Starting January 1, 2025, vehicle safety inspections will be a thing of the past for most Texans when House Bill 3297 goes into effect.
This is what led to that change.
Why did Texas eliminate mandatory vehicle inspections?
In 2023, HB 3297 was signed into law, eliminating the requirement for state inspections of non-commercial vehicles.
Advocates argued that eliminating the annual inspection requirement would save Texas drivers money. One- and two-year safety inspections (for new vehicles) cost $7, and up to $25 more for safety emissions inspections, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
During the inspection, the following safety and emission aspects are checked, among others:
Supporters also noted that eliminating the requirement would make it easier for Texas drivers, particularly in rural areas where access to inspection stations may be limited. It would also reduce the administrative burden on the state government, which must oversee the inspection program.
All non-commercial vehicles in the state are subject to a $7.50 Inspection Program Replacement Fee. This fee is added to the total when you register your vehicle with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
New vehicles purchased in Texas that have not previously been registered in Texas or another state are subject to a $16.75 replacement fee for the initial inspection, which covers two years.
Is an emissions test still required in Texas?
Depending on the region you live in, your vehicle may still need to pass an emissions test.
Drivers in counties surrounding major Texas cities such as Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, El Paso and Houston are required to take an emissions test.
San Antonio will be added to this list in the future.
Which Texas counties require emissions testing?
These are the provinces that require emissions testing to meet federally mandated clean air requirements:
How much do safety emission tests cost?
In Texas, the cost of safety emissions testing varies depending on the county and the type of vehicle, but typically ranges from $11 to $25. Counties that require emissions testing include the larger metropolitan areas such as Houston, Dallas, and Austin.
This is what you pay in the following countries:
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Safety emissions (El Paso, Travis and Williamson counties): €18.50
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Safety emissions ((Dallas, Tarrant and Harris counties): €25.50
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Emissions-only vehicles (El Paso, Travis and Williamson counties): €11.50
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Emissions-only vehicles (Dallas, Tarrant and Harris counties): €18.50
This article originally appeared on the Austin American-Statesman: Vehicle safety inspections in Texas to end in January 2025: What you need to know
