All motor vehicles registered in the state of Texas are subject to go through an annual safety inspection. The goal of the Department of Public Safety in Texas is to make sure that every moving vehicle on the roads and highways is safe. Though some areas of Texas are also subject to emissions testing, City Garage, unfortunately, does not currently administer this check.
A state safety test includes a comprehensive list of items that are checked for proper operation. Tests are conducted only by mechanics trained and licensed by the state of Texas and employed by a certified state inspection station.
What Gets Tested?
Everything and anything concerning the safety of your vehicle will be inspected during the test. The items that get checked off include, but is not limited to:
- Headlights, high beams, stop lights, indicator lights, and hazard lights
- Entire braking system
- Tire and wheel components, including tire tread depth.
- All mirrors (side and rearview)
- Window tint and coating (to see if they comply)
- Horn test
- Seatbelts and airbag system
- Exhaust system
- Gas caps (for automobiles 2-24 model years old).
- Steering system
All of these must be in proper working order. If any of these fails the test, your entire vehicle fails and cannot pass until after repairs are made.
In addition to the test, motorists must provide proof of financial responsibility to drive. The inspector must check for evidence of car insurance on every vehicle for it to pass the annual test.
Motorcycles, pickup trucks, buses, commercial vehicles, and farm machinery have different requirements they must undergo. The standards for unique types of cars are also different. If your inspection sticker indicates that it expires soon, please feel free to come by City Garage for a Texas State Inspection.