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Published on Wednesday, October 1, 2003
in the Port St. Lucie News
The Florida Highway Patrol is planning random vehicle inspection checkpoints throughout the Treasure Coast this month in an effort to catch vehicle defects that could be dangerous on the road.
Time permitting on several dates in October, troopers will set up at streets in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties where they will wave motorists over for the checks.
Troopers will look for broken lights, worn tires, bad brakes and other safety equipment on the outside of the car only, unless they see something suspicious in plain view inside, FHP Sgt. Rob Purser said.
The idea is to educate and catch dangerous vehicles, because the state no longer has inspection stations, he said.
"Wear your seat belt and make sure your vehicles are in proper working order," Purser said. "Public safety is what we're here for."
Purser said troopers can issue a $9 citation for defective equipment but would concentrate on corrective notices, which warn the driver to fix problems but don't carry a financial penalty.
The FHP stated the checkpoints are "an effective means of enforcing the equipment and driver license laws ...," a release states.