The Future of Vehicle Safety Inspections in Texas: What You Need to Know
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is gearing up for significant changes to the state’s Vehicle Safety Inspection Program, set to go into effect on January 1, 2025. Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 3297 into law in 2023, ushering in a new era where most vehicle safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles will be eliminated.
Under the updated law, Texas residents will no longer have to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before registering their non-commercial vehicles. However, a new $7.50 inspection program replacement fee will be tacked onto vehicle registration costs. For new vehicles bought in Texas that have not been registered before, the fee will be $16.75 to cover a two-year period.
Who Will Be Affected?
This change impacts all drivers in Texas who aren’t residing in exempted areas. While annual inspections will no longer be compulsory, the safety of features like tires, seat belts, and brakes is crucial. A 2017 study showed that cars with defects tended to be three years older than the average registered vehicle.
Despite these changes, Texas roadways remain perilous, with an average of at least one fatality daily. In 2021, 4,489 individuals lost their lives in auto crashes, equating to 1.56 deaths per 100,000 miles traveled by drivers, up from 1.36 deaths per 100,000 in 2017.
Exceptions to the Rule
While most Texans will no longer require safety inspections, there are a few exceptions to note:
- Vehicles in Emissions Counties: Residents in counties mandating emissions testing, including cities like Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio, will still need emissions tests. Bexar County will also join this list in 2026.
- Commercial Vehicles: All commercial vehicles will remain subject to safety inspections.
Safety Concerns
The elimination of safety inspections has sparked concerns among some, particularly vehicle inspectors, who fear potential safety hazards. On the flip side, advocates like state Rep. Cody Harris argue that mandatory inspections are redundant and impose unnecessary burdens on Texans.
As we approach the new year, DPS urges all Texas drivers to get acquainted with these changes and ensure compliance with the updated regulations. For more details, visit the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website.
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