Meeting
vehicle inspection requirements in Texas is an
obligation, as defective vehicles cause thousands of car accidents yearly. So,
it is best to have a good understanding of the car inspection laws.
What Happens During a Vehicle
Inspection?
Certified technicians check critical components
during a vehicle inspection to ensure proper functioning and condition. They
inspect the following:
·
Brakes and pads
·
Rotors and lines
·
All lights,
including headlights, taillights, and turn signals.
·
Horn
·
Steering mechanism
·
Seat belts
·
Windshield wipers
·
Tires' tread depth
and overall condition.
·
Exterior mirrors
·
Exhaust system
Gasoline vehicles between 2 and 24 years
old must also pass an emissions test if they are registered in the following 17 counties: Brazoria,
Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, El Paso, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson,
Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, and Williamson. The
federal government mandates emissions testing to help reduce air pollution
levels in these areas.
Technicians also inspect additional components
based on the vehicle's age, make, and model. For instance, they can also check
the following:
·
Parking brakes
·
Fluid leaks
·
Suspension system
During vehicle inspections, technicians aim to
identify potential safety issues or components nearing the end of their usable
life. This helps prevent breakdowns or accidents.
Why Regular Vehicle Inspections Matter
Inspecting your car is important for maintaining
safety and preventing accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration says a significant
number of car crashes nationwide result, at least partially, from vehicle
defects or maintenance issues. Many of these incidents are avoidable by
performing routine inspections and repairs.
One benefit of regular inspections is catching
minor problems early before they become safety hazards. Trained auto technicians
can identify safety issues, such as worn brake pads or suspension problems the
average driver may miss.
A proactive approach allows you to get repairs
done as soon as possible. This helps prevent breakdowns and reduces the chances
of a collision or car crash.
Vehicle inspection also plays a crucial role in
reducing air pollution. It ensures vehicles do not release excessive emissions
that harm air quality and the environment. According to the EPA, vehicle
exhaust accounts for around 29% of total greenhouse gas
emissions in the U.S.
It is important to identify and repair issues
that increase emissions output. Regular inspections help reduce the
environmental impact of gas-powered vehicles.
Costs and Penalties Associated With
Inspections
The fee for the standard safety inspection is $7.50 in Texas. If you need both the safety and emissions
tests done, the total cost is $16.75.
Some drivers may view the annual inspection fees
as an inconvenience. Yet, if drivers skip the required inspections, they can
face costly penalties.
Do you operate a vehicle in Texas without a
valid inspection sticker displayed? If so, you are committing a misdemeanor
offense. For the first offense of driving with an expired or missing inspection
sticker, you could pay a fine of up to $200.
If caught many times without an updated
inspection, the potential penalties increase. Law enforcement could even
impound your vehicle.
Changes Coming in 2025
Starting in 2025, Texans
won’t have to get their cars inspected every
year. Instead, they will pay an extra $7.50 when they renew their registration.
That $7.50 fee is the same as what they currently pay for the safety part of
the inspection. The new law eliminates the need to take your vehicle for
an annual safety check.
Do you live in one of the 17 counties that
require emissions testing? If so, you must still take your vehicle in for
emissions testing at an authorized facility.
The new system aims to simplify the process while
still keeping vehicles safe and protecting the environment. Supporters say it
will be more efficient and that people will not have to wait at inspection
stations. Yet, some police officers and auto repair shop owners worry it could
increase safety risks.
Critics argue that trained mechanics should do
the inspection, as they can catch issues you might miss, like worn brake pads.
They insist that computer diagnostics alone are not enough. They can miss some
problems that a mechanic would be able to spot during a physical
inspection.
People who favor the change say that modern cars
have sound computer systems that can catch most safety problems. They think
having a mechanic inspecting vehicles is often no longer necessary.
They also point out that many other states now
only require a fee when you renew your registration. Those states did not see
more car accidents because they switched to the fee system.
Experts agree that Texas car owners must follow
the manufacturer's maintenance schedule no matter what changes happen. If any
issues arise, they must fix them immediately. Routine auto services, including tune-ups,
oil changes, tire rotations and brake pad replacements, are essential for
preventing big problems and safety hazards.
If you skip routine maintenance, you are asking
for trouble — more accident risks and higher repair bills later on. If you want
to ensure your vehicle is operating safely, you should use a good auto repair
service.
ASE-certified mechanics can perform thorough
inspections, diagnose problems, and handle all necessary repairs and
maintenance. This will keep your car running smoothly and comply with Texas
safety and emissions requirements.
Benefits of Maintaining Your Vehicle to
Road Safety
By keeping up with your vehicle's regular
maintenance needs, you can avoid potential safety issues. You will also reduce
your car’s environmental impact.
Maintaining your vehicle will protect you, your
passengers, other drivers on the road, and the air we breathe. An ounce of
prevention through conscientious vehicle care goes a long way toward meeting vehicle
inspection requirements in Texas.
