The Ministry of Public Works and Transport called on vehicle owners in 12 provinces to have their automobiles checked by the nearest privately-run mobile technical inspection units from August 6 to December 30.

The 12 provinces, which do not yet have state-run inspection centres, are Takeo, Kampot, Kep, Koh Kong, Prey Veng, Tbong Khmum, Pailin, Svay Rieng, Mondulkiri, Stung Treng, Pursat and Oddar Meanchey.

Touch Sengley, the head of technical group for mobile inspection firm CMVIC, told The Post on August 2 that the announcement was a reminder for people to get their vehicles checked to avoid paying fines for lateness.

He said overdue inspection fines range from 500 riel ($0.13) per day for light vehicles up to 2,000 riel per day for heavy ones. For light vehicles, if late payment is more than three years overdue, the ministry will only charge for two years.

He said mobile technical inspection services provide convenience for vehicle owners and do not take long or cost much money.

“The ministry has made this announcement because it wants owners to get their vehicles checked when the mobile inspection units arrive in their province. If owners miss it, they will have to travel to another province or wait until the units return. Each province is visited five to 10 times a year,” he explained.

Sengley warned that if people neglect vehicle checks, traffic police could stop them and if the inspection is overdue, the owner will be fined. Other provinces are constructing inspections points, but they are not complete yet

The inspection team is providing a service so people do not have to travel to another province and spend more money.

According to CMVIC, the General Department of Land Transport has set a new schedule for technical inspection this year in provinces that do not have state-run inspection centres. This year, two firms certified by the ministry will provide the services with four inspection machines – three by CMVIC and one by HK Car Inspection Centre.