Potential Elimination of Texas Annual Vehicle Inspection: Implications for Dallas-Fort Worth

Texas could eliminate the annual vehicle inspection. What would it look like in Dallas-Fort Worth?

Vehicles registered in 17 counties, including Dallas, must still pass an annual emissions test.

Texas lawmakers recently passed a bill that would be a victory for motorists who dread having to take their vehicles in for their annual safety inspection, but those living in places like Dallas-Fort Worth would still have to go to the mechanic and pay their annual fee.

The initiative was sent to Gov. Greg Abbott last week. If he endorses it, the bill would eliminate the state’s annual safety check requirement beginning Jan. 1, 2025.

Opponents of the proposal claim it would mean danger to drivers and others on Texas roads, and supporters say the inspection is a costly hassle.

Texas is one of a dozen states that require the annual review. The inspection of passenger vehicles covers several components at the same time, such as the exhaust system, lights, tires, brakes and windshield wipers.

But even if the state repeals the requirement, residents of 17 of the state’s most populous counties will still be required to have their vehicles undergo an annual emissions inspection. Vehicles registered in 17 counties, including Dallas, will still have to pass an annual emissions test. Those counties include Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Tarrant and Rockwall, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

This is not a new requirement, but should be considered if the annual inspection requirement is eliminated.

Vehicles manufactured within the last two years and those more than 24 years old are exempt from this requirement, the DPS says. All vehicle owners, however, will still be required to pay their annual fee. Drivers will continue to pay the $7.50 annual fee, but not everyone will have to take their vehicle to a mechanic.

Those registering their vehicle in Texas for the first time must pay $16.75.

The money collected will be channeled to the state’s mobility fund, clean air fund and general revenue fund.