Texas Vehicle Inspection Changes Effective Jan. 1: Exemptions in Certain Counties
DALLAS — Get ready, Texas drivers! Big changes are coming to vehicle inspections starting Jan. 1, 2025. But before you get too excited, hold your brakes – not everyone gets to skip this annual ritual just yet.
The Texas House Bill 3297, passed during the 2023 legislative session, is shaking up the way vehicle inspections work in the Lone Star State. While some counties are getting a break, others will still have to make that dreaded trip to the inspection station.
What You Need to Know
As of the new law’s effective date, drivers in 17 of Texas’ most populated counties will no longer need a vehicle inspection before renewing their registration. However, residents in counties like Dallas, Harris, Tarrant, and Travis will not be off the hook just yet. Bexar County, home to San Antonio, will join the exemption list in 2026.
Details of the Law
Under the new legislation, non-commercial drivers in the eligible counties can bid farewell to their yearly inspection appointments. Instead, they will pay a $7.50 fee when renewing their vehicle registration, thanks to the Inspection Program Replacement Fee.
But hold on, commercial vehicle owners! This change only applies to non-commercial drivers. All commercial vehicles in Texas, regardless of county, will still need to undergo a safety inspection to hit the road.
Counties Still Requiring Inspections
For those living in the 18 counties still under the inspection mandate, it’s business as usual. Here’s the full list of counties where inspections will remain a must:
– Bexar County (starting 2026)
– Brazoria County
– Collin County
– Dallas County
– Denton County
– El Paso County
– Ellis County
– Fort Bend County
– Galveston County
– Harris County
– Johnson County
– Kaufman County
– Montgomery County
– Parker County
– Rockwall County
– Tarrant County
– Travis County
– Williamson County