Are You Clear on the New Texas Inspection and Registration Laws

Until March 1st, Texas vehicles have needed both registration and safety inspection stickers. As of Sunday, those stickers have been consolidated to make things easier. 

Right now, though, they're confusing the crap out of everyone!

Starting March 1st, when a vehicle passes inspection, the owner will receive a written report instead of a sticker. The report is placed on an online database, so when the owner registers the vehicle, the database will be checked to verify the vehicle has been inspected. The owner will receive a new sticker, just one, that covers both registration and inspection.

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is asking the public to follow a two-step process.

Step 1: From March 1, 2015 through February 29, 2016, you may renew your registration if your vehicle has a current, passing inspection. However, if your inspection and registration stickers both expire in the same month your vehicle will need to pass inspection prior to registration renewal. To find your nearest inspection station, please visit the Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) website.

Step 2: Renew your annual registration online, by mail, or in-person at your county tax office. At the time of registration, your inspection status will be verified electronically. A current, passing inspection is required for registration renewal.

This year, some folks will get more than a year out of their inspection stickers and others will get less.  When the stickers run out next year, get inspected first and then handle the registration.