The Automotive Service Association (ASA), the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals, has called on the Texas State Senate to oppose House Bill (HB) 3297. This legislation would eliminate the state’s vehicle safety inspection program for non-commercial vehicles. Yesterday, the State Affairs Committee passed HB 3297 on a 8-3 vote. However, earlier this legislative session, the Texas Senate Transportation Committee rejected SB 684 – a similar bill – by a vote of three in favor and five against. Research, including a study commissioned by the legislature in 2017, unequivocally demonstrates that regular testing of a vehicle’s tires, brakes, windshield wipers, lights and beams, seatbelts and other components plays a critical role in preventing injuries, deaths, and loss of property.
The Automotive Service Association is a long-time supporter of vehicle safety inspections and opposes this bill in addition to legislation that would decrease the required frequency of inspection. Bob Redding, ASA’s Washington, D.C. representative stated, “The Texas Senate has an opportunity to do the right thing for their constituents by not advancing this bill. Texas has a successful vehicle inspection program that protects the motoring public. This private-public partnership program should not be eliminated. Instead, the legislature should heed its own study’s recommendations and consider adding additional inspection items to the program.”
The Automotive Service Association thanks its Texan members and allies who contacted their state legislators to educate them on this issue and urge them to oppose the bill. ASA continues to encourage Texas residents to email their State Senators by clicking HERE.
