Yearly Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) was due today (it is a safety inspection due once a year, usually at a repair garage by a licensed mechanic, due a year after the last one, which could fall on any month - for you who don't know what an MVI is).
Had to patch up the body on the truck to be sure it passed. Not about to break in half or anything, it did need some holes repaired. Since I keep the steering parts, brakes, lights, etc. in good working order, the body was the only question in my mind. So I did some welding and patchwork with 22ga. metal. Not pretty, but solid. Come summer I'll replace the front fenders and get proper panels for the rear wheel arches. For those whom have little problem with rust, count yer blessins. I'd love to have a southern rust-free vehicle that's worn out and needs mechanical repairs done. Bolts that actually turn and don't break. Wow. I hate doing body rust repair. I guess that comes from being a mechanic.
Anyway, it passed. $21.28 later, a new sticker in the window. Seems to me the fine here for no MVI is a LOT of $$. Now if I go through a spot inspection, I'm ok, unless it's the DOT spot inspection, in which case thay can take your vehicle off the road then and there, new MVI or not. You have to satisfy their demands for a safe vehicle. This is a way to make sure garages are doing their job also. They can be VERY picky if they want. Good in a way, as it helps keep the dangerous junk off the roads.
MVI's are a pain. I am licensed to check motorcycles and trailers for MVI.