If you live in Texas, the roads are about to get a little less safe. A new law goes into effect January 1st, 2025, that ditches safety inspections for most drivers. Yes, we're talking about an end to annual safety vehicle exams, as in no brake or headlight testing, and all the other vehicle checks that are part of the comprehensive process. The change in the law applies to non-commercial vehicles only, commercial vehicles will still need to comply with it. Note, emissions testing is still required in so-called emissions counties.
This all came about from House Bill 3297 which was signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in 2023. It abolishes the Vehicle Safety Inspection Program for non-commercial vehicles. However, vehicle owners still have to pay a $7.50 inspection program replacement fee to get your car registered with the state. The fee will be added to your total when you register your vehicle with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
Our very own Jerry Reynolds, host of the Car Pro Show, weighs in on the topic:
"I don't view this as good news for Texans," said Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds. "The average age of cars on the road right now is 12 1/2 years old. That means many are two decades old or more. The only thing making sure the lights, blinkers, horns, and most importantly, brakes work currently is the annual inspection sticker. This is not good news for your safety on the roads. Best of all, we still get to pay for them!"
Under the new law, if you have a new vehicle (those of the current or preceding model year on the date of purchase) purchased in Texas that hasn't been previously registered in Texas or another state, owners will be required to pay an initial inspection program replacement fee of $16.75 to cover two years.
Vehicles Registered in Emissions Counties
While vehicle safety inspections are going away for all non-commercial vehicles, Texans with vehicles registered in emissions counties will still be required to have emissions tests. This includes 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; and El Paso County. Bexar County joins the list of counties requiring emissions tests in 2026.
Commercial Vehicles
All commercial vehicles in all counties will still be required to obtain a passing vehicle safety inspection. Since they'll be required to pay for that safety inspection, commercial vehicles won't have to pay the inspection program replacement fee.
All vehicles will still need to be registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles which will continue to manage the registration process.
Photo Credit: TxDOT.