It’s now 2025, and while you’re in the midst of New Year’s resolutions/goals/mindset changes/other new mantras or plans for 2025, one thing that might have slipped your mind is the change in Texas' annual vehicle inspection laws. The state law until Jan. 1st was to require the inspection, and now it’s replaced with a $7.50 inspection fee, plus an emissions test if you live in one of the seventeen counties in Texas that require it. The new law is controversial because, according to the Texas Department of Transportation’s findings, in 2023, most traffic accidents were caused by defective brakes and tires--both of which would be found during routine vehicle inspections.
Still, the change is now signed into law and went into effect on January 1, so I’ve compiled some questions and answers you may have.
Why did the Texas Legislature change the law?
Some lawmakers in Texas felt that vehicle inspections were expensive and had little benefit, so the time and money spent were not worth it. “Vehicle inspections are costly, time-consuming, and provide little benefit,” State Sen. Mayes Middleton said in support of House Bill 3297, which passed in 2023.
Do I have to get an Emissions Test?
Seventeen counties require emissions tests. Harris County is one of them, as our several surrounding counties including Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, and Montgomery counties. If your vehicle is registered in one of the listed counties below, you are required to have your vehicle's emissions tested.
- Brazoria
- Collin
- Dallas
- Denton
- El Paso
- Ellis
- Fort Bend
- Galveston
- Harris
- Johnson
- Kaufman
- Montgomery
- Parker
- Rockwall
- Tarrant
- Travis
- Williamson
Bexar County will also require an emissions test starting in 2026.
Do all cars have to get an emissions test?
Gasoline-powered vehicles that are 2-24 years old must be tested. Meaning, if your car is from 1998, which would be 25 years old, it is not required to get an emissions test. You can just proceed as usual to renew your vehicle.
If I get the emissions test do I still have to pay the $7.50?
Yes, if you live in a county requiring an emissions test, you will still be required to pay the $7.50 at the time of vehicle registration. It will appear as "Inspection Program Replacement Fee."
Where can I get an Emissions test?
Auto repair shops and other auto service centers should be able to assist you, but the Texas Department of Public Safety also has a tool for locating a place near you: TDPS Inspection Station Locator
Does the library have books to help me with my car?
Yes! We have books and free online resources to help you keep your vehicle in tip-top shape.
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