"Ya'll" guys who don't live in Texas never heard of a state inspection? Texas law requires an annual (but I believe a new car first inspection isn't until 18 months) state inspection. State inspections can be done almost any place, including many oil change shops, mechanic shops, and dealerships. The purpose of the inspection is to check for fundamental safety items on the car. A person certified to perform inspections will check the following:
05.01 Inspect Every Passenger Car For: (Listed in suggested order of inspection)
* Check for evidence of Financial Responsibility
1. Horn
2. Windshield Wipers
3. Mirror
4. Steering
5. Seat Belts
6. Brakes (system) (Parking - beginning with 1960 models)
7. Tires
8. Wheel Assembly
9. Exhaust System
10. Exhaust Emission System (beginning with 1968 models)
11. Beam Indicator (beginning with 1948 models)
12. Tail Lamps (2); (1) if 1959 model or earlier
13. Stop Lamps (2); (1) if 1959 model or earlier
14. License Plate Lamp (1)
15. Rear Red Reflectors (2)
16. Turn Signal Lamps (beginning with 1960 models)
17. Head Lamps (2)
18. Motor, Serial, or Vehicle Identification Number
19. 1988 & newer - inspect for window tinting or coating
20. Gas caps on vehicles 2-24 model years old.
Inspectors will also be checking for color of your bulbs and darkness of tinting. If your car fails, then you will not be re-issued a state inspection sticker. Without a state inspection sticker, the police can pull you over and give you a fine.
People in Texas who have clear reflectors or painted reflectors, will pop them out, and insert the stock ones before they go get their state inspection. That is why in Texas, a Euro bumper would never fly, although it looks awesome.
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/vi/Misc..._faq.htm#items