Texas State Inspection Practice

What must be inspected regarding seatbelts?

1. They must be present and fully operational

2. They should be color-coded for safety

3. They can be replaced with aftermarket options

4. Only the front seatbelts are inspected

The correct answer is: They must be present and fully operational

For Texas state inspections, the requirement regarding seatbelts is that they must be present and fully operational. This means that every seatbelt installed in the vehicle should not only be in its designated location but also function correctly to ensure passenger safety. An operational seatbelt should latch securely and release without any issues. This requirement is crucial for the protection of vehicle occupants in the event of a crash since seatbelts play a significant role in reducing injuries and fatalities. Other aspects, such as color-coding for safety or the potential for aftermarket replacements, do not form part of the mandatory inspection criteria. While aftermarket seatbelts can be lawful and safe when properly certified, the inspection itself focuses on the presence and functionality of the seatbelts rather than their brand or styling. Additionally, the inspection assesses all seatbelts in the vehicle—not just the front ones—ensuring that every seating position equipped with a seatbelt meets safety standards.