This conversation occurred this morning as I was working at one of my part-time jobs.

Customer: I heard today that the state is no longer to require inspections for our vehicles.

Me: I don’t think that’s right.

Customer: Did I hear it incorrectly?

Me: As I understand it, the state will keep inspecting vehicles, but just won’t put a sticker on the windshield.

Customer: I hope that’s right. I consider myself to be a libertarian, but I think it makes sense to inspect your car to make sure it’s safe and you don’t endanger other motorists on public roads and highways.

Me: I hear ya, man.

http://www.newschannel10.com/story/25862230/texas-to-no-longer-require-auto-inspection-sticker

So it went this morning. The state is going to inspect our vehicles and we are required to have it done 90 days before our motor vehicle registration is due. Here’s how News Channel 10’s website reports the issue: “The Houston Chronicle reports an owner must complete the inspection – which includes state vehicle safety and emissions tests — within 90 days of when the registration expires.

“Drivers will eventually have to show proof of a valid inspection to renew their vehicle registration. Officials say Texas will save about $2 million with the change, primarily in oversight and sticker costs.”

I’m a bit confused as to what this is supposed to accomplish. I understand that the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is going to save about $2 million annually, which I guess covers the cost of printing the inspection stickers we’ve been putting on our windshields right next to the motor vehicle registration sticker.

I’m not too concerned about the so-called hassle factor some folks think will occur. We’ll get used to it in quick order, just like we got used to the registration sticker on the windshield nearly two decades ago.

If it saves the state a few million bucks, I’m all for it.

I also am all for the state trying to ensure that our vehicles’ wheels won’t fly off when we’re driving down the freeway — at 80 or 85 mph.