Car safety inspections ending in Texas
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Texas' car registration process is more efficient starting this year, but you'll likely still take your car to a shop to get its emissions checked.
Driving the news: A new law that goes into effect Wednesday says non-commercial vehicles don't need a safety inspection for their registration.
Why it matters: A typical passenger vehicle emits around 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Emissions vary by the type of fuel, fuel economy, and the number of miles driven each year.
- Emissions testing, required by many North Texas counties, ensures that cars aren't emitting more pollutants than the allowed amount.
The big picture: Over 21 million cars in Texas were powered by gasoline in 2023, per the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Another 2.3 million cars were powered by flex fuel, which contains ethanol and gasoline. Around 230,000 electric vehicles were registered in the state.
State of play: Under the new Texas law, gas-powered, non-commercial vehicles between two and 24 model years old will no longer have to go through a safety inspection as part of the registration renewal process.
- Seventeen Texas counties — including Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall and Tarrant — still require emissions tests for gas-powered vehicles.
How it works: Search this list to find a DPS-certified inspection station near you. Once the car passes the emissions test, you can renew the registration.
- A $7.50 inspection program replacement fee will be added to the registration fee.
- Once you receive your new registration sticker, replace the old one.
The upshot: An emissions test typically takes less time than a full safety inspection.
Zoom out: Electric vehicles, diesel-powered vehicles and motorcycles will not have to go through emissions testing, per KXAN. Texas requires EV owners to pay an annual $200 registration fee, which contributes to the State Highway Fund.
- Commercial vehicles in Texas are still required to pass a safety inspection.