Texas law has for decades required annual safety inspection of trailers with a gross weight (weight of the trailer plus its carrying capacity or actual load) of more than 4,500 pounds.
What are the trailer inspection requirements in Texas?
- Evidence of ownership – Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin, title, bill of sale, or out-of-state registration receipt
- Completed Title and/or Registration Application (Form 130-U)
- Check the Non-titled box if the trailer will not be titled
- Completed Trailer Verification Statement of Fact (Form VTR-141)
What are the trailer laws in Texas?
Trailer Towing Rules in Texas
- Safety Equipment. Among the more self-explanatory towing laws in Texas (section 545.409 of the transportation code) is that the connection between the towing and the towed must be strong enough ...
- Dimensions. In Texas, a towing vehicle can be no taller than 14 feet and no wider than 8 1/2 feet. ...
- Restrictions. ...
- Speed. ...
Do I need to get my RV inspected in Texas?
The good news is that your RV may not need an inspection. The bad news is that it will if you live in a state that requires RV inspections. In other words, your RV needs to be inspected only if you are registering it in a state that requires RV inspections. There is more good news.
What are the requirements for vehicle inspection in Texas?
What do Texas car inspections check?
- Horn.
- Windshield wipers.
- Mirrors.
- Steering wheel.
- Seat belts.
- Brake system and parking brake (starting with vehicles made in 1960 to present)
- Tires and wheel assembly.
- Exhaust emission system (starting with vehicles made in 1968 to present)
What trailers are exempt from inspection in Texas?
Trailers with a farm license plate are exempt from the requirements of state inspection certificates. Individuals wishing to secure farm license plates for their trailer are required to submit form VTR-52A.Aug 3, 2017
What do you need to get a trailer inspected in Texas?
The inspection of lamps on your trailer will include tail lamps and stop lamps, turn signal lamps, clearance lamps, license plate lamps and side marker lamps. Besides the required working light bulbs and blinkers, you'll also need to provide reflectors on the side of all trailers as well as the rear red reflectors.May 11, 2016
Does Texas require tags on trailers?
There are specific requirements for titling and registering trailers in Texas and it can seem a bit complicated. Registration is always required for a trailer, but the need for a title is based on the trailer weight.
What do I need to renew my trailer registration in Texas?
In Person. To register your vehicle in person, take your registration renewal notice and proof of current liability insurance to your county tax office or an approved substation. If you did not receive your renewal notice, you can renew your registration using your: License Plate Number.
How do I register a trailer without a title in Texas?
All newly assembled trailers must have a title, but those with a non-titled record in Texas or an out-of-state registration receipt are exempt. Owners must complete a Trailer Verification Statement of Fact (Form VTR-141) for a new trailer.Jan 31, 2022
How much does it cost to register a trailer in Texas?
$45It costs $45 to register trailer or travel trailer up to 6,000 pounds. See our trailer titling section to find whether you need or can title your trailer. In some instances, you can register the trailer without titling it. Registration renewal is online at Texas.gov.
Do farm trailers have to be inspected in Texas?
The rules require all commercial trailers with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 4,500 pounds and over to be safety inspected prior to receiving an annual registration.Aug 4, 2015
How do I register a utility trailer in Texas?
If your homemade trailer is new, Texas trailer laws require that you fill out forms VTR-141 and 130-U. Both forms are downloadable from the Texas DMV website. If you've bought a used homemade trailer, you'll need a bill of sale and registration receipt if it weighs up to 4,000 pounds gross.May 16, 2019
What is considered a farm trailer in Texas?
a farm trailer or farm semitrailer owned by a cotton gin and used exclusively to transport agricultural products without charge from the place of production to the place of processing, market, or storage. a trailer used exclusively to transport fertilizer without charge from a place of supply or storage to a farm.Aug 19, 2020
Do trailer plates expire in Texas?
A key benefit of the program is that a "non-expiring" license plate is issued for these token trailers (no expiration month/year on the plate and no validation stickers issued for renewal). This eliminates the need to locate the trailers each year to affix new plates or stickers.
Can you renew a trailer online in Texas?
Renew your car and truck, trailer, and motorcycle registration online. Cars, trucks, and motorcycles require proof of insurance information before renewing online. Trailers do not require proof of insurance. If you encounter any problems with your online renewal, please call us at 817-884-1100.Dec 3, 2018
Is there a grace period for expired tags in Texas?
Can I legally drive my vehicle after the registration expires? State law gives you a five-day grace period. Renew your registration at Texas.gov and you will receive a receipt that allows you to drive legally for 31 days until your sticker arrives in the mail.
Check Your Trailer’S Brakes in Texas
Does your new or used trailer purchase have a gross weight of over 4,500 pounds? If so, you’ll need to make sure you have properly working brakes o...
Other Inspection Requirements For Trailers in Texas
The annual safety inspection will have a lot of boxes to tick-off on your checklist. Besides working brakes, you’ll also be inspected for working l...
Inspecting Tires & Safety Guards on Texas Trailers
Once you’ve got your brakes, lamps and reflectors checked, you’ll also get your tires and safety guards inspected. If you’ve got four tires (or mor...
More Inspection Guidelines For Texas Trailers
There are never enough steps to ensure the highest possible safety for Texas trailers. When it’s time for your annual trailer inspection, you’ll al...
