§286-27  Permits to operate official inspection stations.  (a)  The department of transportation, referred to in this section and sections 286-28 and 286-29 as "the department", shall be responsible for issuing permits for and furnishing instructions and all forms to official inspection stations.  The stations shall operate in the manner directed by the department pursuant to standards established by the director of transportation.

     (b)  Application for an official inspection permit shall be made upon an official form and shall be granted only when the department is satisfied that the station is equipped properly and has competent personnel to make the required inspections.  Before issuing a permit, the department shall require the applicant to file proof that the applicant has, in effect, a liability insurance policy, issued to the applicant by an insurance company authorized to do business in the State, insuring against the liability of the applicant and any of the applicant's employees in minimum amounts as follows:  comprehensive public liability insurance in the amount of $10,000 for one person and $20,000 for one accident and comprehensive property damage insurance of $5,000; provided that the director of transportation by rules may establish higher limits; provided that the proof of insurance need not be filed by an applicant who shall inspect only vehicles owned by the applicant; and provided further that the proof of insurance need not be filed by instrumentalities of the United States.

     (c)  Official inspection stations in this State shall be exempt from liability arising from the destruction of property or injury to persons caused by special interest vehicles; provided that the official inspection station:

     (1)  Meets the requirements of subsection (b); and

     (2)  Exercises due diligence in inspecting special interest vehicles in accordance with applicable standards for motor vehicle and equipment safety for special interest vehicles.

     (d)  A permit for an official station shall not be assigned or transferred or used at any location other than that designated by the department and every permit shall be posted in a conspicuous place at the location designated.

     (e)  The counties shall provide for the necessary administrative and enforcement services.

     (f)  The counties shall be reimbursed the costs incurred in providing the services under subsection (e). [L 1967, c 214, pt of §2; HRS §286-27; am L 1968, c 48, §2(c); am L 1969, c 128, §1(5); am L Sp 1977 1st, c 20, §12; gen ch 1985; am L 1988, c 253, §2; am L 1989, c 326, §2; am L 1997, c 246, §4]

Attorney General Opinions

  Military post and base exchanges as official inspection stations; compliance with statute may be required.  Att. Gen. Op. 69-3.