A New Jersey bill calls for the use of technology that uses heat-sensitive infrared cameras to spot problems with brakes, tires and exhaust systems on trucks.

If it passes, the bill would require state police to buy three of the van-mounted devices to use in high-traffic areas. They would be paid for with truck registration fees.
According to the Associated Press, the trucking industry supports the technology, which is already being used in Arkansas, Virginia, Tennessee and Utah. They say it makes inspections safer for law enforcement and cuts down on unnecessary inspections for safe trucks.
Law enforcement officials, however, are skeptical of the systems' accuracy in detecting problems. Virginia state police Lt. Herb Bridges, who has used the equipment, notes that it doesn't replace inspections. Instead, it is used as a screening device. "It sometimes tells you there is a problem and when you put your hands on it, there isn't," he told the AP, "and sometimes it misses problems."
State police in New Jersey say they evaluated the system and found that it is "insufficient, unreliable and inaccurate."
The equipment is supplied by IRIS Infra Red Inspection System, a four-year-old company. It works by showing hot and cold areas. If a brake is showing cold, that means it's not working.

Related stories:
"New Inspection Device To Be Tested In Four States", 5/20/1999
"Arkansas Uses Heat Sensor To Check Truck Brakes," 10/3/2001.