Truckers traveling through the Lone Star state will soon see more inspection stations, thanks to a new law that takes effect this fall.
Senate Bill 220, signed June 15 by Gov. Rick Perry, allows Texas counties with a population of at least 2 million to set up sites to conduct safety inspections on commercial vehicles. Cities within those counties with at least 25,000 people also will be allowed to conduct heavy truck inspections. The law takes effect Sept. 1.
The law is targeted at, but not limited to, Mexican truckers. More than 80 percent of goods entering the United States from Mexico are hauled through Texas, mainly on Interstate 45 from Laredo through San Antonio, Austin, Forth Worth and Dallas. But inspections by sheriff's deputies won't be limited to the weigh stations along I-45. Other inspection points will be set up on a temporary basis.
Dallas County plans to open two new inspection stations along I-45 and begin inspecting 18-wheelers for safety violations Sept. 1, sheriff’s department officials told the Dallas Morning News. Dallas County Sheriff Jim Bowles says the “objective is to induce voluntary compliance."
Bowles says the department may eventually install weigh stations along I-20 in eastern Dallas County.
The Texas Motor Transportation Association opposed the bill, citing concern that local police departments will conduct inspections and write citations in order to generate revenue from tickets.
State Sen. Florence Shapiro, who sponsored the bill, said highway safety, not revenue, is the issue.
Senate Bill 220, signed June 15 by Gov. Rick Perry, allows Texas counties with a population of at least 2 million to set up sites to conduct safety inspections on commercial vehicles. Cities within those counties with at least 25,000 people also will be allowed to conduct heavy truck inspections. The law takes effect Sept. 1.
The law is targeted at, but not limited to, Mexican truckers. More than 80 percent of goods entering the United States from Mexico are hauled through Texas, mainly on Interstate 45 from Laredo through San Antonio, Austin, Forth Worth and Dallas. But inspections by sheriff's deputies won't be limited to the weigh stations along I-45. Other inspection points will be set up on a temporary basis.
Dallas County plans to open two new inspection stations along I-45 and begin inspecting 18-wheelers for safety violations Sept. 1, sheriff’s department officials told the Dallas Morning News. Dallas County Sheriff Jim Bowles says the “objective is to induce voluntary compliance."
Bowles says the department may eventually install weigh stations along I-20 in eastern Dallas County.
The Texas Motor Transportation Association opposed the bill, citing concern that local police departments will conduct inspections and write citations in order to generate revenue from tickets.
State Sen. Florence Shapiro, who sponsored the bill, said highway safety, not revenue, is the issue.
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