Here in Oregon there is no vehicle inspection at all in mowst areas and only emmissions testing in others. Coming from PA, where annual safety inspections are required, I am amazed at the deathtraps on the road.

I am not opposed to (in fact, I might even support) annual safety inspections that require decent tires, working brakes, functional windshield wipers, horn and lights (turn signals, brake lights, headlights, etc.), and even an intact exhaust system & glass (some cracked glass would be OK, but nothing too severe). In states without safety inspection, if it starts and runs, you can drive it anywhere. I've seen some incredibly unsafe vehicles on the road.

The salvage title ordeal in MA sounds like hell on earth. I'm almost surprised the story didn't end in some sort of raging murder/suicide bloodbath where the Isuzu owner finally snapped and started blowing up state offices. Massachusetts makes California look like Texas when compared to most states.