Maine Plans To Eliminate Vehicle Inspections By 2025

Maine is poised to eliminate mandatory annual vehicle inspections for most drivers starting in 2025, a policy that has been in place since the 1930s. State Representative Ann Fredericks argues that advancements in automotive technology have made inspections unnecessary, offering economic relief to drivers who currently pay between $12 and $50 for these checks. However, critics, including the Maine Automobile Dealers’ Association, express concerns about potential risks to road safety, suggesting that the lack of inspections could lead to more unsafe vehicles on the road. Meanwhile, Kentucky lawmakers are considering measures to streamline the process for obtaining REAL IDs, with proposals to allow county clerks to issue non-REAL IDs again, addressing long wait times at regional offices. Additionally, Georgia is reviewing a bill to enable the use of digital driver’s licenses, expanding their current limited application to enhance convenience for motorists. These legislative changes reflect a broader trend towards modernizing driving laws across the United States.