Citing a seemingly never-ending list of regulations, requirements, equipment needs and loss of revenue, Murphy Auto owner Rob Murphy has said he is no longer doing the two-year safety and emissions testing car inspections on the island.
Murphy said he is still doing the one-year inspections for heavy duty trucks, as well as mopeds, tractor trailers and motorcycles, but after 14 years of inspecting cars and losing cash, he said he’s had enough. Murphy Auto is the only state-licensed inspection station on the island.
“I would never step out of this if it wasn’t a major money loser,” said Murphy. “Isn’t that ridiculous? Something on Block Island losing money? I mean, the losses are phenomenal.” He said the inspections have “overwhelmed me and my shop.”
Murphy said he is still doing repair work, which was the original focus of his Ocean Avenue shop, but over the years he said he’s inspected hundreds of cars. The inspections can take up to two hours, and the state has put a $55 cap on what can be charged for the inspection.
In a practical sense, the major impact for island residents
