Anderson Injury Lawyers | December 26, 2024 | Texas Law

Texas Inspection Sticker Requirement Ending in 2025

Texas has required annual mandatory vehicle inspections for over 30 years. The annual inspections ensured vehicles were safe to operate on Texas roads. On January 1, 2025, that will change.

Changes in Texas Vehicle Inspection Laws

House Bill 3297 was signed by the Governor on June 13, 2023. The effective date of the new law is January 1, 2025. The new law ends safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles.

A fee of $7.50 will be added to the annual vehicle registration fee when you renew your registration through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. New car buyers in Texas will pay a one-time fee of $16.75 when registering the vehicle.

The law does not change for commercial vehicles. All commercial vehicles must continue the annual vehicle safety inspection. Because the owners of a commercial vehicle must pay an inspection fee, they are exempt from the inspection program replacement fee.

Required Emissions Test for Some Vehicles in Texas

Texas counties that require emissions tests will continue to require the tests each year. If you own a vehicle in one of the following counties, your vehicle must pass an emissions test before you can renew your vehicle registration:

  • Tarrant County
  • Rockwall County
  • Parker County
  • Kaufman County
  • Johnson County
  • Ellis County
  • Denton County
  • Collin County
  • Montgomery County
  • Harris County
  • Galveston County
  • Fort Bend County
  • Brazoria County
  • Travis County
  • Williamson County
  • El Paso County
  • Dallas County

Bexar County is scheduled to join the above 17 counties requiring emissions testing on November 1, 2026. The owner must present photo identification and proof of insurance to have the vehicle inspected.

Exemptions to Emissions Tests in Texas

Some vehicles are exempt from emissions tests. These include vehicles manufactured within the past two years and at least 24 years ago, motorcycles, vehicles registered as classics or antiques, and diesel-powered vehicles.

What Types of Emissions Tests Are Performed in Texas?

The type and age of your vehicle will determine the emissions test the inspection station performs. Common types of emissions tests include:

  • On-Board Diagnostics Test (OBD): This emissions test is used for vehicles manufactured in 1996 or later. A scanner is connected to the vehicle’s OBD system to search for trouble codes that indicate a problem with the vehicle’s emission system.
  • Accelerated Simulation Mode Test (ASM): This emissions test is used for vehicles manufactured in 1995 or before. This test measures pollutants such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides while the car is being driven. The vehicle is placed on rollers to simulate driving conditions.
  • Two-Speed Idle Test (TSI): This emissions test is used for older model vehicles and vehicles that cannot be tested using other methods. Emissions output is tested when the vehicle is at idle and at a higher idle.

If your vehicle fails the emissions test, you must take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for repairs. After completing the repairs, you must take the vehicle to be retested.

Regular vehicle maintenance can improve your chances of passing the emissions test. If your check engine light comes on, have a mechanic diagnose and repair the issue before taking your vehicle for emissions testing.

The Impact of Abandoning Annual Safety Inspections for Vehicles in Texas

Proponents of the new law argue that safety inspections do not make a noticeable difference in the number of traffic accidents each year. Opponents argue that regular safety inspections help identify safety problems so the owner can fix them. Some people are concerned the new law could increase vehicle accidents related to safety issues.

The state reports 9,222 traffic crashes in 2023 were related to defective parts or systems in vehicles or failing to have required equipment. The total crashes that year were 559,329. Opponents of eliminating safety inspections might argue that the safety inspections may have identified some of these issues so that an accident could have been avoided.

Who Is Responsible for an Accident Caused by an Unsafe Vehicle?

Generally, the person responsible for causing a car accident is liable for damages caused by the crash. Negligence is a common cause of many car accidents in Texas, such as distracted driving, operating a vehicle under the influence, speeding, and reckless driving.

Failing to maintain a vehicle in a roadworthy state could also be negligent. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, a vehicle owner who failed to make repairs and maintain the vehicle in a safe condition could be liable for damages. You would need to prove the owner’s failure to maintain a safe vehicle directly and proximately led to the cause of the crash.

Suppose an owner had their vehicle repaired or serviced. The auto repair shop and mechanic could be liable for damages if their negligent work caused the vehicle to malfunction or fail. Again, you must prove the failure or malfunction caused the accident.

Vehicle defects can contribute to the cause of a car accident. Under product liability law, manufacturers may be held strictly liable if the defect caused the car accident.

What Damages Can I Receive if an Unsafe Vehicle Caused My Texas Car Accident?

Injured victims must have sufficient evidence to prove causation and fault to establish liability. Once you prove a party is liable for causing the accident, you can seek compensation for your economic and non-economic damages, including:

The value of your damages depends on the facts of your case. A car accident attorney can identify the parties responsible for your injuries and pursue a personal injury claim for the maximum value of your damages.

Get Help With a Car Accident Claim in Texas

If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, call Anderson Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. Our Texas personal injury lawyers can help you pursue a fair settlement for your injuries, financial losses, and harm. 

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Texas

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth or Dallas and need legal help, contact our personal injury lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.

Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
1310 W El Paso St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 294-1900

Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office (Secondary)
6618 Fossil Bluff Dr # 108, Fort Worth, TX 76137
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Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office
408 W Eighth St Suite 202, Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 327-8000

Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office (Secondary)
6301 Gaston Ave suite 610, Dallas, TX 75214
(469) 457-4711