AUSTIN, Texas — Getting an annual car safety inspection is a dreaded process for many, but House Bill 3297 is set to eliminate the requirement.
The change is problematic to some.
"It's just a concerning thing because we're sharing the road with these vehicles," said Andrew West, who runs Tech One Automotive.
Tech One's mechanics do 20 to 30 safety inspections a week.
"It's a small part of our business, so it's not really going to affect us in particular. But some of those shops that that's all they do, a dedicated state inspection station, it really is going to affect their business," West said.
West said the change could also put those businesses dedicated to vehicle safety inspections out of business.
The annual safety checks determine if your vehicle is safe to drive by looking at things like your tires, brakes and seatbelts.
"We do see those situations where tires are either worn or brakes are not stopping in a certain distance, or the horn is not working or lights are not working," West said.
Supporters of the bill say safety inspections are a scam.
"Texas is one of only 11 states that still requires an annual safety inspection for passenger vehicles," State Sen. Mayes Middleton said. "Vehicle inspections are a costly and time-consuming process that provide little benefit to public safety."
If the governor signs off on the bill, drivers will still have to pay an "inspection program replacement fee" of $7.50 annually, which is what an inspection costs now.
The bill also requires annual emission output exams in populated areas, which West said is already required in Travis and Williamson counties.
"To make sure all of its readiness monitors are set, so it's checking for the emission system, the exhaust gas coming out, misfires, things like that," West said.
It's a test West said more people fail compared to safety checks.
Once signed, the bill would go into effect in 2025.