Breathing Deeply

I was used to annual vehicle safety inspections. I suppose it makes sense to test whether everybody's cars are roadworthy. In theory this precaution could cut down on accidents. When I'm out on the road, it'd be especially reassuring to know the other fools out there have brakes that work.

So, even after a decade, it still strikes me as a little funny that it's not necessary in British Columbia. We're not scott free though as there is vehicle emission testing. In order to re-register, because I live in the Fraser Valley, my truck must be checked to ensure it doesn't pollute. Until a few years ago, AirCare was mandatory every single year. Of course, practically no newer vehicles failed the testing. So, now vehicles newer than 1992 have to be tested every second year. Of course the fees were doubled when that came into effect!

New changes are coming for next year and there's a possibility that the whole program may cease to exist beyond 2011. To see the pdf version of my report card, click the image.