Compression pressure

Loss of compression can mean: blown head gasket, bad timing, bad valve seal, bad piston and/or piston rings. You'll need the services of an engine mechanic at this point, to determine the exact cause and decide if you want to repair or replace engine.

Highway safety inspections have nothing to do with engine compression. I can't image why they would even test for that, especially if you drove it in there, not complaining. Somebody is trying to sell you an engine. Call another inspection station and see what they say. In Penna we call the State Police on inspection fraud.

I'm puzzled about the compression issue? Never hear of that with vehicle inspection. My state doesn't use vehicle inspections. It's not a highly populated state.