Texas rejects legislation to eliminate vehicle safety inspection program

Senate Bill (SB) 684’s committee substitute failed by a vote of three in favor and five against

Washington, D.C.—The Texas Senate Transportation Committee has rejected legislation that would have eliminated Texas’ vehicle safety inspection program. Senate Bill (SB) 684’s committee substitute failed by a vote of three in favor and five against. Research demonstrates that regular testing of a vehicle’s tires, brakes, windshield wipers, lights and beams, seat belts and airbag systems plays a critical role in preventing many injuries and deaths.

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) a longtime supporter of vehicle safety inspections and opposed this bill, as well as an earlier version that would have changed the state’s inspection requirement from every year to every five years.

Bob Redding, ASA’s Washington, D.C. representative stated, “Today, the Texas Senate Transportation Committee did the right thing for the state by defeating this bill. Texas has a successful vehicle inspection program that protects the motoring public. This private-public partnership program should not be eliminated. Instead, the legislature should heed its own 2018 study’s recommendations and consider adding additional inspection items to the program.”