Updates to Texas Administrative Code
November 17, 2023
Recent amendments to Texas Administrative Code Chapter 23 Vehicle Inspection, Effective September 14, 2023:
1. Make various changes to the requirements relating to emissions inspections and the related conduct of inspectors and station owners and
2. Clarify the department’s authority to immediately suspend or revoke the certificate of an inspector or inspection station if the action is found to be necessary to prevent or remedy a threat to public, health, safety, or welfare.
Particularly, §23.62 (c)(3) has been amended as:
(D) Emissions testing the exhaust or electronic connector of one vehicle, or using an electronic device to simulate or emulate a vehicle, for the purpose of enabling another vehicle to pass the emissions test (clean piping or clean scanning), or allowing a certified inspector or other individual under the person’s employment or supervision to emissions test the exhaust or electronic connector of one vehicle, or an electronic device that simulates or emulates a vehicle, for the purpose of enabling another vehicle to pass the emissions test (clean piping or clean scanning). And
(M) violating a prohibition described in §23.57 of the chapter (relating to Prohibitions) not otherwise provided in this section.
In addition, the penalty schedule has been updated to reflect these changes. Category C violation §23.62(c)(3)(D) now indicates a penalty of Revocation for 1st violation, and Lifetime Revocation for 2nd violation.
The penalty schedule is a guide only and does not limit the department's authority to impose additional penalties, sanctions, or both, should the department determine the scheduled penalty insufficient under the specific circumstances presented. Such circumstances may include a significant number of similar violations in a brief period, a pattern of conduct established by repeated as yet unadjudicated violations, or a violation determined to constitute a threat to public health, safety, or welfare under Texas Transportation Code, §548.407.
Please refer to §23.62 Violations and Penalty Schedule for additional information.
Moratorium on New Emission Station Applications
March 23, 2023
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Regulatory Services Division (RSD), is implementing a moratorium on new emission station applications effective immediately through June 30, 2023. Processing will resume July 1, 2023. Applications for safety only stations, including motorcycle and commercial stations, will continue to be processed during this time. Any emission station applications submitted during this time will not begin processing until the moratorium ends.
Vehicle Inspection Connection - Bring Your Own Device Project launching Spring of 2023
January 27, 2023
The Texas Department of Public Safety is proud to announce that the next evolution of the Texas Vehicle Safety Inspection Program. The Vehicle Inspection Connection (VIC) Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Project is going to be launching in the Spring of 2023. Below are a few details and reminders to help stations and inspectors prepare for this transition.
Key Details & Reminders:
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Internet Browser - The software is a web-based solution designed to work on the following internet browsers - Chrome, Edge, Safari and Firefox.
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Equipment - The new evolution of VIC empowers stations owners to now choose the equipment in which they perform vehicle inspections that support their working environments. Required vehicle inspection information can now be captured using your Computer, Mobile Device, or Tablet. Please consider what device or devices you and your station plan to use now so that you are prepared for launch as the current VIC units will be disconnected from the system later this year.
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Printed Reports - You are still required to print the Vehicle Inspection Report at the conclusion of the inspection. Please make the necessary accommodations at your inspection station to ensure that your printer can print from your device of choice by the launch date. DPS doesn’t recommend any specific type of printer.
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Scan VINs - Stations can continue using the current USB scanner with your computer, or leverage the flexibility offered by a mobile device/tablet camera to capture the VIN.
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Training - As we near system launch, we will release training videos and guides. Please check your email along with the DPS website for those materials. If your email has changed or the point of contact for your station be sure to update your information on file with DPS.
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Questions - Please contact our VIC Call Center, open daily from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm Central Time at (855) 845-0842 or your DPS representative with questions you may have prior to launch.
Thank you for your participation in the Texas Vehicle Inspection Program as we eagerly approach switching to the bring your own device solution.
Station Renewal Year - All Vehicle Inspection Station Licenses Expire September 1, 2023
January 4, 2023
Attention Station Owners – All Vehicle Inspection station license renewals must be completed by August 31, 2023. Stations that fail to renew by August 31st, will expire September 1, 2023.
Steps to Renew Station License in the Vehicle Inspection Connection (VIC) Website
- VIC Login: An authorized buyer or owner will need to login to VIC to complete and submit the renewal application, URL: https://dpsdirect.portal.texas.gov/VICStation/login/auth?format,
- Select: “Station Renewal” in the upper right-hand corner of the page,
- Select: Station(s) to renew,
- Review station information, and update as needed,
- Email address,
- Website,
- Phone number, and
- Mailing address.
