Despite the implementation of the mandatory rule of technical inspection, defective vehicles are still moving in Georgia as the system of checking and penalizing them cannot ensure full compliance with the requirements of the law, the State Audit Service has revealed based on the practice of technical inspection between 2018 and 2020.

The agency said that in 2020, 1,250,787 vehicles had to undergo technical inspection out of which only 41 percent did so (38% passed). The rate was higher in 2019.

To detect uninspected vehicles, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has 559 so-called smart cameras throughout Georgia. However, per the agency, the ministry was unable to automatically detect malfunctioning video cameras due to ther high number.

“ In 2020, 62 percent of cars could not pass technical inspection. However, the so-called smart cameras were able to detect only 19 percent. A better indicator was in 2019.

"The presented indicators have the potential for improvement, which will significantly contribute to the full achievement of the goal of the reform," the audit report stated.

The volume of fines and the periodicity of their imposition was cited as another reason for the movement of defective vehicles on the streets.

According to the Code of Administrative Offenses, an individual is fined 50 GEL, and a company - 200 GEL for driving a car without technical inspection.

The fine is imposed again only after 30 days which meant that a citizen could drive a defective car for a maximum of 600 GEL, and a company for 2,400 GELanually.