Texas inspection changes, 2025
Short answer: Since 1 January 2025, non-commercial vehicles in Texas need no safety inspection before registration, under House Bill 3297. Owners pay a $7.50 fee instead, and Dallas County vehicles still need emissions tests[1].
What changed on 1 January 2025?
The Texas Department of Public Safety says changes that “eliminate many vehicle safety inspections” took effect on 1 January 2025 under House Bill 3297, and that “non-commercial vehicles no longer need a vehicle safety inspection prior to registration”[1]. Commercial vehicles in all counties still need to pass a safety inspection[1].
What replaced the inspection?
| Vehicle | Fee | When paid |
|---|---|---|
| Non-commercial vehicles | $7.50 | At registration with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles |
| New vehicles (current or preceding model year, never registered) | $16.75, covering two years | At first registration |
| Commercial vehicles | Exempt from the fee | They still pay for a safety inspection |
DPS says the fee “is not an increase in the cost of your vehicle registration” but replaces revenue that inspections once supplied[1].
Do emissions tests continue?
Yes, in the counties that had them. DPS says “Texans whose vehicles are registered in emissions counties are still required to have emissions tests”[1]. The counties are:
- Houston area: Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris and Montgomery.
- Dallas–Fort Worth area: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall and Tarrant.
- Austin area: Travis and Williamson.
- El Paso County.
- Bexar County is to be added in 2026.
That makes 17 counties, with Bexar to follow[1]. Electric-only vehicles and other exempt vehicles remain exempt.
What does this mean for windshields?
Under the old program, the safety inspection was where many drivers learned that a crack or a missing wiper had to be fixed. With no inspection for most cars, nothing in registration now prompts a glass check. The law itself has not changed: obstructed views remain an offense, and replacement glass must still be safety glazing[2][3]. See cracked windshields and Texas law.
How does this affect Dallas County drivers?
A private car registered in Dallas County pays the $7.50 replacement fee at registration and still needs an emissions test, but no safety inspection[1]. The same applies in Collin, Denton and Rockwall counties, the other counties Faith Auto Glass names for mobile service[4][1].
What should owners check themselves?
- Windshield: chips and cracks, especially in front of the driver.
- Wipers: blades that streak or chatter; Texas still requires working windshield wipers on vehicles with a windshield[5].
- Mirrors and rear view: a broken back glass with no outside mirrors is a visibility problem.
- Window film: dark film added after purchase may break the 25% rule[2].
- Lights, tires and brakes: no longer inspected yearly, still the driver’s duty.
Where can I read the rule?
DPS publishes the change in its news release “Vehicle Safety Inspection Program Changes Now in Effect”[1]. It reminds Texans “to regularly service their vehicles to keep themselves and other motorists safe on the road”[1].
Citations
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Vehicle Safety Inspection Program Changes Now in Effect. Texas Department of Public Safety. Seen 9 November 2026.
- ^ a b Texas Transportation Code § 547.613, restrictions on windows. Texas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes). Seen 9 November 2026.
- ^ Texas Transportation Code § 547.608, safety glazing material required. Texas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes). Seen 9 November 2026.
- ^ About Faith Auto Glass. Faith Auto Glass (faithautoglassdallas.com). Seen 9 November 2026.
- ^ Texas Transportation Code § 547.604, windshield wipers required. Texas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes). Seen 9 November 2026.
Read next
- Cracked windshields and Texas law
- DFW service area
- Dallas County hail data
- Location and hours
- Hail and windshields
Reader questions
Does Texas still require car inspections?
Not for non-commercial vehicles since 1 January 2025; commercial vehicles still need them.
Does Dallas County still require emissions testing?
Yes. Dallas is one of 17 emissions counties.
What is the Texas inspection replacement fee?
$7.50 at registration, or $16.75 for two years on a new vehicle.