The mobile automobile inspection lane concluded its services in Rubavu District on Saturday, November 26, after inspecting 694 vehicles.

Out of the 694 vehicles inspected in six days, only 322 were found to be roadworthy, according to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Aloys Munana, the Commanding Officer (CO) for the Automobile Inspection Centre.

"This in-depth inspection found other 372 vehicles with varied mechanical issues, especially brake failure, wheel alignment and emitting gas emissions. Owners are required to fix the identified mechanical faults and bring them back for the second inspection to acquire a mechanical certificate, if they meet the required road standards," ACP Munana said.

The vehicle roadworthy inspection tests shock absorber, brakes including handbrake, axle play detection, wheel alignment and vehicle geometry, steering system, headlights, and visual inspection of the vehicle’s body condition, among others.

It further tests fuel emissions to fight greenhouse gas emissions, which cause climate change.

ACP Munana said: "Such deep vehicle mechanical analysis is good to owners as it helps them to know the status of their vehicles, know what to fix and to prevent any likely accidents that can result from mechanical failures."

More than 500 others vehicles were inspected in Rusizi District a fortnight ago, before the mobile inspection lane shifted to Rubavu.

The automobile mechanical status is mandated under the Presidential Decree No. 85/01 of September 2, 2002, which, partly, stipulates that owners of vehicles using public roads without a mechanical inspection certificate will be liable to a fine of Frw25, 000.

"The mobile inspection lane is rotating in districts that are far from the Automobile Inspection Centres.

Rwanda National Police (RNP) is taking these services closer to those that need them and to facilitate them from wasting time and resources trekking long distances to acquire the same services in Kigali, Musanze, Rwamagana and Huye," the CO said.

Private vehicles are subjected to mechanical inspection every after one year while trucks and passenger service vehicles are inspected every after six months.

AE News