Where to get state inspection?

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08-05-2015, 12:08 PM
Run_Amok

Where to get state inspection?

California doesn't require a state inspection, so I am not sure what to do or expect. I searched and didn't find anything that related to my particular questions:

I have an 04 Miata and a 2014 Prius that need inspections. I'll take the Prius to the dealer, but:

Where should I take the Miata? The TXDPS lists different types of businesses that will perform the inspection, but are they all created equally? Are there any that I should stay away from? Anything that I should be aware of prior?

Do all of the inspection stations charge the same amount or does it differ from dealer to fast lube joint?

Any help / insight / direction is appreciated.
08-05-2015, 12:11 PM
sammm

State inspection stations will usually have a sign on the building stating such, like quicky oil change places. There are a few folks on the forum who live up that way, they can probably recommend where to go (or not).
08-05-2015, 12:45 PM
gabkwong

Quote:

Originally Posted by sammm

State inspection stations will usually have a sign on the building stating such, like quicky oil change places. There are a few folks on the forum who live up that way, they can probably recommend where to go (or not).

Wow, you already in Big D! How was the looooong drive?

Most of us take it to the quick oil change places. You just drive up and don't need appointment. Best time of the day is when everybody is at work so that you don't have to wait. The charge is standard around $35 IIRC. They plug into your OBDII for emission test and do the brake test plus visual inspection of lights, tires (make sure they are not at wear bars) and wipers. They love to sell you the wipers. BTW, you have to bring along the proof of insurance.

I think you have a grace period of drving around with your Ca plates and not to have to hurry to get this done. Of course, you have to get this done before registering in Texas and get a Tx plate and sticker.
08-05-2015, 12:48 PM
Titus

Quote:

Originally Posted by Run_Amok

California doesn't require a state inspection, so I am not sure what to do or expect. I searched and didn't find anything that related to my particular questions:

I have an 04 Miata and a 2014 Prius that need inspections. I'll take the Prius to the dealer, but:

Where should I take the Miata? The TXDPS lists different types of businesses that will perform the inspection, but are they all created equally? Are there any that I should stay away from? Anything that I should be aware of prior?

Do all of the inspection stations charge the same amount or does it differ from dealer to fast lube joint?

Any help / insight / direction is appreciated.

They all charge the same, and almost any place that does oil changes these days can do them. They will have the sign pictured below on the side of the building. If you are near a CarSpa, you can get a free car wash there with the inspection.

Some thoughts on Inspections- Some shops skip a lot of the checks and will pass you as long as you are don't have any codes (this is the only test they can't skip because their computer must connect to your car). These shops tend to be independents in lower population areas. Other shops really nit-pick. I have seen failures for bad taillight, leaking exhaust manifold, leaking power steering hose, tires at the wear bars, and parking brake engagement point to high.

http://www.txinsurancepro.com/wp-con...inspection.jpg
08-05-2015, 02:11 PM
modernbeat

There are three types of inspections in Texas. Some counties only require a safety inspection (type #1). Counties with pollution issues, and the counties surrounding them will also require either a pre-OBDII emissions inspection for cars newer than 25 years old, but not old enough to have an OBDII system (type #2) and if the vehicle is new enough it will get an OBDII inspection (type #3).

The pre-OBDII emissions inspection requires a set of rollers to run the car on while a sniffer is in the tailpipe. Fewer and fewer of the inspection stations have this equipment, making it harder to get the car inspected. I've found a number of stations that are supposed to have the equipment will claim it's broken so they don't have to do pre-OBDII inspections, which are a bit of a PITA for them.

Of course if you have a car with OBDII, it's easy. Just plug it into the inspection computer and perform the safety inspection and you're good to go. Lots of places will do this.
08-05-2015, 02:25 PM
wrx74

http://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/new-to-texas
08-06-2015, 08:31 AM
Run_Amok

Quote:

Originally Posted by sammm

State inspection stations will usually have a sign on the building stating such, like quicky oil change places. There are a few folks on the forum who live up that way, they can probably recommend where to go (or not).

Quote:

Originally Posted by gabkwong

Most of us take it to the quick oil change places. You just drive up and don't need appointment. Best time of the day is when everybody is at work so that you don't have to wait. The charge is standard around $35 IIRC. They plug into your OBDII for emission test and do the brake test plus visual inspection of lights, tires (make sure they are not at wear bars) and wipers. They love to sell you the wipers. BTW, you have to bring along the proof of insurance.

