Changes Coming to Texas Vehicle Inspections in 2025

Attention Texas drivers! Big changes are on the horizon for vehicle inspections in the Lone Star State. Starting January 1, 2025, non-commercial vehicles will no longer require state inspections for registration renewal. This is all thanks to House Bill 3291, signed into law in 2023.

However, before you celebrate, there is a catch. While state inspections are no longer needed, drivers in certain counties, particularly in major metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and El Paso, will still be required to undergo emissions testing. This means if your vehicle is registered in counties like Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston, Montgomery, and others, you’ll need to pass an emissions test annually.

But wait, there’s more. Commercial vehicles, regardless of where they are registered, will still be subject to safety inspections.

Your Questions Answered

When news of these changes first broke, many Texas drivers had questions. One common query was whether drivers who still need emissions testing will also have to pay the additional $7.50 that will be added to registration fees. Our reporter, Troy Kless, sought answers to these burning questions and more.

For more information on the upcoming changes to Texas vehicle inspections, you can visit the Texas Department of Public Safety website.