There is a saying that goes “Safety first”, which means prioritizing being safe from harm or injury before everything else. Texas is 1 of 13 U.S. states that put safety first for drivers, as they require vehicle safety inspections to ensure the safety of a vehicle before going on the road. However, it looks like Texas will soon get rid of their vehicle safety inspection. We’re going to break down everything you need to know about the change in the Texas Vehicle Safety Inspection law.
What is the Texas Vehicle Safety Inspection Law?
Texas requires annual vehicle inspections to determine certain features of a car are safe to use. Features that are inspected include:
- Brakes
- Lights
- Horn
- Steering mechanism
- Windows
- Tires
- Seat belts
What Updates are Being Made to the Texas Vehicle Safety Inspection?
The state of Texas passed a new law, House Bill 3297, which states that beginning January 1, 2025, Texas will no longer require state inspections for non-commercial vehicles prior to registration. Vehicles considered “non-commercial” are vehicles used for personal use, such as:
- Private cars
- Motorcycles
- SUVs
- Vans
- Recreational vehicles
Although inspections will no longer be required, the new law will still charge an annual fee of $7.50, the same as the current inspection fee, but without the need to take your vehicle to a shop. The $7.50 fee will be split up into 3 sections:
- $3.50 to the Texas Mobility Fund
- $2 to the state General Fund
- $2 to the Clean Air Account
Lawmakers also created a one-time fee of $16.75 that car buyers will have to pay at registration.
Basically, cars registered in Texas after 2025 will no longer need to pass a safety inspection. However, owners will still have to pay the inspection fee, regardless.
Why is Texas Ending their Vehicle Safety Inspection Program?
Texas lawmakers ended Texas’ Vehicle Safety Inspection program because they believe that vehicle inspections have become unnecessary, due to improved reliability and safety features of modern vehicles. Their goal is to save time and money for Texas residents, as they will no longer have to schedule and pay for annual inspections.
What Are the Pros and Cons of This New Law?
The passing of House Bill 3297 has received a mixed reaction. Here are the pros and cons that come with the new law.
Pros
Save Money:
The new law will eliminate the cost associated with annual vehicle inspections, which can save Texas drivers money.
Less Time Consuming:
Another positive factor is that it reduces the time and inconvenience for vehicle owners who no longer need to schedule and undergo inspections.
Cons
Increased Safety Risks:
The elimination of mandatory inspections could lead to more unsafe vehicles on the road, increasing the risk of accidents. Mechanical issues that would have been identified during inspections might go unnoticed and unrepaired.
Potential Higher Repair Costs:
The same unnoticed and unrepaired issues that increase safety risks may become more severe and costly to fix over time. Car owners might face unexpected and higher repair bills due to neglected maintenance.
How Does This Affect Dealerships?
There are 3 parts of a dealership’s business that can be affected by House Bill 3297:
Inspection Services
Dealerships might need to enhance their pre-delivery inspection processes to ensure vehicles meet safety standards without the state's inspection mandate.
Sales
Dealerships face the risk of selling vehicles that are found to have safety issues post-purchase, requiring them to be more precise in their inspections. Without mandatory inspections, there is more responsibility for dealerships to ensure that used cars are in good condition, as car buyers may be unsure about the safety of the vehicles on dealers' lots.
Vehicle Quality
Dealerships might need to be more selective with their inventory to ensure that all vehicles meet a high standard of safety and performance.
What Are Texans Saying About the New Update?
While lawmakers believe this change is a move in the right direction, not everyone feels the same way. Here are a few opinions from the people of Texas:
Texas Senator Mayes Middleton believes vehicle safety inspections are “a waste of time for Texas citizens and a money-making Ponzi scheme used by some shady dealerships to upsell consumers with unnecessary repairs.”
Car owners like Jennifer Marks also agree with the new rule. Marks said, “I would prefer we got rid of the whole thing. But hey, if that's going to take one step out of my day not to have to come here, and I still have to pay the fee, I'm fine with that.”
Charissa Barnes, President of the Official Inspection Station in San Antonio, Texas, is against the new law. She stated, “The majority of our business is centered around making sure people’s vehicles are safe. We need to make sure that their cars, the people joining us in Texas, are safe.”
Bill Schwartz, Texas State Inspection Association board member, is also against the law. He believes "It was done because the small town folks, legislators from the small towns, thought that it was a big inconvenience, which it is. However, it's going to cost the lives of Texans.”
Is This New Law a Good Idea?
Whether this law is a good or bad idea depends on your mindset. If you believe safety inspections are unnecessary and time consuming, you may agree with this rule. However, if you feel that your safety will be at a greater risk without safety inspections, then you might be against this rule. As of now, it’s best for Texas car buyers and dealers to stay up to date with any updates regarding this new law.
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