Texas DPS: Vehicle Inspections Come to an End in 2025

AUSTIN, TX — The Texas Department of Public Safety has released a public safety announcement video informing Texans about the changes to the state’s Vehicle Safety Inspection Program, effective 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. The bill eliminates most vehicle safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles.

What’s Changing?

Starting January 1, 2025, non-commercial vehicles in Texas will no longer need a vehicle safety inspection to be registered. However, the bill establishes a $7.50 inspection program replacement fee, which will be paid when registering your vehicle with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This fee replaces the cost that was previously charged from vehicle safety inspections, which helped fund state programs, including highway construction and expansion.

New vehicles—those of the current or future model years—purchased in Texas and not previously registered in the state or another state will require an initial inspection program replacement fee of $16.75, covering a two-year period.

Emissions Inspections Remain in Effect

It’s important to remember that while vehicle safety inspections will be eliminated for non-commercial vehicles, emissions tests will still be required for vehicles registered in counties with air quality concerns. Emissions tests are separate from vehicle safety inspections and continue to be mandatory in several major metropolitan counties, including:

• Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, and Montgomery counties
• Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, and Tarrant counties
• Travis and Williamson counties
• El Paso County

In 2026, Bexar County will also be added to the list of counties requiring emissions testing. The cost of emissions tests varies by vehicle and county. Vehicles that are currently exempt from emissions inspections, such as electric-only vehicles, will remain exempt.

Commercial Vehicles Not Affected

Regardless of county, commercial vehicles will still be required to undergo a passing vehicle safety inspection. These vehicles will be exempt from the inspection program replacement fee since they will continue to pay for regular safety inspections.

Registration Process Remains the Same

Even with the changes to the inspection program, the registration process remains unchanged. All vehicles must still be registered with the Texas DMV.

Keep Your Vehicle Safe

While vehicle safety inspections are being eliminated for most non-commercial vehicles, the DPS encourages all Texans to continue regular maintenance of their vehicles. Ensuring that your vehicle's critical systems—such as headlights, taillights, tires, windshield wipers, and brakes—are in good working order is essential for road safety. Driving a vehicle with malfunctioning safety features can put everyone at risk and may be against the law.

For more information on the changes to the Vehicle Safety Inspection Program, visit the Texas Department of Public Safety’s website or watch the PSA video below: