In March of this year, the state of Texas changed its vehicle inspection guidelines so that each car or truck now only displays a registration sticker rather than both a registration sticker and an inspection sticker. The inspection information for Texas vehicles is now stored in an electronic database through the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

The ASE-certified technicians at Christian Brothers Automotive Buda have a list of tips to help you get through the first year of this new inspection process.

1. Get your inspection before renewing the registration

The vehicle safety and emissions inspection and registration renewal processes are now linked. Now, your vehicle has to have passed its inspection within the last 90 days in order to renew your registration. The system will check the database to make sure your car passed before issuing you a new registration sticker.

2. Ignore the date on your inspection sticker

Not every car’s inspection and registration stickers expire within 90 days of each other. That’s why the state of Texas is giving everyone with expired inspection stickers a pass until it’s time to renew their registration. For the remainder of 2015, only look at the date of expiration on your registration sticker when planning for the new process.

3. Keep your Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR)

We all know computers make mistakes. That’s why we’re suggesting Buda and Kyle drivers keep the VIR they receive after their inspection is complete. This will serve as proof that your car completed and passed the inspection, just in case something happens to the database.

4. Expect to pay less for your safety and emissions inspection

While our local auto repair shop in Buda, near Kyle will be charging customers less for the testing done at our location, you will still have to pay the state fees when you renew your car’s registration. So while you pay less upfront, you’ll still be paying the state fees later.

5. Everything will be okay!

We understand – nobody really likes change. Just remember that after this first year, this process will actually be simpler than the old one. So sit back, relax and be happy there’s one less sticker on your beautiful car!

The Texas vehicle safety and emissions inspection in Buda

The inspection experts at our car center near Kyle will always offer the same pain-free and simple emissions inspection you’ve experienced before. If you’re worried about your car passing the test this year, we offer courteous inspections to make sure your car is in great shape.

Call Christian Brothers Automotive in Buda, Texas today if you’re ready to schedule your vehicle safety and emissions inspection or still need a few questions answered about the new two-steps, one-sticker guidelines.