A 4-minute lesson from the Texas course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Every vehicle registered in Texas is inspected each year, and one windshield sticker now proves both registration and inspection. You also have deadlines when you buy a car or move to Texas.
Know the rule
All Texas-registered motor vehicles, including motorcycles, mopeds, scooters and autocycles, must be inspected every year at an official inspection station. You must show evidence of financial responsibility at the inspection.
Only the valid registration sticker is displayed on the windshield; it is combined proof of registration and inspection. The station prints a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) and enters the result in a database the DMV checks at registration.
With an annual $5 distinguishing plate (and other conditions), well-drilling and construction machinery, and farm, cotton, cottonseed and certain fertilizer trailers over 4,000 lbs but under 34,000 lbs gross need not be registered or inspected.
A new resident must register every vehicle they own before applying for a Texas license. When a nonresident establishes residency or takes a job here, the vehicle may be driven 30 days; then it must be registered in Texas.
New residents need a Texas inspection report and VIN verification from a state-approved inspection station before registering, plus proof of insurance; without it the vehicle cannot be registered.
You buy a used car on June 1. You have 30 days to register it. If you bought it from a dealer with paper buyer's tags, those tags are recognized for 60 days, but the 30-day registration deadline still applies.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
How long is a passing Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) valid for registration purposes?
30 days from the month of inspection
One year from the date of inspection
90 days from the month of inspection
Six months from the date of inspection
Answer: 90 days from the month of inspection
The VIR is only valid for 90 days from the month of inspection for registration purposes.