Vehicle Safety Inspections Scrapped in Most of Texas
Starting January 1, 2025, drivers in most Texas counties can ditch the annual vehicle inspection. The state legislature axed the requirement, shifting the responsibility for vehicle safety to individual drivers.
This move aims to save Texans time and money, but it’s raising concerns about road safety. The inspections, which look for issues like worn tires and faulty brakes, have been a standard practice for years.
The New Rules: What Changes?
Instead of the inspection, there’s a new $7.50 “inspection replacement fee.” For new vehicle registrations covering two years, it’ll be $16.75.
Emissions Tests Still Required in Some Areas
Don’t celebrate just yet if you live in a major metro area: emissions tests are staying put. These tests, designed to catch vehicles spewing out too much pollution, are still required in several counties to meet federal and state air quality standards.
These counties include:
- Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, and Montgomery counties
- Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, and Tarrant counties
- Travis and Williamson counties
- El Paso County
Bexar County will jump on the emissions testing bandwagon in 2026.
Why the Change?
Supporters of the change argue that inspections are a hassle and don’t offer much benefit. However, public safety officials worry the shift could lead to more accidents caused by poorly maintained vehicles. Sgt. Joe Escribano from the Travis County Constable’s Office has voiced these concerns.
What About Commercial Vehicles?
Commercial vehicles aren’t getting off the hook. They’ll still need to go through the usual safety inspections.