- Payment: Pay for your renewal with credit card, debit card or electronic check,
- Confirmation Number: Will be generated once renewal application has successfully been submitted.
Help Desk: If you have forgotten your User ID, password, or experience problems, please contact the help desk at 1-855-845-0842.
Thank you for your attention to the renewal deadline and for your continued participation in the Texas Vehicle Inspection Program.
Bexar County - Public Information Meeting on Expansion of Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Emissions Program
January 4, 2023
On December 15, 2022, the following notification was sent to all Station Owners, Managers, and Inspectors.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will hold a virtual public information meeting to provide information on implementation of the Bexar County Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program. The meeting is an opportunity for interested parties to learn about the TCEQ’s planning efforts to develop an I/M program for Bexar County and ask questions about I/M requirements.
| Date: | Tuesday, January 17, 2023 |
| Time: | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. CST |
| Location: | Microsoft Teams Virtual Meeting |
| Join Meeting: | To find the link to join the meeting, please visit https://www.tceq.texas.gov/events |
If you wish to participate in the meeting and have special communication or other accommodation needs, please contact Jamie Zech at 512-239-3935.
- Requests should be made as far in advance as possible in order to allow adequate time to set up accommodations.
- The meeting will be conducted in English, with a Spanish language interpreter available.
If you have any questions, please email aqp@tceq.texas.gov or call 512-239-4939.
Thank you for your continued participation in the AirCheckTexas Emissions Program.
Texas Department of Public Safety
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (3rd Brake Lamp) Inspection Information
November 23, 2022
ATTENTION ALL STATION OWNERS AND INSPECTORS
On January 1, 2017, to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 571.108, State Law and Texas Transportation Code Section 547.323, the inspection requirements for stop lamps on motor vehicles were revised to include a visual inspection of the Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (3rd brake lamp).
The 3rd brake lamp is a lamp mounted high and possibly forward of the tail, stop, and rear turn signal lamps.
The 3rd brake lamp is required on:
- 1986 and newer passenger cars
- 1994 and newer Light trucks/SUVs less than 80” wide with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less
Recently, a new type of 3rd brake lamp has been approved in use of passenger vehicles, light trucks and SUVs less than 80” wide. This 3rd brake lamp, which uses light emitting diodes (LEDs), flashes or pulses briefly and remains lighted when the vehicle’s brake pedal is pressed.
For a short video about this new type of 3rd brake lamp, please view the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C3Z8EwThNg
Please ensure that you and your team are aware of the inspection requirements for a vehicle’s 3rd brake lamp including the information about the new type of 3rd brake lamp referenced above.
NOTES:
- Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (3rd brake lamp) condition is entered in the Stop Lamp section of the vehicle inspection sequence on VIC and Emissions Analyzer units.
- References: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 571.108; TX Inspection Procedure Chapter 4, 04.20.28
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
CREDIT CARD FEES BULLETIN
July 7, 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.
"VIC - BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE" PROJECT TO ROLL OUT IN 2023
June 13, 2022
Attention all station owners and inspectors:
The Texas Department of Public Safety is excited to announce the “VIC - Bring Your Own Device” project, which will allow certified inspectors to use their cell phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer to enter vehicle inspection information at the time of the inspection.
A certified inspector will be provided a website address where they will log in with their inspector credentials and enter the required inspection information for each vehicle that is inspected. After the inspection data entry is completed, the certified inspector will print the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) to provide to the motorist.
The station will be able to use any printer that is compatible with their cell phone, tablet, laptop or desktop to print the VIR.
Currently, DPS is expecting the VIC Bring Your Own Device project will be rolled out to all VIC stations in Texas in mid-2023. DPS will be providing more details about the project closer to the rollout date.
The VIC units will no longer be utilized for inspections once the process is moved to a web format.
Thank you for your continued participation in the Texas Vehicle Inspection Program. Please contact your Department representative for any questions.
The latest Station & Inspector Bulletin is available: Inspector License Renewal Period Ending 8/31/2022.
March 1, 2022
ADDITIONAL SAFETY RECALL INFORMATION INCLUDED IN VEHICLE INSPECTION REPORT
August 5, 2021
Effective August 7, 2021, the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR), which is provided to motorists at the conclusion of an inspection, will include safety recall information to bring motorists' attention to open recalls on their vehicles. This information is provided in order to improve driver awareness of urgent safety recalls with the goal of increasing recall completion rates.
