I will be driving my truck through Texas for the first time since I left the state after graduating. The truck is still registered in Texas, however, I haven't had an inspection sticker in years as I'm not stationed in Texas. Can I drive through Texas on the way to Bama without worrying about gettin an inspection sticker?

As far as I know, yes.

Just have to be able to prove you're stationed out of state.

I'm no cop, though, so I don't know for sure, but I never had problems driving my truck through TX after being stationed in Oklahoma and now Missouri.

No, you will get a ticket. Texas has reciprocity with almost every other state, so you are expected to get it inspected in the state you live. I have had North Carolina, Virginia, New York, and Georgia inspection stickers on my Texas-registered truck

[This message has been edited by Tango mike (edited 9/23/2013 7:28a).]

I know Oklahoma doesn't do inspections.

You have 72 hours upon returning to the state to get it inspected. If you are in the state less than that, you are OK.

^ Good info, thanks

The inspection stickers from other states were probably unnecessary. Texas law says you don't need it since you are military out of state. Only time I have had to do anything out of state was the dumb smog inspection in California because DoD required proof for base decals.

Other good info, if you are military out of state, your Texas license is automatically extended 2 years past to expiration date. So an expired Texas license may still be valid.

Have a copy if your orders handy, I've been pulled over for this showed the cop my orders and explained the situation, I was good to go.

Heading to Rucker?

Have a copy if your orders handy, I've been pulled over for this showed the cop my orders and explained the situation, I was good to go.

Heading to Rucker?

In most states, the cops know if you have Texas plates that you are supposed to have a TX inspection sticker (at least around Benning, Bragg, Eustis, and West Point). My wife got pulled over in VA for not having a TX inspection sticker (or, rather, for not properly displaying a valid state inspection as required by VA law). Yes, it is necessary because the states have reciprocity.

And every state I've lived in doesn't care if you're in the military. The individual cop pulling you over might be ex-military and give you a break, but I've never seen a statute that grants exceptions to laws for active duty.

[This message has been edited by Tango Mike (edited 9/23/2013 12:04p).]

The reciprocity is if you get inspected in another state and come back to Texas, you don't need to be reinspected.

[This message has been edited by pro sandy (edited 9/23/2013 1:32p).]

Thanks for the info. Maxwell AFB

MANY states have dispensed with "state inspection stickers" as the cost of maintaining them is much greater than the anticipated revenue - and the hassle to get them - and the service stations that offer them also complain that the cost to do the inspection is much greater than the state allows. Generally, they are a nuisance. Newer Autos/trucks are much more dependable and trustworthy than older models. Texas continues to hold out while many of the adjoining states do not require it.
Regardless, if you have a tail light out or other noticeable problem, you will likely be stopped and given a warning to get it fixed.

From a military point of view, I never had my Texas inspection sticker questioned at any base stateside or overseas - (unless while stationed in Texas of course).

To follow, your Texas driver's license should be annotated you are in the military (also may not have a photo in this case) AND your Texas plates still require the little date sticker showing the plates are current. Both/either can be done over the web or by mail.

AAAAAAAAAAg - Air Force Aggie Architect & Hospital Administrator from Amarillo, Altus, Austin, Arabia, Africa, Seoul, Amman, Arkansas (ret) '65, '69, '73. Track Letterman
"The most potent weapon against basic human decency, in the armamentarium of pure evil, is the self-imposed ignorance and moral decay of the people themselves."

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, they are a nuisance. Newer Autos/trucks are much more dependable and trustworthy than older models. Texas continues to hold out while many of the adjoining states do not require it.

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Although consumable items that are a significant safety concern are inspected, such as the tire condition and tread depth. Never mind the brake system condition and status.

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/vi/inspection/inspectionCriteria.aspx

In 2015 Texas is doing away with the inspection sticker, but the inspections will continue (but will be tied into the registration information).

We don't have any state inspection requirements in Idaho and I haven't heard or read of a single crash due to poor vehicle maintenance. Maybe there have been some but they sure don't make the news.

Now as a counter, I did see a high school aged kid drive by with no windshield. At least he had the good sense to be wearing ski goggles!

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We don't have any state inspection requirements in Idaho and I haven't heard or read of a single crash due to poor vehicle maintenance. Maybe there have been some but they sure don't make the news.

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I am certified in collision reconstruction and actively use that certification. I can tell you that I have personally been an investigator on collisions that were directly contributed to vehicle maintenance. A prime example is one a couple of years ago when an 8 year old, who was in a different vehicle, seatbelted in the back seat of a sedan, was killed when another vehicle (half-ton pick-up) lost traction in the rain due to low tread on the rear tires. The truck was not speeding, both drivers were sober. The driver of the truck had less than 2/32" of tread on the rear tires, lost traction, crossed the center line and struck the opposing vehicle head on. Killed the child.

That is only one example that I personally have that involved a vehicle maintenance or illegal modification of a system that is inspected in Texas that resulted in the death of a person I have more. There are roughly 32,000 deaths in the US from collisions each year, it takes some time to complete the complete investigation/reconstruction and the investigation results rarely make the news.

Yes it matters.

I am sure there are some due to poorly maintained cars like the one you mentioned. I would gladly have my car inspected yearly if they would enforce the bumper height of jacked up pickups. Some of the ones in Idaho would be absolutely deadly if they hit another car, particularly in a T bone collision.