State Inspections checkpoints

[Dragon on Wheels]

In New Jersey, we've recently done away with state inspections for motorcycles. That's all fine and dandy.

However, last week, I took a trip into New York and ended up in a mandatory vehicle inspection checkpoint (it was right in the middle of a street in Buffalo...I've never encountered something like it before, but apparently it happens). Now, I still have my inspection sticker on my plate, so there were no problems, but what happens in the future when there are no stickers (I think we're supposed to remove ours and the law took effect August 1st, so in theory there could have been a motorcycle from NJ without a sticker at the checkpoint). The police officer specifically asked for the inspection sticker (he seemed to be looking for it on the windscreen and I had to direct him to the plate). What might have happened if I didn't have a sticker? or if I don't remove mine(those things aren't easy to peel off) and it says that it's overdue(even though there aren't inspections anymore)?

[Johnj]

Tell the nice officer you're from Jersey.

[havegunjoe]

The NY cop will probably beat the hell out of you just because he can. Jersey cops return the favor to NY riders I am sure.

[zeligman]

sorry - I don't understand WHY they would do away with safety inspections. income for the state, safety for us....

[jstark47]

sorry - I don't understand WHY they would do away with safety inspections. income for the state, safety for us....

State budget problems. It wasn't income for the state, it was expense for the state. They did away with mechanical inspections for cars, now have only emissions inspections. Rationale was the low rate of mechanical problems and the idea people will take of mechanical issues like brakes, etc, themselves. Motorcycle inspection was mechanical only, so now that's completely gone.

It was a joke anyway. Basically consisted of an inspector coming out the back door of the station, eyeballing your bike, and saying "yep...... that thar's a motorsickle alright....... passed!"

[zeligman]

It was a joke anyway. Basically consisted of an inspector coming out the back door of the station, eyeballing your bike, and saying "yep...... that thar's a motorsickle alright....... passed!"

No Joke here in MA - my bike failed with a loose turn signal wire - which I only caught at inspection.

I still think they're important. Shrug.