Getting a car inspection can be a little bit annoying,

but the fact that there are almost 22 million cars on Texas roads can get a little bit scary without an annual inspection preformed by licensed inspectors.

so what does an inspector really look for when preforming the annual state inspection?

it is easy as there is a list that provides what we look for:

1. Beam indicator
2. Brake
3. Parking brakes
4. Cab lamps
5. Clearance lamps
6. Exhaust emission System
7. Exhaust system
8. Head lamp
9. Horn
10. License plate lamp
11. Mirror” car must be occupied by at least 1 mirror “
12. Reflectors
13. Safety guards or flaps
14. Seat belts
15. Side marker lamps
16. Steering
17. Stop lamp
18. Tail lamp tires
19. Turn signal lamps
20. Vehicle identification number VIN
21. Wheel assembly
22. Window tinting
23. Windshield wipers

Do I really need state inspection?

March 1, 2015

In Texas, you must submit your vehicle to a safety inspection and emissions testing within 30 days of moving to the state. Established residents will need to renew your inspection upon registration renewal.

Safety inspections are mandatory for all vehicles, while emissions tests are required in certain counties only. Brand new vehicles are also exempt from smog checks.

Safety Inspections

Your car must pass a safety inspection before you can register it; there are no exceptions.

Emissions Test

Texas requires all gasoline-powered vehicles 2 to 24 model years old to undergo annual emissions testing (new vehicles don’t require emissions testing until they are at least 2 model years old.)

Inspections are done annually to vehicles to check that all mandatory parts in the car are functioning properly.

it is very common that a car fail the inspection, but don’t worry , most of the inspection stations have a free retest within the next 15 days, to make sure you get the problem fixed. There are many reasons a car might fail on. The most common test is safety and emission testing, which include three separate parts, safety items, emission testing, and gas cap pressure test.

Not ready monitors

Don’t worry, it is very common that a car fail the inspection; the most important thing though is to understand what really needs to be done to your car. 

for example; almost 30% of costumers fail the state inspection for one common reason, readiness monitors.

what are those monitors and what do they do!?

when a car get some work done to it, the mechanic usually unplug the battery or reset the system, which will cause the car computer to reset, but don’t worry it is easy to set it back into ready.

All you have to do is drive it for almost 150 miles on two different cycles.

Failed for a fault code

usually the state system might detect some fault codes in your car computer. make sure to ask your inspector about the code provided on the failed inspection report.

also ask for his recommendations, inspectors usually are familiar with places to fix those issues you might have.

Failed for a safety problem

inspector’s job is to look for problems with your car, he might be able to fix it for you though,

if your car failed the safety part of the test, make sure to ask him if he is able to fix it.

failed for a gas cap test

the last part of Texas state inspection is a gas cap pressure test,

if the car failed this part of the test, that means the gas cap is no longer functioning good, usually inspectors offer replacement caps for all makes.

in conclusion, the inspectors job is to detect any faults in your car, and show you the results, if your car failed the inspection, that means it is not safe for you nor to the environment to be driven on roads, therefor you will be given a 15 days period to fix the issue and bring it back for a free reinspection.