07/05/2022
Attention all station owners:
The Department has received questions from inspection stations regarding the charging of credit card fees to motorists who use a credit card when paying for a state inspection.
The inspection station must list any credit card fees separately from the inspection fee on the invoice or bill provided to the customer.
In addition, charging additional fees in a manner that is misleading or deceptive is prohibited. It is therefore recommended that the stations:
- ensure that the credit card fee does not exceed the fee charged by the credit card company for the transaction; and
- provide the motorist the option to pay in cash for the inspection to avoid credit card fees.
- clearly display signage informing motorists of the additional fees if a credit card will be used to pay for the inspection to avoid misunderstandings.
The following are the relevant violations provided in Texas Administrative Code Rule 23.62(c)(2):
(F) Acting in a manner that could reasonably be expected to cause confusion or misunderstanding on the part of an owner or operator presenting a vehicle regarding the relationship between the statutorily mandated inspection fee and a fee for any other service or product offered by the vehicle inspection station.
(G) Failing to list and charge for any additional services separately from the statutorily mandated inspection fee.
(H) Charging a fee, convenience fee or service charge in affiliation or connection with the inspection, in a manner that is false, misleading, deceptive or unauthorized.
Thank you for your continued participation in the Texas Vehicle Inspection Program. Please contact your Department representative for any questions.
Texas Department of Public Safety