I have my truck and 5th wheel registered in TX and we'll be heading out to travel up the east coast this coming year. The inspection expires in April and when we come off the road in June, we'll be moving back to our home in So Cal. We won't be coming back to TX at any point once we leave TX in a few weeks. We are only Texans during our traveling on the road and using Escapees for domicile purposes while traveling (we're actually from So Cal where our home is at).I just called the place to get the inspection done and they said as long as we don't come back through TX, there's no need to get the inspection done. They informed me that I can still register the vehicles in TX without the inspection though. My question is: since we're not going to be coming back through TX, should we even waste our time getting the vehicles inspected? Even though the guy informed us at the vehicle inspection that we don't need to, I'd be curious to hear from someone else that has had a similar situation. I just want to make sure if this guy was correct. Obviously I could call the DMV, but of course they're gonna want me to get the inspection done.I think I'm just looking for some feedback from anyone that has had a similar issue to be completely sure.

I have passed on the NY inspection when I am not in NY, never had a problem....

Out of state no problem. Its when you come back into the state you can get ticket unless you get it do at a border city. Been there did that in Louisiana. For me its easier now just to get it done early. Also the DMV does not care about vehicle inspections only law enforcement cares.

GENECOP wrote:I have passed on the NY inspection when I am not in NY, never had a problem....I am not sure how the process works in New York applies to the OP and his vehicles being registered in Texas.

Check out this web page.From it:"The Department of Public Safety extends the time within which a certificate of inspection shall be obtained by a resident owner or operator of a Texas-registered vehicle, when the vehicle has no valid inspection certificate. The extension will be granted only on the first occasion of operation in this state during an inspection year and only until the resident owner or operator of the vehicle has arrived at his home, station, or destination in this state and for three days thereafter."So, theoretically at least, you could arrive at El Paso and then take a couple of weeks to travel across the state to your domicile before getting the inspections. I think an officer would probably ask for documentation proving you have been out of state.

Flinx777 wrote:I have my truck and 5th wheel registered in TX and we'll be heading out to travel up the east coast this coming year. The inspection expires in April and when we come off the road in June, we'll be moving back to our home in So Cal. We won't be coming back to TX at any point once we leave TX in a few weeks. We are only Texans during our traveling on the road and using Escapees for domicile purposes while traveling (we're actually from So Cal where our home is at).Do you pay taxes in CA??Do you drive around your "home" with TX platesWho issued your DL??I think you got more to worry about than a couple of dollars for an inspection sticker.

TX state inspection & being out of state for the next year

40 Replies

JJBIRISH
Explorer
Dec 26, 2013
thgoodman wrote:
Watch out for DC. They require a current inspection certificate from the state in which the vehicle is registered. This is primarily done to collect ticket revenue from MD and VA drivers who work in DC.

Do your self a favor and avoid DC or stay in a campground outside DC and take public transportation into the district for touristy stuff.

I would like to see the authority that gives DC police the right to ticket for a violation of another states laws…

First of all I would bet the state with the inspection law only says it is a violation to operate a state registered vehicle within the state while uninspected…

I don’t think any state like MD or VA can require you to have their state inspection to operate in DC, so there would be no violation until the vehicle returned to that state of registration, where I am sure they are some kind of allowances…
wandering1
Explorer
Dec 26, 2013
He is correct. I have been out of state for 3 years and didnt get the inspection till I returned. If you have a question about what other states think then contact the other states DMV and ask, dont depend on personal opinions.
Francesca_Knowl
Explorer
Dec 26, 2013
Flinx777 wrote:
We are only Texans during our traveling on the road and using Escapees for domicile purposes while traveling (we're actually from So Cal where our home is at).

In other words, you're only Texans when it comes to avoiding California vehicle registration/taxation requirements....And now you're trying to figure out how to avoid TEXAS registration requirements.

Why not shop around the other 48 States- maybe you'll find a better deal! :)
thgoodman
Explorer
Dec 26, 2013
Watch out for DC. They require a current inspection certificate from the state in which the vehicle is registered. This is primarily done to collect ticket revenue from MD and VA drivers who work in DC.

Do your self a favor and avoid DC or stay in a campground outside DC and take public transportation into the district for touristy stuff.
BB_TX
Nomad
Dec 26, 2013
I don't see that any other state could give you a ticket because your TX inspection was expired. Since you will not return to TX don't worry about it.
Still you would only be out $35 or so, if it brings you peace of mind get it inspected.
My 5er hasn't had an inspection sticker since 2008.
h2guy
Explorer
Dec 26, 2013
Flinx777 wrote:
I have my truck and 5th wheel registered in TX and we'll be heading out to travel up the east coast this coming year. The inspection expires in April and when we come off the road in June, we'll be moving back to our home in So Cal. We won't be coming back to TX at any point once we leave TX in a few weeks. We are only Texans during our traveling on the road and using Escapees for domicile purposes while traveling (we're actually from So Cal where our home is at).

Do you pay taxes in CA??
Do you drive around your "home" with TX plates
Who issued your DL??

I think you got more to worry about than a couple of dollars for an inspection sticker.
nazpaz
Explorer
Dec 26, 2013
Check out this web page.

From it:

"The Department of Public Safety extends the time within which a certificate of inspection shall be obtained by a resident owner or operator of a Texas-registered vehicle, when the vehicle has no valid inspection certificate. The extension will be granted only on the first occasion of operation in this state during an inspection year and only until the resident owner or operator of the vehicle has arrived at his home, station, or destination in this state and for three days thereafter."

So, theoretically at least, you could arrive at El Paso and then take a couple of weeks to travel across the state to your domicile before getting the inspections. I think an officer would probably ask for documentation proving you have been out of state.
I_am_still_wayn
Explorer
Dec 26, 2013
GENECOP wrote:
I have passed on the NY inspection when I am not in NY, never had a problem....

I am not sure how the process works in New York applies to the OP and his vehicles being registered in Texas.
copeland343
Explorer
Dec 26, 2013
Out of state no problem. Its when you come back into the state you can get ticket unless you get it do at a border city. Been there did that in Louisiana. For me its easier now just to get it done early. Also the DMV does not care about vehicle inspections only law enforcement cares.
GENECOP
Explorer II
Dec 26, 2013
I have passed on the NY inspection when I am not in NY, never had a problem....

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TX state inspection & being out of state for the next year

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