Freeman F. Martin, Colonel Director, Texas Department of Public Safety | Official website
Freeman F. Martin, Colonel Director, Texas Department of Public Safety | Official website
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced changes to the state's vehicle safety inspection program, effective January 1, 2025. These changes, resulting from legislation passed by the 88th Legislature and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in 2023, eliminate many vehicle safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles.
As of January 1, non-commercial vehicles are no longer required to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before registration. However, all non-commercial vehicles must pay a $7.50 inspection program replacement fee per HB 3297 when registering their vehicles.
New vehicles purchased in Texas that have not been previously registered either in Texas or another state are subject to an initial inspection program replacement fee of $16.75, covering two years.
The DPS clarifies that this fee is not an increase in vehicle registration costs but replaces revenue for state programs like highway construction and expansion previously supported by vehicle safety inspections.
While comprehensive vehicle safety inspections are no longer necessary for non-commercial vehicles, emissions tests remain mandatory for those registered in certain counties. The price of these tests varies depending on the vehicle and county. Electric-only vehicles and others exempt from emissions inspections continue to be exempt.
Emissions tests are required in major metropolitan areas including 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; with Bexar County joining the list in 2026.
Commercial vehicles across all counties still need to pass a vehicle safety inspection but are exempt from the inspection program replacement fee due to this requirement.
The DPS emphasizes that all vehicles must still be registered through the usual process managed by the department. Despite eliminating most vehicle safety inspections, Texans are encouraged to regularly service their vehicles to ensure road safety. Proper maintenance includes checking headlights, taillights, horn functionality, mirrors, windshield wipers and tires among other critical features. Driving without these functioning properly is illegal and poses risks on the road.
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