TEXAS — The Texas Legislature has passed House Bill 3297 and sent it to the desk of Gov. Greg Abbott for signature. If signed, it will do away with the state’s mandatory yearly non-commercial vehicle inspections.

Residents of Texas’ most populous counties will still have to take their vehicles in for an annual emissions test. A problem such as bald tires won’t prevent you from obtaining vehicle registration, however.

Texas is one of 11 states that still require those annual inspections.

Opponents say that regular vehicle inspections are key to identifying and repairing issues that arise from regular road wear and tear.

The bill’s author, Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine, in a Facebook post dated May 6, said the benefits of the program no longer warrant keeping it in place.

“While most states have done away with outdated vehicle inspection mandates, Texas has continued its program even though the impact no longer justifies its existence. Today I passed HB 3297 to eliminate regular mandatory vehicle safety inspections for noncommercial vehicles,” Harris wrote. 

“I am proud to author this common-sense measure to remove unnecessary and onerous bureaucracy imposed upon Texans!” he continued. 

If the bill is signed by Abbott, the requirement will be dropped in September.