If the vehicle has an open safety recall, the recall information will be provided on the back or second page of the VIR. For open safety recalls, the motorist should contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at the number provided or visit the website provided at the top of the VIR. They may also contact their vehicle’s manufacturer for additional information.
Safety recalls can be repaired free of charge by the vehicle’s manufacturer.
You may see the following responses on the Vehicle Inspection Report:
- Open Recall Information. (See example below.)
- No Open Recalls.
- Manufacturer does not provide information. Check with NHTSA or vehicle manufacturer.
- Communication issue. Check with NHTSA or vehicle manufacturer.
RECALL INFORMATION ADDED TO VEHICLE INSPECTION REPORT EFFECTIVE 9/11/2020
September 11, 2020
The non-emission Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR), which is provided by the inspection station at the conclusion of the vehicle inspection, has been updated to provide general recall information. This information is provided in order to improve motorist awareness of urgent safety recalls with the goal of increasing recall completion rates.
The VIR will include the following information at the top of the report:
“Recall information details can be found by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website at www.nhtsa.gov or calling the Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.”
A bulletin was sent by DPS to all safety inspection stations on September 9, 2020, notifying them of the change.
Below is the revised portion of the VIR with the new recall information.
INSPECTOR LICENSE RENEWAL UPDATE
June 1, 2020
ATTENTION STATION INSPECTORS AND STATION OWNERS:
All inspectors, including government inspectors, must complete the renewal process by August 31, 2020. If you have not already completed your inspector renewal, please follow the steps below to submit your application:
- Login to the VIC Inspector License Renewal Application.
- Update your email address, phone number and address as needed.
- Choose your payment method – Self Pay or Employer Pay.
- Complete by paying the $27 renewal fee with credit card, debit card or by completing the employer payment submission.
If you choose Employer Pay, you must notify your employer to complete the payment in the system before August 31, 2020 or the renewal process will not be complete.
NOTE: Inspectors at Government Inspection Stations must also complete the renewal process and choose Employer Pay.
Be sure to renew your license BEFORE the expiration date. Failure to do so will cause you to lose access to the VIC and/or emissions analyzer systems and you will no longer be able to conduct inspections without getting recertified.
If you have forgotten your password, please contact the help desk at 1-855-845-0842. For all other assistance, contact your DPS representative.
Thank you for your attention to the renewal deadline.
RESUMING VI TESTING FOR INSPECTORS
May 12, 2020
ATTENTION ALL STATION OWNERS AND INSPECTORS:
Vehicle Inspection testing for inspector applicants will be resuming in the next few weeks throughout the state. For those applicants that have already submitted an application, you will be contacted by a Department of Public Safety representative to inform you of the available test dates and times. We will be contacting applicants in order based on application date, so please be patient.
Please be aware that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department has put in place safety measures to protect applicants and Department representatives including:
- All applicants are required to wear a mask or face covering the entire time they are at the testing location.
- All applicants will be screened prior to entry to the DPS testing location including the taking of the applicant’s temperature using a touchless thermometer.
- All applicants will be asked if they have any symptoms that may indicate illness.
- All applicants must bring their own pen or pencil for the test.
- Class size will be determined by social distancing guidelines.
In order to offer more testing opportunities due to reduced class size, the Department has made a change in the testing process to eliminate the review of study material during class.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the material prior to taking the test.
All study materials can be found on the VI section of the DPS website 24 hours a day at the following link: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/vehicle-inspection/inspectors.
Thank you for your continued participation in the Texas Vehicle Inspection Program. Please contact your Department representative for any questions.
TO ALL STATION OWNERS AND INSPECTORS:
April 17, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 virus situation, effective immediately the Department of Public Safety has canceled all inspector testing for new inspector applicants until at least May 18th.
All pending inspector applications will continue to be pending until inspector testing is resumed. Any new inspector applications submitted after March 20, 2020 will be delayed due to the canceling of inspector testing.
Thank you for your continued participation in the Texas Vehicle Inspection Program. Please contact your Department representative for any questions.
