The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding people about significant changes to the state’s Vehicle Safety Inspection Program that will take effect on January 1, 2025. A law, House Bill 3297, signed by Governor Greg Abbott in 2023, will eliminate most vehicle safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles.
Under the new law, Texas residents will no longer be required to obtain a vehicle safety inspection before registering their non-commercial vehicles. However, a new $7.50 inspection program replacement fee will be added to vehicle registration costs. For new vehicles purchased in Texas that haven’t been previously registered, the fee will be $16.75 to cover two years.
Who does it impact?
The proposal might impact all drivers in Texas who do not reside in the exempted areas. The legislation requires annual inspections to assess the safety of features like tires, seat belts, and brakes. A 2017 study revealed that cars with defects were three years older than the average registered vehicle.
Texas highways are notoriously dangerous, with at least one fatality occurring daily. In 2021, 4,489 people were killed in auto crashes, 1.56 deaths per 100,000 miles traveled by drivers, up from 1.36 deaths per 100,000 in 2017.
Exceptions to the Rule
It’s important to note that while the majority of Texans will no longer need a safety inspection, there are some exceptions:
- Vehicles in Emissions Counties: Residents in counties with mandatory emissions testing, including major metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio, will continue to require emissions tests. Bexar County will join this list in 2026.
- Commercial Vehicles: All commercial vehicles will still be subject to safety inspections.
Safety Concerns
The elimination of safety inspections has raised concerns among some, including vehicle inspectors, who worry about potential safety risks. Proponents of the change, such as state Rep. Cody Harris, argue that mandatory inspections are unnecessary and place an undue burden on Texans.
As the new year approaches, DPS encourages all Texas drivers to familiarize themselves with the changes to ensure compliance with the new regulations. For more information, visit the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website.
