State vehicle safety inspections no longer mandatory in 2025

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - The Texas Department of Public Safety is reminding Texas drivers that beginning January 1 state vehicle inspections will no longer be mandatory.

This is a result of HB 3297, signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott back in 2023, which is getting rid of the Vehicle Safety Inspection Program for non-commercial vehicles.

Drivers will still need to renew their registration on a yearly basis through the Department of Motor Vehicles. There will be a $7.50 inspection replacement fee added to the total after registration.

While it is not mandatory, it is still recommended that drivers take their vehicles in for a wellness check at least once a year.

“Even though they are doing away with state inspections, yearly get your vehicle in,” said Caleb Wills, a Service Advisor for Christian Brothers Automotive in Woodway. “At least have an inspection done like a pre-trip inspection or a wellness inspection of some kind, just to make sure you are keeping your vehicle safe for other people on the road.”

Drivers should regularly check their vehicles for possible issues, specifically the tires and brakes, as these are common issues seen by auto shops, according to Wills.

Ryan Fagan, a Customer Experience Manager with Bird Kultgen Ford in Waco, says it is important to go somewhere you trust when receiving vehicle maintenance and to be sure to ask plenty of questions.

“Ask the questions, lean on your service departments, go somewhere you trust,” Fagan said. “If you go to the right places and get your car serviced the right way, they are looking for those things anyway and keeping your car safe for you.”

This only affects non-commercial vehicles. All commercial vehicles are still required to receive a passing vehicle safety inspection.

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