We do not have vehicle inspections anymore, its been since the 90's they stopped.
Reason,.... it legally gives law enforcement the right to randomly stop a vehicle to do r a safety check.
Like it or hate it,........... for law abiding people it saves money and that yearly BS trip to the inspection station
For the "others" oh well you take your chances,
and if you get in a accident you can now be "contributory" and the insurance company will be just as happy.
As far as the 5-year deal....
we used to have inspections and you could not get your tag or insurance renewed without proof of inspection,...
maybe that car is a bit more than just not inspected.....