Texas vehicle inspections no longer required in 2025

These new Texas laws take effect on Jan. 1

The start of the new year means the start of some new laws in Texas. One of the big ones has to deal with the process of renewing your vehicle registration.

DALLAS - Several new laws take effect in Texas at the start of 2025, but none have caught more attention than the elimination of vehicle inspections.

While the law change impacts millions of Texas, if you live in North Texas, chances are it will not impact you.

End of Vehicle Inspections

Texas laws going into effect on Jan. 1, 2025

Laws impacting state inspections, property tax and how you can manage your digital privacy will all go into effect in Texas for the new year.

In 2023, the Texas Legislature voted to remove mandatory vehicle safety inspections for noncommercial vehicles.

It does not remove emissions inspections where they are required.

Large counties like Dallas, Tarrant, Denton, Collin and several other counties will still have emission test requirements, something that was in the vehicle inspection process.

Instead of the inspection, a $7.50 fee will be assessed as an "inspection program replacement fee" that is added when the vehicle is registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

What They Are Saying: Daniel Armbruster with AAA Texas told FOX 4 that studies have shown state inspections typically don't prevent cars with issues from being taken off the road.

While vehicle inspections are no longer required, AAA still encourages drivers to get regular checks on their vehicles.

"It's important for drivers to find a trusted mechanic and have your vehicle routinely inspected. Especially before you go on a long road trip. Especially your tires, your batteries," Armbruster said.

Armbruster says the top breakdown situations seen by AAA are flat tires, dead batteries and engine problems.