How much does a utility trailer weigh?
Most utility trailers fall into two categories: Manufactured (built by a trailer manufacturer) Homemade (built by an individual in their garage or shop) Gross weights (the trailer weight plus the weight it can carry) under. Over 4,000 lbs.
Do you need a VIN for a trailer?
If the assembled trailer does not have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a completed Law Enforcement Identification Number Inspection (Form VTR-68A), and Notice of Assigned or Reassigned Identification Number (Form VTR-68-N) will be required. Newly assembled trailers are required to have a VIN.
Can a manufactured trailer be registered as a homemade trailer?
Note: A manufactured trailer with missing paperwork cannot be registered as a homemade trailer. Assembled Trailers. Newly assembled trailers (including farm trailers) must be titled regardless of weight. For additional information on required documents and the titling process, please visit Assembled Vehicles.
What is a travel trailer inspection?
What's Inspected. A travel trailer inspection differs from that of motorized vehicles. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, trailers are inspected for brakes, tires, wheel assembly, safety guards or flaps (if there are four tires or more on the rear axle), two tail lights, two brake lights, one license plate lamp, ...
Does Texas require a travel trailer inspection?
Does Texas Require a State Inspection for Travel Trailers? The state of Texas requires vehicle inspections for most vehicles. The inspection, which analyzes a variety of features for safety, must be performed by a state authorized and licensed inspector. Most automobile service shops offer state inspections.
What are the lights on a trailer?
The inspection of lamps on your trailer will include tail lamps and stop lamps, turn signal lamps, clearance lamps, license plate lamps and side marker lamps. Besides the required working light bulbs and blinkers, you’ll also need to provide reflectors on the side of all trailers as well as the rear red reflectors.
Do you need to have your brakes checked?
Once you’ve got your brakes, lamps and reflectors checked, you’ll also get your tires and safety guards inspected . If you’ve got four tires (or more) on your rear axle, you’ll need to make sure you have a set of safety guards or tire flaps attached to pass inspection. In addition to the tires and flaps, your overall wheel assembly will be inspected to ensure everything is in proper working condition.
Do you have to have an emissions test in Texas?
All inspections include a comprehensive safety inspection; however, some vehicles are required to have an emissions test in addition to the safety inspection.
Do you have to have a safety inspection for diesel engines?
Diesel powered vehicles and motorcycles are exempt from emissions testing , but are still required to have the annual safety inspection. Vehicles 2 through 24 years old OR upon expiration of the two-year initial inspection sticker.
What is a vehicle inspection in Texas?
So, what are the Texas vehicle Inspection Requirements? The inspection is a simple set of basic checks to ensure that your vehicle is in a road worthy condition with all instruments working correctly. The inspector checks the vehicle to ensure it is not emitting too much smoke.
How long are Texas vehicle inspections good for?
How long are Texas safety inspections good for? Vehicle inspections in Texas are good for two years If the vehicle is new and purchased from a dealership. Otherwise, they are good for one year.
How long does it take to get a title in Texas?
All residents new to Texas must get a vehicle inspection and register the vehicle within 30 days. Apply for title and /or registration at your local county tax office. Apply for Texas drivers license through DPS. Above all, the vehicle must pass inspection before you can register and title it.
Can you inspect brakes in snow?
Yes, provided that the certified instructor feels that the conditions are safe and that the brakes can accurately be checked then it does not matter if it is wet or snowing, the only time when an inspection cannot be carried out due to weather is when the brake test areas are icy. Q.
Do windshield wipers need to be in contact with windshield?
The windshield is not part of the inspection; however the wiper blades must make proper contact with the windshield. Ensure that any cracks in the windshield do not cause the wiper blades to tear or that the crack affects the screen shape so that the wipers loose contact. Q.
When will the trailer inspections go into effect?
The new regulations will go into effect Sept. 1 , meaning a few more months of inspections for trailer owners before the rules change. Lawmakers had also proposed to eliminate all vehicle inspections, but those measures failed to pass before the end of the legislative session.
What is the weight limit for boat trailer inspection?
Greg Abbott on Monday signed SB 1001, sponsored by State Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, which increases the maximum gross weight for required trailer inspections to 7,500 pounds, from 4,500 pounds.
Is removing trailer regulations dangerous?
Skeptics of the changes said removing the regulations would lead to dangerous or unfit trailers on state roads, though lawmakers said there is little data to indicate enforcement of small trailers leads to any increase in safety. Bill Gates Says Lazy People Make the Best Employees.
How much weight is required for a farm trailer?
Title is optional if it is 34,000 pounds gross weight or less. Registration is optional if the farm trailer is 4,000 pounds gross weight or less. You will need to take the following to the applicant's local county tax office ...
Do you need proof of insurance for a trailer?
Proof of insurance for the vehicle pulling the trailer will be required at time of inspection. Fees: Contact your local county tax office for the exact fee amount and payment methods. Titled trailers require a vehicle identification number.
Do you need a title for a trailer in Texas?
Registration is always required for a trailer, but the need for a title is based on the trailer weight. If the trailer is over 4,000 pounds gross weight (empty plus carrying capacity) it must be titled, ...