March 19, 2020
On March 13, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation, declaring a state of disaster for all counties in Texas due to the threat of COVID-19. Governor Abbott also issued a statement on March 16, 2020, granting a temporary extension to obtain initial registrations and the renewal of registrations. Per TxDMV, this temporary waiver will remain in effect until 60 days after TxDMV notifies the public that normal vehicle registration, vehicle titling and related services have resumed. The 60-day period will be the same for all counties. For this reason, even if your registration will be expiring in the near future, it is not necessary to have your vehicle inspected until after TxDMV notifies the public that normal registration and related services have resumed.
January 1, 2020
Effective January 1, 2020, Snap-on Equipment and Opus Inspection will no longer offer support or repairs for certain models of emissions analyzers.
- The affected Snap-On model numbers are: EEEA110, EEEA110A, EEEA110B, EEEA116A, and EEEA134A.
- The affected Opus Inspection analyzer model number is: ESP10400-57.
- Opus Inspection analyzer model number ESP10400-78 will not be supported as of July 1, 2020. This analyzer model will be locked out of TIMS on July 1, 2020, and you must replace this equipment for inspections occurring on or after July 1, 2020.
Note: Worldwide emission analyzers are not affected and will continue to be serviced by Worldwide and certified by TCEQ for the foreseeable future.
In an effort to minimize the burden on stations that own one of the analyzer models listed above, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the TCEQ have agreed to implement a three-month transition period. This will provide stations time to acquire replacement analyzers. At the end of the three-month transition period, on May 1, 2020, the analyzer models listed above will be permanently locked out of the Texas Information Management System (TIMS). For more information on analyzer vendors and models, visit TCEQ Vehicle Emissions Inspection pages.
A letter was sent by DPS to stations that own and/or use one of the models listed above in early January notifying them of the action required by the station by May 1, 2020. If you have any questions regarding this letter or the required action please contact our DPS Staff at (512) 424-7293.
January 14, 2020
Beginning January 1, 2020, all model year 1995 and older vehicles registered in a designated emissions county become exempt from vehicle emissions inspection requirements due to the age of the vehicle. Vehicle emissions tailpipe tests, such as the Acceleration Simulation Mode (ASM) and Two-Speed Idle (TSI) tests, will no longer be required. These vehicles are still required to receive an annual safety inspection to meet the registration requirements.
All model year 1996 and newer vehicles requiring emissions inspections will continue to receive on-board diagnostics (OBD) inspections in addition to safety inspections.
Counties requiring emissions inspections: Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, and Williamson.
Visit the inspection criteria page for more information
December 20, 2018
Vehicle Safety Inspection Study
In 2017, the 85th Texas State Legislature passed Senate Bill (S.B.) 2076 with this requirement:
“Not later than December 31, 2018, the Department of Public Safety and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles shall:
(1) conduct a study on the efficiency and necessity of the titling, including actions related to titling such as registration, and inspection of vehicles in this state; and
(2) submit to the legislature a report on the results of the study that includes:
a. identification of any elements of the vehicle titling, including actions related to titling such as registration, and inspection programs that can be eliminated; and
b. recommendations for legislation to eliminate those elements.”
S.B. 2076 was signed by Greg Abbott, the Governor of Texas, on June 15, 2017, and became effective September 1, 2017. The Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS), using a competitive selection process, awarded a contract to The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Transportation Research (CTR) to conduct this study.
Study Objectives
The objectives of this study were to meet legislative requirements through these three tasks:
- Quantify the efficiency of the vehicle inspection program by analyzing the economic impacts of eliminating the passenger Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Program (referred to in this document as the Inspection Program) in terms of potential cost and revenue changes for different entities impacted by the program;
- Address the necessity of the Inspection Program by assessing the safety impact of eliminating the Inspection Program on all road users and vehicle owners in Texas; and
- Make recommendations on whether the Inspection Program, as an element of vehicle titling, should be eliminated based on the economic and safety evaluations.
Recommendations
The findings from this study’s analysis indicate that the Inspection Program saves lives and enhances safety. The CTR team strongly recommends the following:
- Retain the Inspection Program.
- Conduct a further study to consider whether potential additional inspection items, such as tire age and recall information, should be included in the Inspection Program to further enhance highway safety in Texas.
Read the study:
September 1, 2017
All Certified Inspection Stations and Inspectors
Effective September 1, 2017 in order to comply with Senate Bill 1001 and Texas Transportation Code Section 548.052, the safety inspection requirements for trailers have been revised.
