A new law might get rid of safety checks for cars that aren’t used for business in Texas. The law has been approved by both parts of the state government. If the governor, Greg Abbott, signs it, the law will start on September 1.
A local news channel talked to some drivers who aren’t sure about this. They worry that important safety features like brakes, tire pressure, and windshield wipers won’t be checked anymore.
Brandy Laakso, a driver, said she can’t believe it and thinks it’s crazy. Mon Yu, who owns Midtown Auto Service said that without safety checks, people might use cars that aren’t safe – like having too-dark window tint, under-inflated tires, or very loud exhaust.
The lawmaker who made the bill, Cody Harris, defended it. He said safety checks are a waste of time and that some dishonest car dealers use them to trick customers into paying for things they don’t need. He thinks that people in Texas are responsible enough to make sure their cars are safe to drive.
A government report from 2015 said there wasn’t much research on whether safety checks actually prevent accidents. On the other hand, a study from the University of Texas in 2018 said the safety check program is important because it saves lives and makes cars safer.
Texas is one of only 13 states that still require safety checks every year. However, counties that need emission checks (which check for air pollution) will still have them, even if this new law starts. Five counties in the area require emission tests.
One driver, thinking about the new law, said it’s good that emission checks will still happen, but asked, “What about your brake lights?”