > SR194

This resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Transportation to study the potential elimination of safety inspection requirements for motor carrier vehicles. The resolution is motivated by several key observations: residents have complained about the current inspection process being ineffective and inconsistently applied, the cost of overseeing inspections may not justify their benefits, and vehicle component failure is a minimal factor in motor vehicle accidents. The Hawaii Department of Transportation has previously found that alcohol, speed, and distracted driving are more significant causes of fatal traffic accidents than vehicle condition. The resolution asks the Department to conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility and advisability of removing these safety inspection requirements and to submit a report with findings and recommendations, including potential legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2026 Regular Session. The resolution notes that many states have already eliminated similar inspection requirements without experiencing increased vehicle accidents or injuries, suggesting this approach could be viable for Hawaii.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SR&billnumber=194&year=2025