Relating to the registration and inspection of vehicles.

Contracts

• DMS Vendor Agreements: Dealership Management Systems (DMS) and fleet management software providers must be contacted immediately to program new fee codes ($16.75 for 2-year initial; $22.25 for 3-year rental).
• Lease Agreements: Update lease origination templates. The "Amount Due at Signing" or "Capitalized Cost" calculations must reflect the higher upfront cost of multi-year registration and replacement fees.

Hiring/Training

• F&I and Title Clerks: Train finance and title staff on the mandatory nature of the 24-month registration for new inventory. They must understand that the "Inspection Program Replacement Fee" is a registration surcharge, not a service payment to a mechanic.
• Fleet Managers: No new certifications are required, but internal maintenance protocols must be strengthened to replace the third-party validation previously provided by state inspections.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

• Internal Safety Logs: With the repeal of state safety inspections, the burden of proof for vehicle safety shifts entirely to the owner. Commercial fleets must implement and archive rigorous internal safety checks (brakes, tires, lights) to serve as a defense against negligence claims in accident litigation.
• Emissions Compliance: Retain proof of emissions testing for vehicles registered in non-attainment counties (e.g., DFW, Houston). The safety inspection repeal does not remove emissions requirements.

Fees & Costs

• New Inventory (Passenger/Light Truck): Collect a $16.75 one-time Inspection Program Replacement Fee (covers the mandatory 2-year period).
• Rental Fleets: Collect a $22.25 one-time fee (covers the 3-year period).
• Renewals: Collect a $7.50 annual fee added to the registration renewal cost.