The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has released a new public safety announcement (PSA) to inform Texans about upcoming changes to the state’s Vehicle Safety Inspection Program, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
These changes, outlined in House Bill 3297, will eliminate most vehicle safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles. The bill, passed by the 88th Legislature and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in 2023, ends the program for non-commercial vehicles statewide.
Key changes for non-commercial vehicles
Starting New Year’s Day, non-commercial vehicles will no longer require a safety inspection prior to registration. However, owners of these vehicles will pay a $7.50 inspection program replacement fee during vehicle registration, as mandated by HB 3297.
For new vehicles purchased in Texas that have not been previously registered in Texas or another state, an initial inspection program replacement fee of $16.75 will apply, covering two years.
DPS emphasizes that the inspection program replacement fee does not increase the overall cost of vehicle registration. Instead, it reallocates revenue previously generated by vehicle safety inspections to support programs such as state highway construction and expansion.
Emissions testing in certain counties
Although vehicle safety inspections will no longer be required for non-commercial vehicles, emissions testing requirements remain in place for vehicles registered in emissions counties. These tests differ from safety inspections and will still be mandatory in areas such as:
- Houston Area: Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, and Montgomery counties
- Dallas-Fort Worth Area: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, and Tarrant counties
- Austin Area: Travis and Williamson counties
- El Paso County
Beginning in 2026, emissions testing will also be required in Bexar County. Fees for emissions tests vary by county and vehicle type. Electric-only vehicles and other exempt vehicles will remain exempt from emissions testing requirements.
Commercial vehicles
Commercial vehicles in all counties will still be required to pass a vehicle safety inspection. These vehicles are exempt from the inspection program replacement fee since they will continue to pay for safety inspections.
Regular maintenance encouraged
Even as safety inspections are eliminated for most vehicles, DPS urges Texans to prioritize regular vehicle maintenance to ensure the safety of all road users. This includes checking headlights, taillights, horns, mirrors, windshield wipers, tires, and other critical components. Operating a vehicle without properly functioning safety features is not only dangerous but also illegal.
Vehicle registration will continue to be managed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. For more information, visit the DPS website or contact your local DMV office.
Below is a video message from DPS about the new changes: