WASHINGTON — The Texas State Senate passed House Bill (HB) 3297 on May 23, which would eliminate the state's vehicle safety inspection program for non-commercial vehicles, despite opposition from the Automotive Service Association (ASA).
The bill has been sent to Gov. Greg Abbott for his signature.
Ten other states, mostly in New England and the Eastern Seaboard, still require annual vehicle safety inspections. In addition, Missouri and Rhode Island require biennial inspections; Louisiana has optional biennial inspections; and Maryland requires a vehicle inspection prior to sale.
The ASA said research, including a study commissioned by the legislature in 2017, claims regular testing of a vehicle's tires, brakes, windshield wipers, lights and beams, seatbelts and other components plays a critical role in preventing injuries, deaths and loss of property.
The ASA said it is a long-time supporter of vehicle safety inspections and opposed the Texas bill in addition to legislation that would have decreased the required frequency of inspections.
Two other states are considering vehicle inspection legislation: a North Carolina bill would change the mandated vehicle safety inspections from every year to every other year and a bill in Georgia would return annual vehicle safety inspections.
