P.E.I. considers waiving inspections for new vehicles

Transportation Minister Ron MacKinley is considering following Nova Scotia's lead and eliminating annual motor vehicle inspections for three years for new cars, light trucks and motorcycles.

But MacKinley is not considering Nova Scotia's plan to require inspections for older passenger vehiclesevery two years.

"I don't like the idea of older vehicles, say five-, six-year-old vehicles every two years," he said.

"We had a car, a family car there, that was probably six, seven years old, and it might be great one year when you go in on the sixth year, but you go in on the seventh year and it needs a lot of repairs. ... Those vehicles definitely got to be looked at every year."

MacKinley said new vehicles are inspected at the dealership beforethey are sold.

Island motorists could see changes to the inspection process within six months. MacKinley expects the province will lose about $100,000 in revenue from the move, but said it would mean more money for Island consumers.

Changes to Nova Scotia's motor vehicle inspection program take effect on April 1.