Texas Vehicle Safety Inspections to Change in 2025

AUSTIN, TX — The Texas Department of Public Safety sent a release reminding Texans that significant changes to the state’s Vehicle Safety Inspection Program will take effect on January 1, 2025. These changes result from House Bill 3297, passed by the 88th Legislature and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in 2023, abolishing the Vehicle Safety Inspection Program for non-commercial vehicles.

Starting New Year’s Day 2025, non-commercial vehicles will no longer require a safety inspection before registration. According to the release, however, owners will still need to pay a $7.50 inspection program replacement fee when registering their vehicles with the DMV.

New vehicles not registered will be charged the initial inspection program replacement fee of $16.75, which covers two years. This fee does not increase vehicle registration costs but is a new revenue source for state programs previously funded by safety inspections.

While comprehensive inspections will be eliminated for non-commercial vehicles, those registered in emissions counties will still need emissions tests, with costs varying by vehicle and county. Areas requiring emissions testing include major metropolitan regions like Harris, Dallas, and Travis counties.

Bexar County will join the list of counties requiring emissions tests in 2026. Commercial vehicles will still be required to pass vehicle safety inspections but will be exempt from the inspection program replacement fee.

All vehicles must still be registered through the Texas DMV.

Despite the changes, the DPS emphasizes the importance of regular vehicle maintenance to ensure safety on the road and proper servicing helps maintain critical functions such as headlights, taillights, and tires. Driving without these essential safety features is illegal and poses risks to all motorists.