MS HB996

Department of Public Safety may certify inspection stations to inspect commercial motor vehicles and must certify at least one station per county if the program is implemented.

Inspection program applies to commercial motor vehicles registered in Mississippi, vehicles over 10,000 pounds in interstate commerce, vehicles over 26,000 pounds gross weight rating, motor coaches designed for 15+ passengers, and vehicles transporting hazardous materials.

Inspection fees are $100 per vehicle, with $50 paid to the Department of Public Safety; inspector certification costs $20 per two-year period and inspection station certification costs $50 per two-year period.

Department may deny, suspend, or revoke certifications for violations including issuing fraudulent certificates, failing to conduct proper inspections, charging excessive fees, or criminal convictions; violators have right to administrative hearing.

Violations are misdemeanors with fines up to $200, plus a $100 assessment to the Department of Public Safety; counterfeiting inspection certificates is a felony punishable up to second degree felony if intent to defraud is shown.