Texas State Inspection Practice

What does the inspector check about the registration sticker?

1. It must be a certain color

2. It must be present and valid

3. It must match the vehicle's previous registrations

4. It must be displayed on the rear window

The correct answer is: It must be present and valid

The inspector checks that the registration sticker is present and valid because a valid registration sticker indicates that the vehicle is properly registered with the state and has met the necessary renewal requirements. Having a valid registration is fundamental for legal operation on public roads, and ensuring this status contributes to the overall safety and legitimacy of the vehicle during inspection processes. A missing or expired registration sticker would render the vehicle illegal to drive, highlighting the importance of confirming both presence and validity during an inspection. While the other considerations, such as color, historical matching with previous registrations, and placement on the rear window, may seem pertinent, they do not carry the same critical legal implications as ensuring the registration itself is valid and up to date. Thus, the primary focus for inspectors during the check is on confirming that the registration sticker fulfills its essential role in vehicle legality.