The safety inspection rules changed
Texas DPS states that non-commercial vehicles no longer require a safety inspection before registration from January 1, 2025. Commercial vehicles follow separate inspection requirements. Older advice telling every passenger-car owner to obtain a safety inspection is outdated.
Emissions requirements still depend on the county
Vehicles subject to emissions testing in the participating counties still need the applicable test before registration. DPS announces that Bexar County joins the program on November 1, 2026. Check current eligibility for your vehicle rather than applying a statewide assumption.
Compare repair plans with selling
If you are deciding whether to keep the car on the road, get the diagnosis and registration requirements before authorizing work. If you want to sell it, tell us it has failed a test or will not run so the offer reflects its condition.
Arrange collection for an unsafe vehicle
Free towing is part of our purchase service. Do not drive a car with unsafe brakes, steering or flood damage to a buyer or inspection station. Confirm the ownership documents needed for the transaction separately.
Official sources.
Sources reviewed September 26, 2026. Use the current instructions for your vehicle and transaction.