ChuChu,

You pointed out that a trailer Gross Weight of 4500 pounds or less is not subject to inspection(Sec. 548.052). But previously you responded to my post stating that my scenario requires inspection.

My trailer is a bass boat trailer, tandem axle and with the boat I don't think it comes close to 4500 pounds.

Maybe 3500 pounds. This is very confusing reading all responses.

From the Texas web site it states "Exceeding 4500 pounds" Mine is rated for 4500 pounds on the sticker. No more.

Still love to know where the regulation is for this statement:

"all trailers that are rated for 3000 lbs. must have trailer brakes and break away switches"

That came from a trailer website that lists all laws for towing trailers and RV's for the US. Evidently they are wrong.

Just read the law. Remember it is a lawyers law and I did not write it. Compare it to a slot limit that says fish 14 to 24 inches must be relaesed, and also says fish 14 or less can be retained. I reference slot limit for Fayette Res.

Thanks! I appreciate it.

Well cr@p, so is a 4500 lb rated trailer inspected of not? Does it start at 4501 or 4500? It reads 4500 & less but the lady at the tax office said 4500 & over.

When your plates are due to be renewed, I think you will receive a letter stating you must pass inspection before plate will be issued.

Soooooo, I was told today that Farm Trailers ARE exempt and it is indeed trailers at 4501lbs & above. So, I would assume most boats would not need inspection after all.

I think if you have a tandem axle trailer for your boat, you'll likely need an inspection.

Who told you that?

Call Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, registrations at: 512-719-6900 / Austin,TX
Give them your trailer tag number and they will tell you if your trailer registration is going to require an 'inspection', i.e., over the magic 4500lb GVW number.
Hope that helps, it sure did for me...worth a phone call
God Bless

Digging around I finally found the answer:
15.01 Vehicles Exempt from Inspection

1. Equipment:

Road-Building Equipment
Farm Machinery
* Trailers
* Semitrailers
* Pole Trailers
* Mobile Homes
Any Vehicle required to Display a Slow-Moving Vehicle Emblem

*When the actual gross weight or registered gross weight is 4,500 pounds or less.
2. A vehicle with one of the following type Texas license plates:

Paper Dealer Demonstration/In-transit/Converter Tag
Parade License
Former Military Vehicle License
In-Transit License
Machinery License
Disaster License
Farm Trailer License
Permit License
Antique License
Charitable Organization Tag
All-Terrain Vehicle Validation Sticker
3. A vehicle with one of the following Texas permits:

Factory Delivery Permits
Prorate Tabs
One-Trip Permits
Temporary 24-Hour Permits
Mobile drilling and servicing equipment used in gas, oil, or crude production having a 72- or 144-Hour Permit

There is so much confusion even at the registration office. The county clerk is saying ALL trailers have to be inspected. The local dealer that is licensed to inspect trailers admits they are not sure.

Yes sir, my tax office told me wrong twice (2 different people). A rancher friend of mine talked to the boss lady there and she laid it out like it is.

Our county clerk gave an update to the commissioners court and she said all trailers, even when she was asked about farm trailers she said yes.