Annual vehicle safety inspection tests will no longer be required in Texas as of January 1, 2025.
Why It's Important
While the Lone Star state is the only state to make a major change to motor safety rules this year, each state has its own regulations regarding how often vehicles should be inspected that motorists should be aware of.
What To Know
Vehicle safety inspections test numerous elements of a vehicle to see if they are roadworthy. Most motor inspections look over the brake system, body and chassis, defrost, electrical system, exhaust system, fuel system, glass and mirrors, horn, lighting system, odometer, steering, suspension, tires, and windshield wipers.
In some states, checks are required on every registered vehicle on an annual basis, such as Vermont and West Virginia.
While some states do not require regular inspections every year or other year, it is common for states to mandate checks on vehicles purchased out of state.
If your vehicle does not pass a safety inspection in a state with legal regulations, you will need to make the necessary repairs to ensure it meets compliance standards. Failing to do so could result in fines or other penalties until your vehicle successfully passes the inspection.
Emissions tests—sometimes referred to as smog tests—are also common, particularly in built up metro areas, and sometimes these are the only tests mandated by law in urban parts of a state. These tests usually involve measuring the levels of pollutants emitted from a vehicle's exhaust system.
For example, in Oregon, annual safety inspections are required, but emissions tests are only required for vehicle owners in the Portland and Medford metro areas, the most populous areas of the state.
Similar rules are in place in Missouri, where a safety check is needed every two years, but emissions tests are only mandated for the St. Louis metro area.
Despite the safety rule change, in Texas, emissions tests will still be required in 17 counties: Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, El Paso, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis and Williamson counties.
A failed emissions test usually means your car needs to be serviced or repaired before you can renew your registration and legally drive it.
What People Have Said
Sgt. Billy Ray with the Texas Department of Public Safety, speaking to the Texas Standard: "We urge people to still take care of their vehicles, still check your tires, make sure your brakes are working, headlights, tail lights and mirrors are still safe before you drive."
Republican Rep. Cody Harris said in a statement to ABC 13 in Houston: "These inspections are a waste of time for Texas citizens and a money-making Ponzi scheme used by some shady dealerships to upsell consumers with unnecessary repairs. Texans are responsible, fiercely independent, and I trust them to keep their cars and trucks safe while on the road."
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