In the 60's in Massachusetts they had yearly (if I recall correctly) road safety inspections.
These cost one or two $, and were carried out at many of the gas stations. Remember...when they all had lifts and actually could fix your car?!
These inspection filling stations were everywhere....never much of a wait. A sign out front informed you that they were a state authorized station.
They put your car on the lift to check suspension fittings, exhaust, leaks, tire tread depth, brakes, etc.
On the ground they checked high/low beams (including aiming!), brake and tail lights, wiper function & the blades, horn, turn signals, etc.
They were thorough...I think they received some $ from the State....and if all was good ...you were out in the time in took to smoke a Camel.
You received a sticker. License plates were good for more than a year.
Stig