Many Texans are still unaware that vehicle safety inspections are no longer mandatory in the Lone Star State.

A new state law abolished the state’s Vehicle Safety Inspection Program for non-commercial vehicles. It went into effect on Jan. 1.

However, residents of 17 counties are still required to pass – and pay for – an annual emissions test. Here’s everything you need to know about what this law means for you.

Texas’ Inspection Law Changed on Jan. 1

House Bill 3297 eliminated the requirement that all Texas vehicles must pass an annual safety inspection.

This means that unless you live in one of the 17 counties that continue to require a yearly emissions inspection, you no longer have to have your vehicle physically inspected to renew your registration. 

You’ll Still Have to Pay the Inspection Fee

While skipping the safety inspection might save you time, it won’t save you money. The $7.50 state inspection fee will be transferred to the total registration cost. 

Here’s where that money will go:

• $3.50 to the Texas Mobility Fund
• $2 to the state General Fund
• $2 to the Clean Air Account

Drivers who aren’t required to pass an emissions test will likely be able to shave that expense off their total cost. That will save you between $11.50 to $18.50 year, depending on where you live.

If no testing is required, you can renew your registration (and pay the fee) online at txdmv.gov or at one of these approved substations.

New car buyers will pay a one-time fee of $16.75 to cover registration at the time of purchase.

Counties Where Emissions Testing is Still Required

These Texas counties continue to require a physical emissions inspection: Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, El Paso, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, and Williamson counties. (Bexar County will be added on Nov. 1, 2026).

If you live in one of these counties, the registration process remains unchanged from 2024.

Once your car has passed the emissions inspection, you will automatically be eligible to renew your registration online or in person at a substation.

You must present a photo ID and proof of insurance at the time of inspection. 

Many inspection stations will only accept in-state insurance documents, so if you’ve recently relocated, make sure your policy has been updated. 

Exemptions and Special Cases

Regardless of where you live, there are a few exemptions from emissions testing. They include:

• Vehicles manufactured within the last two years
• Vehicles manufactured at least 24 years ago
• Diesel-powered vehicles
• Vehicles registered as “antiques” or “classics” 
• Motorcycles 

Laws for Commercial Vehicles Do Not Change

All commercial vehicles in all counties must pass a safety inspection. Because of this, commercial vehicles will be exempt from the $7.50 inspection program replacement fee.

Unintended Consequences of the New Law

Because the safety inspections have been eliminated, some inspection stations are closing. This leads to waits in counties requiring an emissions test, so plan ahead. The location you’ve relied on for years may no longer exist or may no longer perform inspections. And the wait may be longer than in the past, so be sure to set aside some extra time, particularly in the first few months of the new law’s rollout.