Everything You Need to Know About Texas Car Inspections

Vehicle inspection and registration renewal used to be an annual rite of passage in Texas. But a recent change in state law means Texas drivers will no longer need to pass a car inspection to update their registration as of Jan. 1, 2025, per House Bill 3297, which was signed into law in June 2023.

However, even if a car inspection isn’t a state requirement, it’s an excellent way to ensure your car is safe to drive, protecting you and others on the road. Here’s everything you need to know about Texas car inspections.

Why Do I Need A Vehicle Inspection?

Currently, a passing vehicle inspection report is the key to renewing the state-mandated vehicle registration in Texas. (Your vehicle must pass inspection within 90 days of your registration expiration.) You can’t have one without the other. But, beyond official requirements, annual inspections help ensure that the more than 22 million registered vehicles in Texas are fit to be on the road.

Four Vehicle Inspection Benefits

Although state inspections are being phased out in 2025, there are benefits to completing one — even if it’s not required.

Preventive maintenance. If you don’t know about it, you can’t fix it! An annual inspection helps ensure that small problems don’t become costly repairs.

Save on gas. Technicians can give insight on the health of your vehicle’s emissions and fuel systems. Your vehicle requires more fuel when these systems have leaks, dirt, or cracks.

Limit your liability exposure. Keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape can help curb catastrophic accidents. Plus, an inspection also provides a report about the state of your vehicle, which can help if you’re in an accident.

Peace of mind. You can hit the road knowing that your car has been inspected — and approved — by experienced technicians. An inspection keeps you aware of worn, rugged tires or faulty brakes.

Texas Vehicle Inspection Overview

Here’s a closer look at what’s involved in a Texas vehicle inspection.

Inspection Criteria

What does an annual safety inspection check entail? Inspectors look at the following on passenger cars and pickup trucks during a routine inspection:

• Horn
• Windshield wipers
• Mirror
• Steering
• Seat belts
• Brake system
• Tires
• Wheel assembly
• Exhaust system
• Exhaust emission system
• Beam indicator
• Tail lamps
• Stop lamps
• License plate lamp
• Rear red reflectors
• Turn signal lamps
• Head lamps
• Motor, serial, or vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Gas caps
• Window tint
• License plates

How Much Does a Vehicle Inspection Cost?

A one-year safety inspection costs $7.50. That increases for vehicles registered in counties requiring an emissions test, which can add up to $10.25 to the cost, depending on where you live. Although the inspection will be waived in 2025, the fee is not. Drivers still must pay $7.50 for previously registered vehicles or $16.75 for never-before-registered vehicles.

Where Can I Get an Inspection?

There are hundreds of locations throughout the state that are authorized for vehicle inspections. Some are dedicated solely to state inspections. Others include oil change spots and auto repair shops. The Texas Department of Public Safety’s website has an inspection station locator.

What to Bring

• A valid, current driver’s license or photo ID
• Proof of insurance (all Texas drivers must have at least liability coverage)
• Payment

Changes to State Law?

Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, Texas drivers are no longer required to get an annual vehicle inspection, per House Bill 3297, which eliminated safety inspections for noncommercial vehicles. However, annual emissions testing is still required for gas-powered vehicles between 2-24 years old in 17 of Texas’ most populated counties:

• Brazoria
• Collin
• Dallas
• Denton
• Ellis
• El Paso
• Fort Bend
• Galveston
• Harris
• Johnson
• Kaufman
• Parker
• Rockwall
• Tarrant
• Travis
• Williamson

Off to College?

Texans attending an out-of-state school can renew their vehicle registration on the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website or by calling 512.854.9473. When they return home, drivers have three days to get an inspection and pay the inspection fee at the county tax office.

How to Prepare for a Vehicle Inspection

For a smoother ride, there are a few things you can do before the inspection. A mini inspection will save you time and money if you find an issue that could cause your vehicle to fail. Take a close look at:

Dashboard warning lights. Some lights alert you to routine maintenance and can be manually reset once completed. Other lights, such as the dreaded glowing check engine light, might signal something more complex.

Tire tread. Stick a penny upright in the tire’s tread. If you can see Abraham Lincoln’s head, your tires most likely won’t pass inspection.

Lights. This is a great time to check turn signals, headlights, high beams, and front and rear lights.

No matter where you’re going, do it safely! Your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent can answer your questions about auto insurance.

Registration renewal can be a great time to revisit auto insurance FAQs or ask your Texas Farm Bureau Agent about optional auto insurance coverages that can add an extra layer of security while on the open road.