Politics & Government

Gov. McKee Signs Bill Limiting Vehicle Inspections To Stations In Rhode Island

State Rep. John Edwards (D-Tiverton), said the bill would keep state inspections within Rhode Island's borders and aid small businesses.

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State Rep. John Edwards (D-Tiverton), said he introduced the bill because although Rhode Island allows businesses in Massachusetts and Connecticut to conduct inspections for vehicles registered in the Ocean State, those states do not return the favor.
State Rep. John Edwards (D-Tiverton), said he introduced the bill because although Rhode Island allows businesses in Massachusetts and Connecticut to conduct inspections for vehicles registered in the Ocean State, those states do not return the favor. (Jimmy Bentley/Patch)

TIVERTON, RI — Gov. Dan McKee signed a bill Friday that keeps motor vehicle inspections within state boundaries.

The law (2023-H 5034Aaa, 2023-S 0434Aaa) makes it so only mechanic shops in Rhode Island are eligible for permits to operate inspection stations and issue official certificates of inspection and approval. State Rep. John Edwards (D-Tiverton) introduced the bill because although Rhode Island allows businesses in Massachusetts and Connecticut to conduct inspections for vehicles registered in the Ocean State, those states do not return the favor.

"This bill, which was requested by constituents in Tiverton, would keep those venues that perform state inspections within Rhode Island’s borders and aid small business," Edwards said.

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The new law will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

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