Yes, most vehicles in Texas require an annual safety inspection. However, the requirement for an emissions test depends on where you live. Vehicles registered in certain urban counties must pass both a safety and emissions inspection, while those in most rural counties only need the safety check. The inspection is mandatory for vehicle registration renewal; you cannot get your new registration sticker without a valid inspection certificate.
The process is straightforward. You take your vehicle to a state-approved inspection station. The safety inspection covers essentials like brakes, tires, lights, steering, and seat belts. The emissions test, required in counties like Harris (Houston), Dallas, Tarrant (Fort Worth), and others, checks your vehicle's exhaust emissions to ensure they meet environmental standards.
| Vehicle Age (Model Year) | Typical Inspection Requirements in Designated Counties | Inspection Fee (Approximate) |
|---|
| 2-24 years old | Safety Inspection + Emissions Test | $7.00 + $18.50 = $25.50 |
| Less than 2 years old | Safety Inspection Only (Emissions exempt for first 2 years) | $7.00 |
| 25 years old or older | Safety Inspection Only (Emissions exempt for antique vehicles) | $7.00 |
| New residents (first year) | Must pass inspection within 30 days of registration | Varies by county requirements |
| Motorcycles | Safety Inspection Only | $7.00 |
If your vehicle fails, you have 30 days to get the necessary repairs and have it re-inspected for a fee of no more than $25.50. Driving with an expired inspection sticker can result in a ticket. The entire system is now linked to your registration, so once you pass, the station electronically reports it to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), simplifying the renewal process.
