triethylborane

As you are probably aware, the level of safety inspection varies from state to state. Here in Colorado, we basically have just an emissions testing program. They do test the fuel cap, but that is it aside from the emissions. Colorado used to have bi-annual vehicle inspections, which were much closer to what you describe in Switzerland, though twice a year. That ended in the 70s.

I used to live in Hawaii, which has an annual inspection and it is pretty much the same like yours. The problem there is that a white military guy like me had to get it done by a "local;" the only place to get the inspection is at a privately run shop. The state has no facilities for the inspection. So on my first test, I failed. My 91 E34 M5 had 9" rears, which was stock on non-NA spec M5s, but never for NA. The guy failed me for that, lol. But, I could get a permit for the 9" rears. The state ran the permit program and appointments were about 5 weeks out. The permit inspection location is under the H1 highway, looks very shady and is essentially a scam (what govt function is legitimate these days). The inspector wanted cash. I didnt care. I had been without a state vehicle permit for my out of state vehicle for a month, getting on base required a pass every morning. Luckily the permit was permanent.

DRBC43AMG

Guess one could write a book with the different systems and practices that exist