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House repeals $40 cap on certain vehicle inspection fees, leaving market to set rates
Summary
HB192 removes the outdated $40 cap on vehicle inspection-related fees and requires shops to post disclosed fees; proponents said the move returns pricing to the market while opponents warned of potential higher costs; the House passed the bill 40-31.
The Utah House passed HB192 on Feb. 5, removing the statutory $40 cap on certain vehicle inspection fees and requiring vendors to post and disclose fees for specific services.
Representative Shallenberger, sponsor of the bill, said the measure is a technical cleanup after mandatory safety inspections were eliminated but the $40 fee cap remained on the books. He said the bill lets market forces determine fees and requires posted disclosures so customers know expected charges. "We have a cap fee on there of $40... This simply eliminates the fee and lets the market rate decide the rate," Shallenberger said on the floor.
Supporters, including Representatives Hansen and Kristofferson, argued freeing the market will reduce unnecessary regulation and let prices fall where competition exists. Opponents, including Representative Tom Peterson, warned some voluntary pre-trip or dealer inspections already exceed $100 and said the change could lead to higher consumer costs in some cases. The sponsor noted emissions inspections remain county-regulated in some areas, and posting requirements are intended to provide transparency.
The House voted and approved HB192 40-31; the bill will be sent to the Senate for consideration.
