What should be done if brakes do not meet the required stopping distances?

When brakes do not meet the required stopping distances during a Texas Vehicle Safety Inspection, the appropriate action is to repair the brakes and then retest the vehicle. This process is essential because ensuring that the brakes are in proper working condition is critical for vehicle safety. Brakes that do not function effectively can lead to accidents, as they are a primary safety feature that enables a driver to stop the vehicle safely and in time.

After repairing or servicing the brakes, a retest allows for the confirmation that the issue has been adequately addressed and that the vehicle now complies with the safety standards required for operation on public roads. This approach emphasizes the importance of maintaining high safety standards to protect not only the driver but also other road users.

Options that suggest a consultation only, marking as a temporary pass, or notifying the owner without a retest do not provide a satisfactory resolution to the safety concerns raised by inadequate brakes. These alternatives either leave the vehicle potentially unsafe to drive or fail to take the necessary steps to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Therefore, the best course of action is to repair the brakes and retest the vehicle.