As a reminder, starting on New Year’s Day, non-commercial vehicles will no longer require a vehicle safety inspection before registration. However, all non-commercial vehicles in the state will still be subject to a $7.50 inspection program replacement fee, as outlined in House Bill 3297 from the Texas 88th Regular Session. The lower chamber of the legislature voted 109 in favor, 32 against, with two present and one abstention. The upper chamber voted 20 in favor and 11 against. The bill was signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott on June 13, 2023. This inspection program replacement fee will be collected when you register your vehicle with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
In Texas, new vehicles that are from the current or preceding model year and have not been registered in Texas or any other state require an initial inspection program replacement fee of $16.75. This fee covers a period of two years from the date of purchase.
Please note that the inspection program replacement fee is not an increase in the cost of your vehicle registration. As the name suggests, this fee is simply a replacement for the revenue that previously funded state programs and operations—such as the construction and expansion of state highways—through vehicle safety inspections.
Vehicles Registered in Emissions Counties
It’s important to understand that emissions tests are distinct from vehicle safety inspections. While comprehensive safety inspections will be eliminated for all non-commercial vehicles, Texans with vehicles registered in emissions counties will still be required to undergo emissions testing. The cost of these emissions tests varies depending on the vehicle and the county. Vehicles that are currently exempt from emissions inspections, such as electric-only vehicles, will remain exempt.
Emissions tests are required in 16 counties including:
- Brazoria
- Collin
- Denton
- Ellis
- El Paso
- Fort Bend
- Galveston
- Harris
- Johnson
- Kaufman
- Montgomery
- Parker
- Rockwall
- Tarrant
- Travis
- Williamson
- Bexar County will be added to the list of counties requiring emissions tests in 2026.
Owners of electric vehicles in Texas will continue to pay an additional fee when registering their vehicles. Senate Bill 505, which was passed and signed into law also during the 88th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature, imposes a $200 annual fee for electric vehicle registration renewals and a $400 fee for new electric vehicle purchases, applicable during the initial two-year registration period. This new fee began being collected on electric vehicle registrations starting September 1, 2023, in addition to the standard vehicle registration fees and any applicable taxes. Texans can renew their vehicle registration up to 90 days before it expires. It is important to note that this fee does not apply to hybrid vehicles. Revenue generated from this fee will be deposited into the state highway fund to help finance roadway construction and maintenance projects.
Commercial Vehicles
All commercial vehicles in every county will still be required to pass a vehicle safety inspection. However, since they will need to pay for the inspection, commercial vehicles will be exempt from the inspection program replacement fee.
It’s important to note that all vehicles must still be registered, and the registration process will continue to be managed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
Even though vehicle safety inspections are being eliminated for most vehicles, the department reminds Texans to regularly service their vehicles to ensure the safety of themselves and other motorists on the road. Regular maintenance is essential for the proper functioning of critical safety features, such as headlights, taillights, horns, mirrors, windshield wipers, tires, and more. Driving a vehicle without these safety features working properly is against the law and poses a risk to everyone on the road.
