Texas Drivers: Inspection & Emission Rules Shift in 2025
As of January 1, 2025, Texas drivers are seeing major changes in vehicle inspection requirements. If you’re wondering what this means for your car, or your next trip to the repair shop, here’s what you need to know.
Annual Safety Inspections Are No Longer Required (For Most)
Thanks to a new Texas law (House Bill 3297), the annual safety inspection for non-commercial vehicles is no longer required.
What’s Gone:
- Safety checks like brakes, lights, tires, wipers, and mirrors.
- The $7 inspection fee at local service stations.
What’s New:
- A $7.50 “Replacement Fee” is now added to your vehicle registration instead.
- If you’re registering a brand-new vehicle, you’ll pay $16.75 upfront to cover the first two years.
Emissions Testing Still Required in Some Counties
If you live in one of 17 specific counties, you still need to pass an annual emissions test to register your car.
Counties That Require Emissions Testing
- Brazoria
- Collin
- Dallas
- Denton
- Ellis
- El Paso
- Fort Bend
- Galveston
- Harris
- Johnson
- Kaufman
- Montgomery
- Parker
- Rockwall
- Tarrant
- Travis
- Williamson
(Bexar County (San Antonio) will join this list starting November 1, 2026.)
Exempt Vehicles:
- Electric vehicles (though they now pay a $200 annual registration fee)
- Motorcycles
- Diesel vehicles
- Antique/classic vehicles (25+ years old)
- Cars older than 24 model years
Commercial Vehicles Are Not Affected
Commercial vehicles still require an annual safety inspection, and do not pay the $7.50 replacement fee.
Even though inspections are no longer required, safe vehicles still matter. Here’s how we can help:
Optional Safety Checks:
We’ll gladly inspect your brakes, lights, tires, and more to help you avoid costly repairs or breakdowns.
Emissions Test Prep
If you live in an emissions county, we offer:
- Pre-inspection diagnostics
- Repairs to help pass testing
- Certified emissions testing at select locations
Stay Road-Ready—Book Your Appointment Today!
Even with fewer inspection requirements, regular maintenance keeps your vehicle safe and reliable. Whether you need an emissions test, pre-inspection check, or just peace of mind, we’re here to help.