AUSTIN, TX – The Texas Department of Public Safety has released a public service announcement about the recent changes to the state's Vehicle Safety Inspection Program that went into effect on January 1, 2025. Under House Bill 3297, passed back in 2023, non-commercial vehicles will no longer need a safety inspection before registration.
Instead of the safety inspection drivers needed prior to registering their vehicles, drivers will now pay a $7.50 inspection program replacement fee when going through registration. This fee is implemented to replace the funds that were in place through safety inspections. According to the DPS, this fee supports state programs like highway construction.
If a new vehicle from the 2025 or 2024 model year has not been registered in Texas or another state, a $16.75 fee will cover two years of registration.
While most vehicles are no longer required to undergo safety inspections, emissions testing will still be required in certain counties, including Harris, Tarrant, Travis, and El Paso. The cost of emissions tests can vary depending on the vehicle and the county, and electric-only vehicles will remain exempt. Starting in 2026, Bexar County will also begin requiring emissions testing.
Commercial vehicles will continue to undergo safety inspections and are exempt from the replacement fee.
The registration process itself has not changed, and all vehicles still need to be registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
DPS reminds drivers to regularly maintain their vehicles to ensure safety features like lights, tires, and mirrors are working correctly. Driving with faulty safety equipment is not only illegal but can also be dangerous.
For more information, DPS has released a public service announcement in both English and Spanish. That video is available here and on the Texas DPS website.
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