Texas Vehicle Safety Inspection Repeal (HB 3297)

Summary

Starting January 1, 2025, Texas completely eliminated the mandatory annual vehicle safety inspection for non-commercial vehicles, replacing it with an annual fee.

Rights & Rules

01.
You no longer have to take your personal car or truck to a mechanic every year to have the brakes, lights, and wipers tested before renewing your registration.
02.
Instead of paying a mechanic for the inspection, you will now pay a flat $7.50 'Inspection Program Replacement Fee' directly to the state when you renew your registration online or in person.
03.
HOWEVER: If you live in one of the 17 major metropolitan counties (like Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, or Travis), you MUST still pass an annual 'Emissions Test' (smog check) to prove your car isn't polluting.

Penalties

01.
Driving with an expired registration is still a traffic violation. If you live in an emissions county and fail the emissions test, you cannot renew your registration.

Verified Citations

Texas House Bill 3297 (2023)

Source

"A vehicle described by Section 548.052 is not subject to a safety inspection under this chapter... an applicant for registration of a vehicle... shall pay an inspection program replacement fee of $7.50..."