http://66.225.205.104/SG20111104.mp3
Stations passed this vehicle despite defects to the headlight that inspectors should have flagged. N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles officials identified more than 2,500 vehicles as passing suspiciously soon after failing at another garage. Criminal or civil charges were filed against nearly 600 stations and workers. (N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles) Stations passed this vehicle despite defects to the muffler that inspectors should have flagged. N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles officials identified more than 2,500 vehicles as passing suspiciously soon after failing at another garage. Criminal or civil charges were filed against nearly 600 stations and workers. (N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles) Well, it's an annual, sometimes annoying ritual. Depending on your financial status, it can also be nerve-wracking. We're talking about the vehicle inspection. You've heard the stories. Unscrupulous garages that say your vehicle needs a lot of unnecessary work just to pass inspection. And then there are the garages that hardly look at your vehicle. That may be your preference, but it might not be in the best interest of you or other drivers. The Charlotte Observer examined these issues in a 3-part series this week. The findings were troubling enough that Gov. Bev. Perdue has ordered a review of North Carolina's vehicle inspection program. Fred Clasen-Kelly was the lead reporter in that investigation. He spoke to WFAE's Scott Graf.