Trailers, semitrailers, pole trailers, or mobile homes having an actual gross weight or registered gross weight of 7,500 lbs. or less are exempt from inspection. All other vehicles are unaffected by this change.
January 1, 2017
All Certified Inspection Stations and Inspectors
Beginning January 1, 2017 in order to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 571.108, State Law and Texas Transportation Code Section 547.323, the inspection requirements for stop lamps on motor vehicles has been revised.
When conducting an Annual Safety Inspection, a visual inspection of the Center High Mounted Stop Lamp must be conducted on passenger vehicles, multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, and buses less than 80 inches wide with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. These models must have working center high mounted stop lamps. The High Mounted Stop Lamp is a lamp mounted high and possibly forward of the tail, stop, and rear turn signal lamps intended to give a steady stop warning. Affected vehicle changes are listed below, all other vehicles remain unaffected.
PROCEDURE:
- Visually check operation and condition.
- Vehicles listed below are affected:
Passenger cars manufactured
1986 – Newer: 3 stop lamps required*
Light trucks/SUVs under 80” wide, manufactured
1994 – Newer: 3 stop lamps required*
* If originally equipped by manufacturer
March 28, 2016
To All Station Owners/Managers/Inspectors
New 90 Day Window for Registration Tool
Beginning March 1, 2016, the 90 day requirement will be enforced for all vehicle owners seeking inspection for registration purposes. In order to renew registration on time, the owner’s vehicle must pass inspection no earlier than 90 days before their registration expires.
If you would like to validate the inspection being performed is within the 90 day window for registration purposes, please visit Two Steps, One Sticker and click the "When do I inspect?" button on the right hand side of the page. This tool will be helpful in confirming the customer’s inspection will qualify for their upcoming registration.
You may also view/print the 2016/2017 calendar
Please Print And Give Copy To Manager/Owner
Thank you for your continued participation in the Texas inspection program.
Texas Department of Public Safety
November 2015
House Bill 2305
As required by HB 2305, all commercial vehicles required to obtain a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation inspection are exempt from the 90-day sync-up requirement. In lieu of an administrative rule, this statement may be understood as DPS’ official position.
September 1, 2015
House Bill 2115
Effective Sept. 1, 2015
HB 2115 adds commercial fleet buyers to the list for initial inspections valid for two years for vehicles purchased in Texas or out-of-state. Only vehicles purchased in state were previously eligible for the initial two-year inspection.
Senate Bill 807
Effective Sept. 1, 2015
SB 807 amends the Occupations Code to require a state agency that issues an occupational license to waive the license application and examination fees paid to the state for an applicant who is a military service member or military veteran whose military service, training, or education substantially meets all of the requirements for the license or who is a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse who holds a current license issued by another jurisdiction that has licensing requirements that are substantially equivalent to the requirements for the license in Texas.
Feb. 18, 2014
Stant Fuel Cap Tester Adapters
Effective Feb. 10, 2014
Attention: All official VI Stations and Certified Inspectors
Stant recently updated some of its Fuel Cap Tester Adapters. Please confirm your station has the current adapters. (Note: The part numbers and the color scheme are the same for the old adapters. The new adapters will have either a white or grey ring.) White ring designates the adapter has had one upgrade, grey ring designates two upgrades. Black ring is original with no upgrades. For more information, please contact Stant at (765) 825-3122.
New Updated Adapters
- Adapter #12405 Red Adapter/White Ring
- Adapter #12407 Black Adapter/White Ring
- Adapter #12422 Tan Adapter/White Ring
- Adapter #12419 Orange Adapter/Grey Ring
- Adapter #12423 Light Green/Black Ring
- Adapter #12424 Natural (Crème)/Black Ring
- Adapter #12426 Pink
- Adapter #12427 Purple
Other Adapters (these have not been updated)
- #12403 Dark Blue Adapter/Black Ring
- #12404 Yellow Adapter/Black Ring
- #12406 Green Adapter/Black Ring
- #12408 Gray Adapter/Black Ring
- #12421 Light Blue Adapter/Black Ring
Oct. 25, 2013
New procedure for Inspector Applications
Beginning Oct. 23, 2013, the Vehicle Inspector License Application is online. ALL inspector applications must be submitted using the online process. The application can be found at Vehicle Inspector Licensing.
Some of the major features of this new application are ...
