Texas Vehicle Inspection Requirements: What You Need to Know

If you own a vehicle, it should be your duty to keep yourself and other drivers safe on the road. Getting your vehicle inspected by a certified inspector is the first significant step to ensure safety.

Today, the topic of discussion is Texas vehicle inspection requirements. The state has specific rules for vehicle inspections. If you’ve just moved to Texas and bought a new vehicle, you must be familiar with the state inspection process and rules.

Your vehicle must pass the inspection test to make sure it meets safety and, in some areas, emissions standards. This test ensures your car is running well, that emissions aren’t harming the air, and that all lights and brakes are in working condition.

If your vehicle didn’t meet the inspection requirements, it can lead to fines, registration issues, or even being pulled over. In the article below, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Texas car inspection requirements.

What Type of Vehicles Need a Texas State Vehicle Inspection?

In 2023, the Texas legislature passed House Bill 3297, which introduced significant changes to the state’s vehicle inspection laws. As per the new laws, the safety inspection of non-commercial vehicles was discontinued from January 1, 2025.

Instead, the owners were asked to pay an Inspection Program Replacement Fee of $7.50 each year. Commercial vehicles still have to go through the safety inspection.

Before the changes were made in the inspection law, all commercial and non-commercial vehicles registered in the state had to undergo an annual inspection in Texas. However, some vehicles are exempt from specific inspection requirements.

For example, classic and antique vehicles that are at least 25 years old are exempt from emissions inspection, though they still have to undergo a safety check.

What is the Texas State Vehicle Inspection Process?

First, let’s discuss the process of Texas state vehicle inspection. What is being tested?

A certified inspector will thoroughly examine your car for safety components during the Texas state vehicle inspection.

• Before starting the inspection, the inspector will review the vehicle’s insurance to confirm the driver’s name, the policy number, the make and model name, and the effective and expiration dates. If you don’t have proof of insurance, the inspector will not check your vehicle.
• Next, the inspector will conduct a road test to confirm the brakes are working well. This test includes bringing a typical passenger car to a smooth stop within 25 feet or a truck to a stop within 30 feet. The inspector will also check for the brake lights. If the lights are not working, your vehicle will be rejected.
• The inspector will look inside the vehicle to confirm that the following items are functioning safely;
  • Brake pedal reserve
  • Seat belts
  • Mirrors
  • Horn
  • Turn Signals
  • Steering
  • High beam indicator
  • Windshield wiper controls
• After inspecting the vehicle from inside, the inspector will look outside and test the following;
  • Wipers
  • Lighting equipment
  • Gas cap
  • Mud flaps
  • Tires
• Now, the inspector will get under the vehicle to check the condition of the parking brake, service brake, and exhaust system.
• Lastly, the inspector will check for the exhaust emissions system, the master cylinder, the power steering system, and the exhaust manifold.

In addition to these safety components, vehicles in certain counties have to go through the emissions test. This test ensures the pollutants emitted from the vehicle’s emission system comply with air quality regulations.

Specialized equipment is used to measure the levels of pollutants, such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides.

How Long Does it Take to Complete this Inspection Process?

It looks like a vehicle inspection is a long process. But it is not. However, the time for the inspection varies depending on the type of vehicle and specific tests required.

Some sources claimed that it typically takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete.

Types of Texas Vehicle Inspections

There are two types of Texas state car inspections, Safety inspection and emissions inspection.

• Safety Inspection: A Safety inspection ensures your car is safe to drive. During the inspection, some key parts of your vehicles will be inspected, including brakes, lights, horn, windshield wipers, tires, seat belts, and mirrors. If any of these components doesn’t work well, the vehicle will be considered unsafe.
• Emissions Inspection: As discussed above, some Texas counties also require emissions inspection. During the inspection, the amount of pollution your vehicle releases into the air is measured. It will help to know whether your car meets air quality standards. Emissions inspection is required in certain counties, such as:
  • Brazoria
  • Collin
  • Dallas
  • Denton
  • Ellis
  • El Paso
  • Fort Bend
  • Galveston
  • Harris
  • Johnson
  • Kaufman
  • Montgomery
  • Williamson
  • Travis
  • Tarrant
  • Rockwall
  • Parker

What is the Purpose of a Vehicle Inspection?

The primary purpose of a vehicle inspection is to ensure a vehicle is safe and roadworthy. The inspection will help you identify any mechanical defects that could lead to life-threatening accidents.

