AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is cracking down on fraudulent vehicle inspections through the department's "Operation Cinderblock," which focuses on vehicle inspection stations, and inspectors suspected of "clean scanning" vehicles instead of conducting required emissions testing.
Clean scanning is the illegal act of a vehicle inspector that results in a fraudulent "pass" for a vehicle's emissions test. The fraudulent test involves performing the emissions test on a different vehicle or using a simulator, which then bypasses action emissions testing of the vehicle being inspected.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Austin police, Texas DPS partner up to improve response times and increase safety
City of Austin leaders announced a plan they expect will improve safety, decrease traffic fatalities, improve police response time and reduce crime in Austin, thanks to a new partnership.
DPS says the department will be increasing enforcement action over the next 60 days to remove 135 inspectors from the program. DPS anticipates removing approximately 700 more inspectors by mid-April.
Since the launch of Operation Cinderblock in August 2022, DPS has suspended or revoked 412 vehicle inspection stations and 532 inspectors. Some cases are also being investigated for criminal offenses.
RELATED: Texas law enforcement sees increase in fraudulent vehicle sales
Vehicle emissions inspections are currently required in 17 Texas counties to improve air quality and are integrated with the annual safety inspection program.