A Question For Americans about cars???

Question

Being for the UK, I've watched 'Pimp My Ride' a few times, and I was just wondering does America have the equivelent of a UK MOT - were the car is checked over to see if it's road-worthy, and if it fails the car is off the road and you can't get tax etc. - It's just coz I see the state some of those cars/wrecks are in on that program..... (I know that are in all probability they are fakes for the show). But now I'm curious!?!

Thanks for all answers.

Answer 1

It varies from state to state. Here in Georgia, they have to inspect cars for working emissions equipment in the area of Atlanta, our largest city. Anywhere else, they don't have any inspections whatsoever. And they don't check cars for safety at all. Some states do have safety inspections, however.

I don't think the aweful condition some of these cars start in is an exaggeration at all - I've seen cars driven on the street with shocking amounts of body damage, missing window glass, rags for gas caps, exhausts that blow blue smoke screens, and in the northern areas of the United States, major body panels rusted away. I've also seen some people driving dune buggies on the street with no bodywork, only a tube frame.

You may wish to take a look at the "It still runs!" section of www.beaterz.com (click on "Reviews" to find that). While that site is long overdue for an update, the bangers they show in that section are genuine photos of some of the worn out cars you see on American streets. Cars that bad are not very common, which is why the website considers them noteworthy, but you do see them in use.

Answer 2

We have 50 states, all of which have their own rules and regulations regarding inspection. Some states inspect yearly and won't issue a license unless you pass, others do not. But in all states the Highway Patrol, or State Troopers, or in Texas the Texas Rangers, have the right to stop cars that they feel are not roadworthy and shut them down until repairs are made. For example, driving on bald tires in any state would get you stopped and ticketed and perhaps towed.

Some cars of course fall through the cracks, but it works surprisingly well. There are more similarities in laws between the states than differences, and a lot of cooperation.

Answer 3

We used to have required emmission testing but not anymore. California is pretty tough still but here in the Motor City we can drive all kinds of smoke belching crap without any inspection. My 1987 Ford Ranger doesn't even have back brakes and smokes like a chimney. No, those cars are not fakes, its for real.

Answer 4

Well in Pimp My Ride, its based in california and in california all your car requires is to have working headlights, and seatbelts. So yea, those car you see are real, but a lot of those kids pick them up from the junk yard or ruin t heir own car in hopes of getting them on the show!

Answer 5

Some states have a Safety Inspection, while some have Emissions Inspections. Some states require both.

Answer 6

well some states have a safety inspection, unfortunately not every state does......there should be but there are usually very corrupt...pay off the inspector and get your sticker.....I own and operate a muffler and brake shop and see way to many car on the road that i wouldn't drive around the block.....

Answer 7

well im from the uk too but amercain cars are better like the names speed style roads etc so if the uk have mot the usa def does

Answer 8

It depends on the state.......some do and others do not. But there are general laws that can be enforced by patrol officers

Answer 9

Some states do, some states don't. My state (New Jersey) does. We call it inspection.

Answer 10

In California, all they check is the engine to make sure it doesn't pollute :)