The North Carolina Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association is opposing the proposed abolishment of the state’s vehicle safety inspection program.
According to NCTRA PAC chairman Gary Baldree, N.C. Senate Bill 123 "has heavy support from a group of legislators aiming to discontinue the safety aspect of the inspection process. This being a self-funded program appears to be in direct conflict with the safety aspect of the motoring public in addition to the hundreds of jobs that would be displaced in our state by this action."
North Carolina reports a $2.5 billion deficit, “which is creating a whirlwind of actions from legislators,” said NCTRA executive director Reece Hester. “Our scrap tire fund has already been siphoned off by more than $6.5 million in less than two years to assist in balancing our budget. This recent attempt to abolish the safety inspection would be another negative effect on our immediate tire and auto service industry.”
Baldree also adds that vehicle integrity would definitely suffer as more motorists would push the compliance limits in an effort to keep their cars on the road at a time when people are keeping their vehicles longer. He suggests state-related businesses contact the SB 123’s sponsors to voice opposition to this proposal.
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