The Automotive Service Association hosted the ASA “Taking the Hill” Fly-In and AMI Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., May 11-12, 2010, for its members. Independent automotive repairers from across the country met with their representatives and senators to discuss the importance of periodic motor vehicle safety inspection programs.

ASA leaders met with members of the U.S. House and Senate to alert Congress that less than half the states in the United States have any type of periodic motor vehicle safety inspection program. In addition to Washington, D.C., 29 states have no vehicle safety inspection programs, and of the 21 states that have programs, several only require vehicle inspection upon sale or transfer.

With Congress set to review vehicle safety issues and transportation programs, ASA requested that members consider supporting federal incentives for states to establish periodic motor vehicle safety inspection programs.

ASA supports periodic safety inspections that ensure proper maintenance and safety of older vehicles and provide for minimum inspection requirements of motor vehicles. ASA encouraged policymakers to establish state vehicle safety inspection programs in states that currently do not have such a program and provide grants to states to assist in establishment of such programs.

High-resolution images from ASA’s meetings on Capitol Hill are currently available on ASA’s legislative website, www.TakingTheHill.com.

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA serves an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from both the mechanical and collision repair segments of the automotive service industry.

ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. For additional information about ASA, go to www.ASAshop.org, or visit ASA’s legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com.