I think you have a grace period of drving around with your Ca plates and not to have to hurry to get this done. Of course, you have to get this done before registering in Texas and get a Tx plate and sticker.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titus

They all charge the same, and almost any place that does oil changes these days can do them. They will have the sign pictured below on the side of the building. If you are near a CarSpa, you can get a free car wash there with the inspection.

Some thoughts on Inspections- Some shops skip a lot of the checks and will pass you as long as you are don't have any codes (this is the only test they can't skip because their computer must connect to your car). These shops tend to be independents in lower population areas. Other shops really nit-pick. I have seen failures for bad taillight, leaking exhaust manifold, leaking power steering hose, tires at the wear bars, and parking brake engagement point to high.

Quote:

Originally Posted by modernbeat

There are three types of inspections in Texas. Some counties only require a safety inspection (type #1). Counties with pollution issues, and the counties surrounding them will also require either a pre-OBDII emissions inspection for cars newer than 25 years old, but not old enough to have an OBDII system (type #2) and if the vehicle is new enough it will get an OBDII inspection (type #3).

The pre-OBDII emissions inspection requires a set of rollers to run the car on while a sniffer is in the tailpipe. Fewer and fewer of the inspection stations have this equipment, making it harder to get the car inspected. I've found a number of stations that are supposed to have the equipment will claim it's broken so they don't have to do pre-OBDII inspections, which are a bit of a PITA for them.

Of course if you have a car with OBDII, it's easy. Just plug it into the inspection computer and perform the safety inspection and you're good to go. Lots of places will do this.

Thank you, gents. The info is much appreciated. The inspection was super easy and painless - I was done in 10 mins for the Miata and three mins for the Prius. I don't know why I thought it was going to be a hassle. n00b move.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gabkwong

Wow, you already in Big D! How was the looooong drive?

Yep, we arrived this past Saturday! The drive was really good; tiring but uneventful, by God's grace. Pertaining to the focus of this forum: the best feeling was, after four days driving the bob-tail, jumping into the Miata and cruising around with the wifey. The heat is, breathtaking...

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrx74

http://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/new-to-texas

Thanks! I checked that page before posting here - it didn't answer all of my questions though.
08-06-2015, 08:48 AM
POS Racing

Quote:

Originally Posted by Run_Amok

The heat is, breathtaking...

Your timing of the move wasn't the best! Welcome to the Heat! ;-)
08-06-2015, 09:02 AM
sammm

For future reference, August is typically the hottest/driest month of the year. It will get much better starting mid-late September.
08-06-2015, 11:42 AM
Run_Amok

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS Racing

Your timing of the move wasn't the best! Welcome to the Heat! ;-)

Quote:

Originally Posted by sammm

For future reference, August is typically the hottest/driest month of the year. It will get much better starting mid-late September.

Hehe, yeah, we knew what we were in for. I figured that we would deal with the worst right away, and then it will be all downhill from here on.
08-06-2015, 12:25 PM
jrj512

Wait until it's 30 in the Winter. You get the best of both worlds.
08-06-2015, 01:17 PM
Run_Amok

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrj512

Wait until it's 30 in the Winter. You get the best of both worlds.

That should be interesting. Never felt 30° at a 600-foot elevation.
08-06-2015, 02:15 PM
gabkwong

Quote:

Originally Posted by Run_Amok

That should be interesting. Never felt 30° at a 600-foot elevation.

Your Nitto tires will be fun to drive on around freezing with a light dust of white stuff! :-)
08-06-2015, 02:23 PM
Run_Amok

Oh noes! Do most folks switch to winter shoes?
08-06-2015, 02:43 PM
sammm

^No...'winter' usually only lasts for a day or two at a time. There's a saying in Texas...if you don't like the weather, just wait a minute.
08-06-2015, 04:02 PM
modernbeat

Though we had winter conditions and on-and-off snow for about three months this year.

I either put the car up for the winter or switch to winter tires. I've got a 4x4 truck and a Subaru wagon for those days when I'm afraid someone will run into me.
08-06-2015, 07:15 PM
OZMDD

There are very few days with true winter precip in Dallas, but it tends to be mostly ice and very hard to drive on. You won't need true snow tires. Our idea of winter tires are performance all seasons.:) they don't salt the roads here, so rust isn't an issue.
08-06-2015, 08:00 PM
POS Racing

Quote:

Originally Posted by OZMDD

they don't salt the roads here, so rust isn't an issue.

