Expired Inspection Stickers (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio: inspections, cost, legal) - Texas (TX) - City-Data Forum

Soviet · 09-01-2010, 02:34 AM

2-part question:

So I understand that registration stickers go towards paying for state roads and stuff, but what do inspection sticker fees go towards? Just for the labor of inspection & the value of the sticker? Seems to me that it should be $5 a year, then! Plus, registration stickers seem to come in the mail automatically after you pay them, not so with the inspection stickers.

Anyways, what's the longest you've ever driven with an expired inspection sticker before you either decided to replace it or you suffered legal fines because of it and decided to replace it?

My mom drove with an expired sticker for 4 months before I noticed it and replaced it for her. That was a laugh. At least we saved five bucks

elnina · 09-01-2010, 03:54 AM

Yes, you pay for the inspection of your car, issuing the inspection sticker and registering you as one who's car has been inspected.
$14.50 seems to be adequate for the service,no?

01Snake · 09-01-2010, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soviet

Anyways, what's the longest you've ever driven with an expired inspection sticker before you either decided to replace it or you suffered legal fines because of it and decided to replace it?

Going on 4+ years with two cars I have. They are toys and get driven a few hundred miles a year or less. I'll risk the possibility of a ticket while driving them. Most of the time, the cop will be to busy talking about the car(s) and will let me off with a warning.

As for my daily drivers, I've gone several months beyond the due date but I've been up-to-date on them the last few years. It's a hassle and I really don't see why a car that is 5 years old or newer even needs to be inspected.

Inspections are nothing more than a money-making scam by the State. Fortunately, they have not gotten too bad here on SA yet. I was heading to Oklahoma for a few weeks and needed my inspection done. I totally forgot to do it before leaving SA so I stopped in Dallas to get it done. Its was almost $40!! Talk about a ripoff!

TexaCo Mom · 09-01-2010, 07:49 AM

I believe it's a "safety" inspection. They do afterall check those features which make driving safer such as brakes, lights, turn signals, etc. are in working order. Besides I'd rather pay the $14.50 than the fine for an expired sticker which here in New Braunfels is $153.00!

Bo · 09-01-2010, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 01Snake

I totally forgot to do it before leaving SA so I stopped in Dallas to get it done. Its was almost $40!! Talk about a ripoff!

In Dallas and Houston, the inspections include emissions testing. That's coming to San Antonio before long, since the metro area failed federal pollution standards, so expect that inspections here will cost more, too.

scuba steve · 09-01-2010, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soviet

2-part question:

So I understand that registration stickers go towards paying for state roads and stuff, but what do inspection sticker fees go towards? Just for the labor of inspection & the value of the sticker? Seems to me that it should be $5 a year, then! Plus, registration stickers seem to come in the mail automatically after you pay them, not so with the inspection stickers.

Anyways, what's the longest you've ever driven with an expired inspection sticker before you either decided to replace it or you suffered legal fines because of it and decided to replace it?

My mom drove with an expired sticker for 4 months before I noticed it and replaced it for her. That was a laugh. At least we saved five bucks

I knew someone with a sticker that expired 3 years prior before they changed it.

Bo · 09-01-2010, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scuba steve

I knew someone with a sticker that expired 3 years prior before they changed it.

I used to let mine go a month or two... or three past the due date, until I read here that the fine for out-of-date inspection is over $100. Suddenly $14 didn't sound so bad.

skeet09 · 09-01-2010, 08:17 AM

If you are the forgetful type (as is my hubby), you can use the Official Inspection Station's reminder page. You get a text, email, or mail when it's due. Official Inspection Station – Reminder Sign Up « Official Inspection Station (http://www.officialinspectionstation.com/reminder-sign-up/ - broken link)

SnappyBob · 09-01-2010, 09:49 AM

I invision a time in the near future when your 'check engine' light will trigger a signal which can be read with sensors such as those that read pre paid toll road stickers. When you car signals that something is amiss with your emissions system you will be sent a notice to have your car inspected. It will be mandatory no doubt.

SabresFanInSA · 09-01-2010, 11:01 AM

I drove for 3yrs with it expired (2yrs expired registration as well). Finally got caught, sold the car between getting caught and court date, and the judge dismissed it.

IMO inspections are a scam. It seems half the places barely look at the car short of checking the tint and gas cap. I get the need for the inspection, but more places than not dont take it very seriously.