Regular inspections are also crucial to maintain vehicle safety, extend the vehicle’s lifespan, and ensure adherence to legal requirements. It is about you and other drivers’ safety on the road, so make sure to take your car in for a state vehicle inspection from a certified inspector.

How Much Does a Texas State Vehicle Inspection Cost?

As I’ve mentioned above, according to the new inspection laws, non-commercial vehicle owners were asked not to submit their vehicles to annual safety inspections. Instead, they have to pay a yearly Inspection Program Replacement Fee of $7.50.

On the other hand, commercial vehicles still must undergo the safety inspection, which costs around $40.00. If you’re living in one of the counties that require emissions inspection, you have to pay a separate fee.

However, this fee varies depending on the area. For the Dallas–Fort Worth and Houston regions, the cost of vehicle inspection is around $18.50. On the other hand, for El Paso, Travis & Williamson counties, the cost of inspection will be $11.50.

If you’ve recently bought a new car, you have to pay an initial fee of $16.75 for the inspection, and you will not have to pay any fee for the following year.

When and How to Get Your Vehicle Inspected?

In Texas, you must take your vehicle for a state inspection once every year before renewing the registration. The inspection must be completed within 90 days of your registration renewal date.

You can get your vehicle inspected at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)-licensed inspection station. This inspection station is often found at local auto repair shops, service centers, tire shops, and even some dealerships.

Make sure to look for the official green-and-white “Vehicle Inspection Station” sign, so you get your vehicle inspected at a certified place only.

Documents Required for Vehicle Inspection

Certain essential documents are required to start the inspection of your vehicle. These documents include a valid Texas auto insurance, your current vehicle registration, or, if you’re a new resident, your out-of-state title and registration paperwork.

What Could be the Possible Reasons Your Vehicle Failed the Texas State Vehicle Inspection?

There are several reasons your vehicle may fail a Texas state inspection.

• A blinking check engine light may signal a significant mechanical issue in your vehicle that could lead it to fail the state inspection.
• Some common safety-related issues, such as worn or damaged tires, a faulty horn, malfunctioning brakes, or broken lights, could also lead to inspection failure.
• If your vehicle exceeds the allowable levels of pollutants, it could fail the emissions inspection in certain counties.

What Should You Do If Your Vehicle Fails the Texas State Inspection?

If your vehicle fails the inspection, you should immediately take your vehicle to the mechanic to get the issue fixed. After fixing the problem, you can have your vehicle re-inspected.

What Consequences Will You Face If Your Vehicle Fails the Inspection?

Failing the Texas state vehicle inspection can result in various penalties. Under Texas Transport Code Section 548.604, driving a car without a valid inspection sticker is punishable.

If you’re the first offender, you’ll be fined up to $200. But if you keep repeating the mistake, you may be subject to higher fines and potential legal consequences. To avoid these penalties, make sure to address any issues promptly and inspect your vehicle as required.

Tips to Pass the Texas State Vehicle Inspection the First Time

You can follow these tips to be ready before your vehicle inspection.

• Make sure all brake lights and headlights are in working condition.
• Check for any slow stopping or grinding.
• Ensure the tires are properly inflated.
• Repair any major cracks on the windshield.
• Make sure all mirrors are secure and undamaged.
• Ensure seat belts latch and retract properly.
• Regularly change your oil and follow your car’s maintenance schedule.
• Make sure to keep the exhaust system in good condition to avoid excess emission of pollutants.
• Before taking your vehicle for inspection, drive it for at least 15-20 minutes to familiarize yourself with any internal issues, like experiencing a shake while accelerating. 

Wrapping Up

Passing the Texas state vehicle inspection is not only about following the law; it is about keeping your vehicle, yourself, and other drivers safe on the road. This inspection will ensure your vehicle is running efficiently while meeting environmental standards.

By knowing the right inspection laws, preparing your vehicle for the test, and visiting a certified inspection station, you can make the process easy and quick.

Despite the changes made to the laws due to House Bill 3297, regular vehicle maintenance and safe driving habits remain critical.

However, these changes were made to streamline the vehicle registration process and reduce the burden on Texas drivers. In the end, you must have your vehicle regularly inspected to help maintain roads as safe and clean as possible.

Safe Driving!

Sources: The Wilhite Law Firm, Wikipedia, Texas Department of Public Safety