On the final day of the legislative session, lawmakers took a major step towards ending yearly tests on cars in the state. HB265, which would end mandatory safety inspections, cleared the legislature in it's closing hours on Thursday. The Senate voted to amend the bill to increase registration fees by $1, and make wearing a seat belt a permanent primary offense. The house voted 54-17 to approve the amendment, a change considered to be a good compromise by the bill's sponsor, Rep. Dan McCay, R-Riverton.
The bill now goes to the Governor for consideration. If he signs it then safety inspections will no longer be required to drive on Utah roads starting Jan. 1, 2018. The increase in registration fees will be used to fund more Utah Highway Patrol troopers.
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