Legislative bill would limit auto inspections

AUSTIN – A bill considered a victory by drivers dreading taking their vehicle in for its annual safety inspection, was recently passed Texas lawmakers,  but those living in areas such as Dallas-Fort Worth will still have to make an annual trip to the mechanic and pay a yearly fee.

The bill, which eliminates the state’s annual vehicle safety inspection requirement, was sent to Gov. Greg Abbott last week. If he signs it into law, it would go into effect Jan. 1, 2025.

Those against the change said it could put Texas drivers and others on the roadways in danger, while the bill’s supporters argue inspections are inconvenient and costly.

The inspections for passenger vehicles check a myriad of parts at once, including its exhaust system, lights, tires, brakes and windshield wipers.

Despite the state likely dropping the safety inspection, residents in 17 of the state’s most populous counties will be required to complete annual emissions inspections. Those counties include Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Tarrant and Rockwall, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Vehicles manufactured in the last two years or older than 24 years are exempt from this requirement,according to DPS.