Texas DPS Opens State-of-the-Art Inspection Facility

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) recently opened a state-of-the-art truck inspection facility in Texas, located on Interstate 10 East at mile marker 620, east of Seguin.

The Seguin Inspection Facility has been in development for five years and was accomplished through a partnership among state, local, and federal agencies, as well as the commercial vehicle industry.

“This one-of-a-kind facility will benefit the trucking industry throughout the state of Texas and beyond, and promote safety for everyone on the roadway,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “The facility will quickly and efficiently get commercial vehicles back on the road, while helping put dangerous trucks out of service on this busy stretch of highway between San Antonio and Houston.”

The station was designed by the Texas Department of Transportation and includes a number of features to expedite inspections, including a four-lane-wide awning for trucks to allow trucks that pass the initial screening to continue on their way while trucks with potential violations can be pulled over for additional safety checks.

Equipped with $1 million in technology, new features include a weigh-in-motion sensor and an over-height detector, as well as hazardous materials placard and carrier identification sensors. The sensors are connected to a computer database that identify credentialing, violation history, and any federal out-of-service orders. A thermal imaging array examines wheels and brakes for abnormalities, such as defective brakes.

The new station also features a pit for DPS troopers and inspectors to inspect brakes, linings, and other items from underneath the truck. A 90-foot platform scale also allows inspection officials to weigh an entire truck at once.