Not true anymore TXDOT and NTTA use that stupid brine stuff (AKA Salt) :-(

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2015/02/24/b...-for-your-car/

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2014/12/31/n...ial-icy-roads/
08-07-2015, 11:58 AM
Run_Amok

Thanks again for the insight, everyone. I guess the Miata will stay at home on snowy days!
08-07-2015, 01:09 PM
black roadster

Snow days are typically few and far between. A few flakes and the metroplex shuts down. I've driven a Miata year round here for years.
08-07-2015, 06:09 PM
Run_Amok

Quote:

Originally Posted by black roadster

Snow days are typically few and far between. A few flakes and the metroplex shuts down. I've driven a Miata year round here for years.

Cool. I'll play it by ear. My biggest concern is the salt brine - my car is pretty low and I don't know how I will rinse the underside...
08-07-2015, 06:15 PM
Run_Amok

<rant>

How does TX get away with charging me sales tax on cars that I am simply registering here? No sale-type transaction happened on either of our cars, but we coughed up $90 on "sales tax" on each.

</rant>

Also, how do local governments get away with taxing used car sales? Seems like double / triple / multiple taxation based on how many times the car changes hands.
08-08-2015, 08:08 AM
Titus

Quote:

Originally Posted by Run_Amok

<rant>

How does TX get away with charging me sales tax on cars that I am simply registering here? No sale-type transaction happened on either of our cars, but we coughed up $90 on "sales tax" on each.

</rant>

Also, how do local governments get away with taxing used car sales? Seems like double / triple / multiple taxation based on how many times the car changes hands.

It sucks, but you need to look at it from another angle... You will put than money back in your pocket in just a few years thanks to the lower annual registration costs (compared to CA).
08-08-2015, 09:36 AM
Run_Amok

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titus

It sucks, but you need to look at it from another angle... You will put than money back in your pocket in just a few years thanks to the lower annual registration costs (compared to CA).

True. Everything will even out in the proverbial wash. I guess I was caught off guard - this is atypical of my experience with TX government behavior thus far.
08-28-2015, 11:55 AM
doc

I may be to late to help
Keep in mind being out of state you first have to go to the registration office and get a blue form then go get the car inspected then go back and get the registration
With the new law that went into affect this year not sure how it works
Would think it will be the same process
I would stop by an inspection place and ask before setting and waiting to get it done and then find out they can't inspect it or when you pull in tell them it is out of state
Texas is not the only one that does this most states charge the tax when you go from one state to another it is really a use tax
If you moved from a state that had charged you a sales tax then the state would deducted that and you pay the difference or that is what I understand
08-28-2015, 02:27 PM
Run_Amok

Quote:

Originally Posted by doc

I may be to late to help
Keep in mind being out of state you first have to go to the registration office and get a blue form then go get the car inspected then go back and get the registration
With the new law that went into affect this year not sure how it works
Would think it will be the same process
I would stop by an inspection place and ask before setting and waiting to get it done and then find out they can't inspect it or when you pull in tell them it is out of state
Texas is not the only one that does this most states charge the tax when you go from one state to another it is really a use tax
If you moved from a state that had charged you a sales tax then the state would deducted that and you pay the difference or that is what I understand

Doc, thank you for the input.

So, no blue slip needed. All the inspection station needed was the proof of insurance.
09-01-2015, 07:48 PM
Walsted

Quote:

Originally Posted by Run_Amok

California doesn't require a state inspection, so I am not sure what to do or expect.

Wow, what changed? When I was there, (about ten years ago,) they inspected the heck out of my 1986 TBird turbocoupe to the point of verifying vacuum lines and ensuring anything aftermarket that could affect emissions had a CARB sticker. Is it not that way now?

As far as inspections, local to me, in south Fort Worth, one station can't get their equipment to communicate with the car, another can perform the inspection after I tell them "Use the other cable," and a third has no problem. Comparing the three, it seems in my area that the more "corporate" an operation is, the less likely it is that I will have an event-less inspection.

Hope this helps
09-01-2015, 08:25 PM
Run_Amok

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walsted

Wow, what changed? When I was there, (about ten years ago,) they inspected the heck out of my 1986 TBird turbocoupe to the point of verifying vacuum lines and ensuring anything aftermarket that could affect emissions had a CARB sticker. Is it not that way now?

As far as inspections, local to me, in south Fort Worth, one station can't get their equipment to communicate with the car, another can perform the inspection after I tell them "Use the other cable," and a third has no problem. Comparing the three, it seems in my area that the more "corporate" an operation is, the less likely it is that I will have an event-less inspection.

Hope this helps

CA still does the smog inspection. They don't do a roadworthy-ness inspection.