FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government has proposed new regulations under the Motor Vehicle Act which would allow personal passenger vehicles to be re-inspected once every two years. The regulations have been posted for public review until Nov. 27.

Currently, personal passenger vehicles are required to be re-inspected annually. The proposed regulation changes would see new vehicles with a gross vehicle mass of less than 4,500 kilograms have an initial inspection good for three years. Other personal vehicles with a gross vehicle mass of less than 4,500 kilograms would be re-inspected every two years.

The cost of inspection for personal passenger vehicles would be $45 every two years rather than the current cost of $35 annually. This would result in a savings for drivers over a two-year period.

“The government is committed to making it less expensive to own a car. Reducing the requirement for motor vehicle inspections to once every two years is a step towards making it more affordable and convenient for the driving public,” said Public Safety Minister Carl Urquhart. “It is important to note that there will be no change to the annual inspections for commercial vehicles and police officers will continue to have the authority to order vehicle inspections.”

In addition to setting new re-inspection intervals for taxis, the regulations would also provide for an exemption from inspection for manufactured trailers of less than 1,500 kilograms and a one-time inspection of homemade trailers of the same weight.

The regulations to change inspection frequency are expected to be brought into force in January 2020. More details will be shared with motor vehicle inspection stations once the changes take effect.

Anyone who wishes to review or comment on the proposed regulation may visit the Public Review of Draft Regulations web page. Feedback can be submitted to nicole.shorrock@gnb.ca or by calling 506-444-3663.