Jerry,
Thanks for explaining that for me. I don't want to come off as too nationalistic because it sounds like the SVA rules are well intentioned. I am afraid that many of the, so called, safety inspections in the states are not so altruistic. I am firmly convinced that most have money at their roots.
For instance, here in North Carolina, the "safety inspection" can be failed if there is dampness on the boots of the steering rack, but the car isn't even checked for safety belts or their condition even though they are legally required and, after the driver and brakes (not operationally checked), are probably one of the most important safety items on the car. The safety inspection is scam used by the gas stations and garages (who are the ones doing the inspections) to coerce people into getting unnecessary repairs.
I was forced to put a new steering rack on my daily driver because the gas station guy said that fluid escaped when he pushed the boot back. This after never having so much as a stain on my garage floor. Of course, he did offer an appointment time to have the rack replaced.
Regards,
Lynn