Inspector Applicant
- Submit your inspector license application and payment online through Texas.gov
- Receive emails regarding your payment, requests for documentation, license issuance and more
- Check the status of your application
Owner or Buyer
- Pay for one or more inspector license application(s)
- Receive a confirmation email of the inspector license application fee payment
May 22, 2013
Station License Renewals now available
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has opened online renewals for stations through DPS Direct. DPS continues to streamline our processes to improve your experience with the Vehicle Inspection program. The simplified process allows you to complete renewals in just a few quick steps. You can now provide both an email address and a website for your station(s). All renewals must be completed by Aug. 31, 2013.
- Login to the VIC Station Renewal Application.
- Select station(s) to renew.
- Update your station's email, website, phone number and mailing address as needed.
- Complete by paying renewal fee with credit card, debit card or electronic check. Your confirmation will be visible along with your other orders.
Thank you for your attention to the renewal deadline.
December 14, 2012
SB197
Consolidated Inspection and Registration System Joint TxDPS/TxDMV Study
July 27, 2012
Vehicle Inspection Stations
We are getting close to our scheduled launch date of Sept. 1, 2012, for DPS Direct – VIC (Vehicle Inspection Connection). VIC is a web-based system allowing inspectors to easily comply with Texas state law with improved flexibility and a condensed, streamlined checklist. To keep you informed, here are a few items and reminders:
Inspector Renewals (all stations)
- Must be completed in TAVIS by Aug. 15, 2012
- There is no grace period. If you miss the deadline, you will be locked out Sept. 1 and must reapply
Certificate Orders (all stations)
- Last day to place orders in TAVIS is Aug. 29, 2012
- Begin placing orders in the new system Sept. 1, 2012. Orders will not begin to ship until Sept. 4, 2012 because of the Labor Day holiday
VIC Inspections (safety-only stations)
- Inspections should be performed on VIC as soon as you receive and activate your VIC Equipment
VIC Equipment (safety-only stations)
- Delivery will be from Aug. 13 to Aug. 24
- The VIC equipment will replace all the TAVIS equipment on the cart
- VIC scanner is a new model that will read inspection certificates, registration certificates and VINs
- Place all TAVIS equipment except for the large monitor in the VIC box
VIC Training (safety-only stations)
- VIC is designed to guide you through the process, reducing the need for training.
- You will be given documents to help you set up your unit, connect and activate your unit, and activate Inspector, Owner and Buyer accounts
For additional VIC or Vehicle Inspection program information, please visit Regulatory Services Division and select the Vehicle Inspection option.
June 26, 2012
Inspector License Renewals must be submitted by Aug. 15, 2012
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is continually working to update our technology and improve our vehicle inspection system. We will completely transition to our new system – DPS Direct, Vehicle Inspect Connection – as of Aug. 31, 2012. To ensure your inspection privileges transfer to the new system, renewals must be submitted by Aug. 15, 2012. The transition will require all inspector licenses to be processed before Aug. 31, 2012. There will be NO grace period. Inspectors who miss the deadline will need to reapply and go through the certification process.
- Inspectors can renew their certificate through TAVIS.
- Buyers can pay for inspector renewals by going into Certificate Purchasing and selecting Bulk Renewal. After the buyer has paid for the renewal, the Inspector must go to the Main Menu and go to License Renewals to update or confirm their address and personal information. Renewal is not complete until this has been done.
Thank you for your prompt attention and payment. DPS will send additional communication and information about our new system – DPS Direct, Vehicle Inspect Connection – as we get closer to the launch.
July 28, 2011
New Inspection Stickers
Inspection stickers with expiration dates in 2013 and later display only the last digit of the inspection year.
06/29/2011
License and Renewal Fees Increase October 1, 2011
Senate Bill 197, signed into law on 06/17/2011, increases the license fees for stations and inspectors, and details penalties for certain inspection related offenses.
- Station License Fee increases to $100
- Station License Renewal cost increases to $102
- Inspector License Fee increases to $25
- Inspector License Renewal cost increases to $27
To read the entire bill, please visit Texas Legislature Online and search for SB 197.
09/01/2009
Revised Window Tint Laws
- Section 547.613 of the Texas Transportation Code makes it a misdemeanor to operate a vehicle with an object or material (including a sunscreening device) attached to the windshield, rear, or side windows that obstructs or reduces the driver’s visibility.
- Section 547.613 also makes it a misdemeanor for any person to apply any material (including a sunscreening device) that changes the color or reduces the light transmission of any vehicle window.