What must be displayed on a vehicle that has passed inspection?

A vehicle that has passed inspection is required to display a valid inspection sticker. This sticker serves as proof that the vehicle has undergone the necessary inspections, ensuring it meets safety and emissions standards set by the state. The display of the inspection sticker is crucial as it provides law enforcement and other authorities with immediate verification of the vehicle's compliance with inspection requirements.

Without this sticker, a driver could face fines or penalties, as there wouldn’t be any official indication that the vehicle has met the standards mandated by the Texas Department of Public Safety. It also indicates to other road users that the vehicle is deemed safe for operation on public roads.

The other options, such as a certificate of ownership, a vehicle history report, and a mechanical warranty, while potentially relevant to a vehicle's registration and maintenance history, do not serve as direct evidence of compliance with inspection standards. Hence, they do not fulfill the requirement in the same way that the inspection sticker does.