Argentina's Federal Government Opens Vehicle Inspection to Private Workshops, Buenos Aires Province Pushes Back
The Argentine national government issued a resolution that creates a National Registry of Vehicle Technical Inspection Workshops, allowing private garages to perform mandatory inspections. The new system will operate through a free digital platform (TAD), remove price controls, and set longer inspection intervals for new cars. To qualify, workshops must install specific equipment and appoint a licensed engineer as technical director, subject to oversight by the national transport regulator.
Buenos Aires Province rejected the measure, insisting it will keep its own concession system for inspection plants. Provincial Transport Minister Martín Marinucci warned that deregulation could jeopardize road safety and said provincial authorities will only recognize inspection stickers issued by provincial‑approved centers. Federal Minister Federico Sturzenegger defended the national rule, accusing the province of protecting a monopoly. Senator Pablo Petrecca (PRO) urged the province to adopt the reforms, citing the province’s limited number of inspection plants and long wait times for drivers.
The dispute highlights a broader conflict over regulatory authority, competition, and vehicle safety standards across the country.