DECEMBER LAST MONTH THAT CAR INSPECTIONS WILL BE REQUIRED

Special to El Rrun-Rrun

Most Texas drivers will be able to get their new registration stickers without an inspection at the start of the new year. The vehicle inspections due December are still required for plates to be issued at the tax assessor-collector's office this year.

Starting on Jan. 1, 2025, the safety inspection requirement for yearly registration will be voided for non-commercial vehicles. Drivers will have to pay $7.50 as an inspection replacement fee with their local tac assessor-collector's office at the time of license plate renewal. New vehicles will require a fee of $16.75 to cover two years.

However, if they are stopped by a law enforcement officer and faulty equipment is detected, they can be assessed a fine for the equipment violation. Martin Sarkis of SAGA Motor Vehicle Inspection, 1934 E. 13th Street, Brownsville, can provide more information to local residents on this matter.  Call (956) 435-957 for more information. 

However, commercial vehicles used for trade and commerce will still be required to have a yearly inspection. But they will not have to pay the inspection replacement fee.

There are a few counties in Texas that will still  require an annual emissions test to limit metropolitan pollution. 

The following counties will have the emissions test requirements: Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Montgomery, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, Williamson and El Paso counties. Bexar county will be added to the list in 2026.