Smart cameras help spot 6,654 cases of uninspected vehicles

A total of 6,654 fines have been issued between 14-17 January in Georgia, following the installation of so-called ‘smart cameras’ which automatically fine drivers that have failed to undergo mandatory vehicle inspection.  

Head of the Analytics and Reforms Division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Beka Liluashvili told local media outlet Palitranews that the number of fines issued for not undergoing mandatory vehicle inspections has significantly increased since smart cameras have been brought into play. 

Before installing the smart cameras (in between 1-14 January), patrol police crews issued 2,404 fines, said Liluashvili.

Since the installation of smart cameras, the volume of applications to vehicle inspection centres has increased five-fold, says Head of the Association of Automobile Inspection Vaja Iordanishvili.

To compare, in December 2018 about 700-800 vehicles were inspected per day, while currently the number of vehicles undergoing inspection on a daily basis has reached 3,000-4,000. 

Iordanishvili said that almost half of all vehicles inspected failed to pass tests of road worthiness, and must undergo repairs before requesting a second inspection. 

A total of 21,276 vehicles have been inspected in Georgia as of 14 January 2019. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge. 

As of 1 January 2019, all private vehicles in the country must undergo technical inspections. 

Mandatory vehicle inspections started in Georgia last year on 1 January 2018, and powerful engine vehicles (+ 3.5 tonnes) and passenger vehicles with more than eight seats were inspected during the first stage.

Vehicles are inspected following seven major criteria: brakes, steering mechanism, suspension, visibility, car lights, emissions and tyres.

If a vehicle fails the inspection, the driver will be given a month to fix the problem to make it meet the standards to be allowed to drive on the roads. If the problem will not be fixed, drivers will be fined. The amount of the fines is 50 GEL (about $18.87/€16.57) for private entity and 200 GEL (about $75.47/€66.30) for legal entities.

Mandatory vehicle inspections cost about 100 GEL (about $37.74/€33.15) for powerful engine vehicles and 60 GEL for cars (about $22.64/€19.89).