Yes, most cars in Texas require an annual safety inspection, but the requirement for an emissions test (part of the inspection process) depends on the county you live in. The inspection must be completed before you can renew your vehicle's registration. The process verifies that critical safety components like brakes, lights, tires, and steering are in proper working order.
The type of inspection your vehicle needs is determined by your county of residence. Counties designated as part of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) require an emissions test in addition to the standard safety inspection. This primarily affects vehicles in the state's major metropolitan areas, such as Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, El Paso, and Austin. Vehicles registered in most rural counties only need the annual safety inspection.
Certain vehicles are exempt from inspection requirements. These include:
- New vehicles: A new vehicle is exempt for its first two years after purchase.
- Certain model years: In non-emissions counties, vehicles model year 1996 and older are exempt.
- Specific vehicle types: Trailers, motorcycles, and certain diesel-powered vehicles have different rules.
Failing to get your car inspected will prevent you from renewing your registration. Driving with an expired registration can lead to fines. The inspection process is designed to ensure all vehicles on the road meet minimum safety standards. You can find a complete list of inspection criteria and TERP counties on the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website.
| Inspection Criteria | Details |
|---|
| Safety Inspection (All Counties) | Checks brakes, headlights/taillights, turn signals, tires, mirrors, steering, windshield wipers, and seat belts. |
| Emissions Inspection (TERP Counties) | Applies to gasoline-powered vehicles 2-24 years old; tests for excessive emissions of pollutants like hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. |
| Exemption - New Vehicles | Vehicles are exempt from inspection for the first two years after the model year. |
| Exemption - Older Vehicles (Non-Emissions) | In counties that do not require emissions testing, vehicles model year 1996 and older are exempt from inspection entirely. |
| Inspection Cost Range | The fee for a safety inspection is set by the state at $7.00; emissions testing adds a variable fee, typically $18.50, for a total of around $25.50. |
