Drivers in New Jersey are getting a break, when it comes to getting their cars inspected. Starting next month, they will no longer have to get their vehicles checked for mechanical defects, on cars less than five years old.

The state Motor Vehicle Commission announced the decision. For vehicles younger than 5 years, emissions testing will continue to be done every two years.

“This only makes sense,” said Robert Sinclair, Media Relations Manager, AAA. “Newer vehicles have the most up to date emissions standards. The way they are with equipment, tires, engines, brakes are more durable and reliable. The electronics in newer cars lets drivers know if there is a problem.” From an agency that services roadside problems, we know first hand that the newer cars are not the ones that need these inspections.

Of the vehicles getting inspected, less than 6 percent were rejected for “serious” defects like: brakes, steering or suspension problems, state officials said. The overall re-inspection rate was nearly 17 percent. “If we’re going to invest millions of taxpayer dollars year after year in a program, then it is essential that we be able to justify the expense and effectiveness of (the) program,” said MVC Chief Administrator Raymond Martinez. “With a lack of conclusive data, and the current fiscal crisis, we cannot justify this expense.”

People we spoke to had mixed reaction.

“I already stay on top of getting my car’s routine maintenance, ” said Kim Waddy of South River.

“This is great. I don’t have time to wait in those long lines,” said Weston Davis of West Orange.

“My concern is that people won’t get their cars serviced, putting more dangerous vehicles on the road,” said Terri Hester of Teaneck.

The move is expected to save the state more than $11 million a year. The state pays a private company to do the inspections and is charged per inspection.

(Source: WPIX 11)