Texas drivers will save a trip to the auto shop after lawmakers voted to eliminate the annual vehicle inspection requirement for most vehicles this legislative session. House Bill 3729 was sent to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk Monday after lawmakers approved a compromised version of the bill on Sunday.
The Legislature repealed provisions in state law that mandate annual vehicle inspections. However, the $7.50 fee remains intact under a new name: the inspection program replacement fee. Drivers in new vehicles that have not previously been registered will pay $16.75 upon registration. That money will benefit the Texas mobility fund, the clean air fund and the state’s general revenue.
During the Senate State Affairs Committee legislative session, Senator Mayes Middleton, a sponsor of the the bill had this to say…
Opponents of the bill, including Travis County Constable, Sergeant Joe Escribano cited safety concerns.
Owner of San Antonio based Official Inspection Station Charissa Barnes, voiced her concerns regarding possible impact on businesses.
17 of the 254 counties in Texas will still have to appear annually for emissions testing, due to high populations and proximity to metropolitan areas, including: Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Montgomery, Galveston, Williamson, Travis, Dallas, Tarrant, Denton, Collin, Rockwall, Kaufman, Ellis, Johnson, Parker, and El Paso counties.
Pending the Governor’s approval, the legislation goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.