As of February 1^st, 2007, drivers will see changes to motor vehicle inspection procedures designed to make Nova Scotia's highways and roads safer for drivers and pedestrians.

New motor vehicle inspection procedures, an increase in inspection fees and a requirement for drivers to keep a copy of inspection certificates, are among the latest amendments to the motor vehicle inspection regulations. Industry will have new inspection rules and penalties for non-compliance.

These changes will help improve safety for Nova Scotians. Roadside safety inspections have found vehicles that did not meet standards despite having a valid inspection sticker. The new regulations will help prevent possible fraudulent inspections and increase penalties. They enhance qualifications for testers and increase accountability of station operators to ensure the quality of safety inspections.

Fee increases cover the cost to remove wheels to improve brake inspections on passenger vehicles and light trucks, and rising costs for station operators. The new safety inspection fees are as follows:

• $25.48 (from $25) for passenger cars, station wagons, trucks or motorized homes.
• $14.27 (from $14) for motorcycles or motor-driven cycles.
• $35.67 (from $35) for trucks or truck tractors, buses or motorized homes with single rear axle designed for four wheels.
• $85.62 (from $85) for trucks or truck tractors with two or more rear axles.
• $10.19 (from $10) for trailers or semi-trailers with one axle.
• $15.29 (from $15) for trailers or semi-trailers equipped with brakes, with two axles, and a registered weight of 4,500 kilograms or less.
• $35.67 (from $35) for trailers or semi-trailers with a registered weight of more than 4,500 kilograms.