Texas lawmakers ending need for car safety inspections in 2025

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) – Texas is one of just 13 states that requires drivers to have annual safety inspections done on cars, but in 2025 that’s going to change as House Bill 3297 is getting rid of the requirement.

Sen. Drew Springer voted in favor of the bill about the decision, and he said it’s the Texas Government’s chance to remove a step of government and give people some of their freedom back.

The main issue brought up while discussing the bill was how it would affect the safety of Texas roadways.

“I think it was a good step of Texas taking this away, taking this burden, some regulation away, and look. I think we need to look at more. You know what, it really comes from citizens, I know what citizens specifically had been talking about this for the last six years,” Sen. Springer said.

Regarding concerns of the bill’s passing reducing the condition of vehicles on Texas roads, Sen. Springer said they ultimately agreed that it was not an issue, and said he trusts Texans to do their part in checking their own vehicle.

“We think that is such a small number that gets caught on that one day once a year. Look, people drive with tires they should replace,” said Sen. Springer. “Please, check your tires, check your windshield wipers check your horn and all those other things, but to catch it on the day of that it went bad, they probably had been driving six months with it already, you know, out of compliance.”

Some mechanics disagree, such as Cole Salsman, the owner of Veteran Auto Repair in Wichita Falls, he said other states are proof the inspections keep unsafe vehicles off the road.

“It makes sure that things are getting checked that wouldn’t otherwise get checked, and states that don’t have it, I mean you can see a clear difference when you look at the condition of vehicles on the road. I mean there’s vehicles on the road that are far older and in worse shape that might have no business being on the road still,” Salsman said.

Sgt. Juan Gutierrez with the Texas Department of Public Safety says you should still occasionally inspect your vehicle, and even have a mechanic look at it whenever you get the chance.

“Whatever business that you’re going to, they will offer certain services. Have them inspect things while they’re at it, you know, go ahead and get that out of the way, that way, you know,” said Sgt. Gutierrez. “Even if it cost you a couple of dollars to get that inspection done to look at different components in your vehicle, then you know you’re going to have that peace of mind that you’re going to be safe in your own vehicle on the road.”

During 2024 Texas drivers will still need to get their safety inspections done, but beginning in Jan. 2025, you can simply pay for your tags on any non-commercial vehicles and be on your way.

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