What Changed in Texas Vehicle Safety Law?
Starting January 1, 2025, Texas no longer requires safety inspections for most non-commercial vehicles. House Bill 3297, passed by the 88th Legislature and signed by Governor Abbott in 2023, eliminated the mandatory safety check before vehicle registration and introduced an annual $7.50 inspection program replacement fee instead. New vehicles—current or prior model year and not previously registered—must pay $16.75 covering two years
Emissions testing still applies in about 17 counties, including Harris, Dallas, Travis, and others, and will expand to Bexar County in 2026. Commercial vehicles remain subject to safety inspections as before.
Safety Implications for Drivers
Removing mandatory inspections shifts responsibility for vehicle safety entirely onto drivers. Critics warn this could increase the number of dangerous vehicles on the road. Historically, inspections identified hidden issues like bald tires or faulty brakes—defects shown to triple the odds of fatal crashes. Texas experienced 4,283 road fatalities in 2023, roughly one death every two hours.
The Legal Impact on Car Crash Claims
Stronger Scrutiny of Vehicle Maintenance
Without inspection records, defendants may argue you—or another driver—should have known about mechanical failures. They may claim the driver was negligent for ignoring safety issues. You’ll need maintenance records to counter claims.
Texas law still requires vehicles to have working safety features—brakes, lights, wipers, tires—despite the end of formal inspections. If neglect causes a crash, a court may find the driver partially at fault under the state’s modified comparative fault rule.
Preserving Evidence Matters More Now
Before 2025, an inspection sticker served as evidence the vehicle was safe at registration. Now, you should keep receipts and service records to show you maintained your vehicle. That documentation can be critical if insurers question your responsibility after a crash.
No Reduction in Legal Rights
Eliminating inspections doesn’t change your right to seek compensation. If another driver’s poorly maintained vehicle caused harm, you can still hold them responsible. The key difference is the evidence landscape has shifted—you’ll need to prove maintenance, not rely on inspection records.
What You Should Do After a Crash
- Keep maintenance records, repair invoices, and relevant documentation.
- Document the condition of your vehicle at the time of the crash with photos or video.
- Preserve any parts or evidence showing a defect—like worn tires or broken lights.
- If hit by another car, try to document visible issues with their vehicle.
- Speak with an injury attorney who knows how inspection changes affect claims.
Summary at a Glance
| Issue | Before 2025 | After 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Inspection Required | Yes (non-commercial vehicles) | No — replaced by a fee |
| Fee | Paid at inspection station | $7.50 yearly; $16.75 for new vehicles |
| Emissions Testing | Required in some counties | Still required in designated counties |
| Proof of Vehicle Condition | Inspection sticker | Maintenance records, photos, invoices |
| Crash Liability Arguments | Less focus on maintenance neglect | Greater scrutiny on vehicle upkeep |
FAQ
1. Does the new law change how accidents are judged in court? No. Laws about fault and liability remain. But with no inspection records, courts may examine vehicle maintenance more closely.
2. Can I still get a safety inspection if I want one? Yes. Some stations still offer inspections voluntarily. But you’re not required to get one.
3. Will insurers try to blame me more in crashes now? They might. If you fail to show you maintained your vehicle, they may argue contributory negligence. Documentation helps protect your claim.
4. What if I live in an emissions county? You still need to get an emissions test if required in your area. That requirement hasn’t changed.
5. Does this change my rights after a crash? Not at all. You still have the right to compensation if someone else is at fault. It only affects how you prove responsibility.
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Joe I. Zaid & Associates
Office: (346) 756-9243
