Texas refuses to renew registration of Tesla M3 without emissions test

[Watts 4 Me]

I took mine to the inspection station. He typed in what need to type in,charged me $14 and was on my way. Got my registration sticker in 2 weeks from the online website.
Just did this 2 months ago. No issues

 

[Zorak03]

Texas has emissions tests? That’s one thing I like about living in AL and FL, no emissions test, or any other inspections, whatsoever. In China I have to do an emissions/safety inspection annually and it’s a huge pain, takes all day and usually requires a bribe, although I imagine it’s probably easier in the US.

 

[Kandiru]

Was it these people?

LOL if OH required emissions testing we would have a revolution,
sooo many 10mpg utility trucks hauling the obese to non-farming jobs.

 

[Phlier]

I just spoke to a representative of the vehicle emissions division of the Texas Environmental Commission.
His explanation was that the Texas DMV reported that my vehicle (and other Tesla's) is a gasoline vehicle. Their system accepts non compliance for two testing cycles so they didn't block my registration last year but did this year.
He said they are working to catch other Tesla vehicles that have been miss-coded.
Before his call I contacted the County DMV and they advised that they would issue the registration at the tax assessors office (in spite of the block).
So, I drove to the nearest office and got my registration renewed.

The vehicle make is coded into the VIN. I’m not the greatest computer whiz on the planet, but even I could write a database query that would reflag all vehicles with a Tesla VIN to no gas engine in short order. The “we are working on it” is a great example of government at its finest.

 

[Dan203]

The vehicle make is coded into the VIN. I’m not the greatest computer whiz on the planet, but even I could write a database query that would reflag all vehicles with a Tesla VIN to no gas engine in short order. The “we are working on it” is a great example of government at its finest.

Yeah that should be no problem at all. It might be a little harder to distinguish other EVs from makes that have both, like the Chevy Bolt, but for Tesla they could just do a simple UPDATE that marked all Tesla VINs as "no gas" and be done with it.

 

[Trevor B]

dont mess w/tx

Nope, don't need to! It's messed up, as-is

 

[dmurphy]

Wow, I don’t say this often, but it’s great to live in NJ!

- no sales tax on EVs
- $5000 rebate on new purchase & leases
- no inspections needed (so no ugly windshield sticker either!)
- great solar program
- low registration costs ($71.50 annually)
- HOV lane access indefinitely

Of course, our property taxes make up for all of it. LOL

 

[brkaus]

Texas has emissions tests? That’s one thing I like about living in AL and FL, no emissions test, or any other inspections, whatsoever. In China I have to do an emissions/safety inspection annually and it’s a huge pain, takes all day and usually requires a bribe, although I imagine it’s probably easier in the US.

it depends on the county in which the car is registered. The high population counties require the emissions test. Smaller ones do not.

at least when I looked at it a while ago...

 

[CRASHER]

If you want to pass the emission test for M3, make sure to change the engine oil before going for test.

 

[RayK]

You'll also want to blow out some of the carbon from the engine and get the catalytic converter up to temperature.

 

[smartypnz]

Wow, I don’t say this often, but it’s great to live in NJ!

- no sales tax on EVs
- $5000 rebate on new purchase & leases
- no inspections needed (so no ugly windshield sticker either!)
- great solar program
- low registration costs ($71.50 annually)
- HOV lane access indefinitely

Wow !!! Lots of revenue producing opportunities there !!

Hard to raise the fees, but much easier to create them at what level the dart board gives ya.

 

[Piwacet]

I think the car comes with an emission testing mode.

 

[ebmcs03]

Knowing bureaucracy, it would be quicker to go get an emissions test. Have the tech lay the sniffer somewhere near the back of the car.

it’ll fail the test because it’s a Tesla. But a coal roller will pass with flying colors.

 

[brkaus]

it’ll fail the test because it’s a Tesla. But a coal roller will pass with flying colors.

Yup. My 2003 Cummings diesel also only requires a safety inspection. No emissions.

 

[Mrcarcrazy]

I renewed mine last month in South Texas. Had to get an “inspection”. But didn’t have the issues you are having. (We don’t have emissions testing down here though). I’m under the impression that’s a big city problem.
Glad you got it sorted.

 

[Mrcarcrazy]

Kinda off topic, but...

Yup, totally agree. Here the car dealers got together and lobbied the Texas state government to prevent Tesla from selling cars direct to consumer, and Tesla opens a huge factory right in their front yard. Wonder if it'll be considered a legal car dealership?

The law predates Tesla to my knowledge.

 

[Phlier]

The law predates Tesla to my knowledge.

It does. Short version of recent events: Tesla tried to have it changed. Dealership owners lobbied to not allow the change. Tesla builds huge factory in Texas.

 

[Phlier]

Yeah that should be no problem at all. It might be a little harder to distinguish other EVs from makes that have both, like the Chevy Bolt, but for Tesla they could just do a simple UPDATE that marked all Tesla VINs as "no gas" and be done with it.

Yup, I'd totally buy their "we're working on it" statement, if Tesla actually made a gas powered car.

 

[T3SLAROD]

I thought Texas was the land of the free and blah blah blah..... Im sure once Tesla gets up and running Texas will figure it out.

 

[FurryOne]

Is there a cocaine test involved?

Yeah - they inspect the air cleaner for traces of white powder.