The End of Car Inspections in Texas: What You Need to Know
If you’re a Texas driver, you may no longer have to worry about annual car inspections. House Bill 3297, which eliminates car inspections in Texas, is awaiting the governor’s signature after passing both the House and Senate. If the governor signs the bill, it will go into effect on January 1, 2025. Here’s what else you need to know about the bill:
No More Annual Car Inspection
If the bill becomes law, car inspections in Texas will no longer be mandatory. However, drivers will still have to pay a fee of $7.50. The bill is seen as a cost-saving measure for drivers, as they no longer have to spend time and money on annual inspections.
Emissions Inspections Still Required in Some Counties
Seventeen Texas counties that currently require emissions inspections would still require annual testing regardless of the bill. However, Bexar County is not included in this list. Small inspection companies already fear the consequences this bill could have for them. John Ellis, owner of John’s Inspection Station, said that it’s going to hurt them. For more than 20 years, Ellis and his daughter ran their inspection station on South Flores Street. About 20 to 30 cars visit the small shop daily, and if the bill becomes law, Ellis fears not only for his business but also for the safety of his drivers.
Possible Safety Concerns
Ellis pointed out that with the elimination of car inspections, there may be cars on the road with bad brakes or broken lights. He believes that annual car inspections are necessary for everyone’s safety. Furthermore, drivers may not be aware of the need for regular maintenance on their cars if inspections are no longer required. Regular inspections help catch problems early, preventing accidents and breakdowns.
Possible Economic Impact
The bill’s passage could also have an economic impact on small inspection companies. Many of these companies may have to close their doors, causing job loss and economic strain on these businesses’ families and communities. Although the bill aims to save drivers money and streamline the inspection process, it could have unintended consequences that the government needs to address.
Possible Benefit for Texas Drivers
Despite these concerns, the bill’s passage could have a positive impact on Texas drivers. With the elimination of annual car inspections, drivers can save time and money on inspections. They can instead focus on maintaining their cars to keep them in good working condition. This could lead to fewer breakdowns and accidents on the road, protecting both drivers and other individuals on the road.
What Next?
Ellis expects Bexar County to be added to the list of counties that require emissions testing, but that might not happen until 2026. Until then, small inspection companies like John’s Inspection Station will have to adapt to this new environment. For now, Ellis is holding out hope, saying, “We’ll have to wait and see what happens.” The governor has until June 20, 2023, to sign the bill into law. Once he signs it, the countdown to the end of car inspections in Texas will begin.
Additional Piece:
The Pros and Cons of Eliminating Car Inspections in Texas
The elimination of annual car inspections in Texas is a controversial topic. Proponents of the bill argue that it will save drivers time and money, while opponents state that it could create safety and economic issues. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of eliminating car inspections in Texas.
Pros:
1. Saves Time and Money
Eliminating car inspections will save drivers time and money. Currently, drivers have to pay a fee (around $25) and spend at least 30 minutes of their time waiting for the inspection to be completed. With the elimination of inspections, drivers can save money and focus on other essential tasks during the day.
2. Streamlined Process
Annual car inspections can be a burdensome process for many drivers. Often, inspections are time-consuming, and drivers have to wait in line for their turn to get their car inspected. The elimination of inspections could streamline the process, making it easier and more convenient for drivers to get their cars in good working condition.
3. Promotes Vehicle Maintenance
Without inspections, drivers may be more likely to maintain their cars regularly. Regular maintenance helps to catch potential problems before they turn into larger issues, such as brake failure, which can cause a car accident. When drivers know that they have to keep their cars in good working condition, they may be more likely to invest in the necessary maintenance to ensure their safety on the road.
Cons:
1. Safety Issues
One of the primary concerns about eliminating car inspections is that it may lead to less-safe cars on the road. When people don’t undergo inspections, they may neglect their cars’ maintenance, becoming a danger to themselves and others on the road. This is an especially significant concern for vulnerable populations, such as low-income families who may not be able to afford car maintenance.
2. Economic Impact
The bill’s passage could impact small inspection companies and cause job loss. Many of these businesses may not be able to survive without the revenue generated from annual inspections, which could have an adverse impact on the local economy. Additionally, it’s possible that emergency repair costs will rise if people neglect their vehicle maintenance.
3. More Traffic Accidents
Without inspections, drivers may be more likely to experience car breakdowns, leading to more traffic accidents. Car accidents can cause injury and death and lead to higher auto insurance rates for everyone on the road. Maintaining safe roadways is essential for everyone’s safety, and while eliminating inspections may save drivers time and money, it could lead to greater problems in the long run.
Conclusion:
The House Bill 3297, which eliminates car inspections in Texas, awaits the governor’s signature. If signed into law, it will go into effect on January 1, 2025. While proponents argue that it will save drivers time and money, opponents worry about the safety and economic impact of the bill. Ultimately, eliminating car inspections may have unintended consequences that are unknown until it happens. Until then, we can only wait and see what this new development means for Texas drivers.
Summary:
The House Bill 3297, which eliminates car inspections in Texas, awaits the governor’s signature. If signed into law, it will go into effect on January 1, 2025. However, drivers will still have to pay a fee of $7.50, and seventeen Texas counties that currently require emissions inspections would still require annual testing. The measure has its supporters and detractors, each with valid points on the matter, including concerns about safety, economic impact, and the possibility of more traffic accidents. Regardless, Texas drivers may no longer have to worry about annual car inspections, but they should make sure to keep their cars in good working condition.
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SAINT ANTONIO – A bill that would eliminate car inspections awaits the governor’s signature after passing the Texas House and Senate.
House Bill 3297 would go into effect on January 1, 2025, and would no longer require you to complete your annual car inspection, but you still must pay a fee of $7.50.
Seventeen Texas counties that currently require emissions inspections would still require annual testing regardless of the bill, but Bexar County is not included.
Small inspection companies already fear the consequences this bill could have for them.
“I don’t think they should,” said John Ellis, owner of John’s Inspection Station. “It’s going to hurt us.”
For more than 20 years, Ellis and his daughter ran their inspection station on South Flores Street.
About 20 to 30 cars visit the small shop daily, and if the bill becomes law, Ellis fears not only for his business but also for the safety of his drivers.
“There are going to be cars out there, their brakes are going to be bad, their lights are broken,” Ellis said. “It’s for everyone’s safety.”
Ellis expects Bexar County to be added to the list of counties that require emissions testing, but that might not happen until 2026.
For now, Ellis is holding out hope.
“We’ll have to wait and see what happens,” Ellis said.
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https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2023/06/12/small-businesses-preparing-for-financial-hit-if-governor-signs-bill-eliminating-vehicle-inspections/
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