Two parts: safety and emissions
Texas requires an annual safety inspection for nearly all vehicles. If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro (Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, or Rockwall County), you also need an emissions inspection. We do both — most cars in 30 to 45 minutes, walk-in.
What the safety inspection checks
- Brakes — including the parking brake
- Headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and tail lights
- Horn
- Windshield wipers (both blades, working)
- Mirrors
- Steering, suspension, and exhaust system
- Tires (tread depth and condition)
- Window tint (must meet Texas legal limits)
- Seat belts
- Glass (no cracks in the wiper-sweep area)
- VIN verification
What the emissions inspection checks
For most modern vehicles (1996 and newer), the emissions test is an OBD-II readiness check. Your car's computer reports whether all of its emissions monitors have run successfully and whether any check engine codes are present. Older vehicles may get a tailpipe gas test.
What fails most often
- Check engine light is on (instant emissions failure)
- Tire tread below 2/32 inch
- Brake light or other bulb out
- Window tint too dark on driver's window or windshield
- Cracked windshield in the driver's view
- OBD-II monitors not ready (often after a recent battery disconnect)
What it costs
- Safety + emissions (most DFW cars): $25.50 at the shop, plus the state's separate registration fee at the DMV
- Safety only (vehicles in non-emissions counties): $7.00
- Failed inspection: free re-inspection within 15 days at the same shop after repair
If you fail
We tell you exactly what failed, quote the repair, and after the fix you get a free re-inspection at the same shop within 15 days. No shuffling between locations. If we can't fix it the same day (which is rare), we'll give you the form to take to the DMV explaining the situation so you don't lose your registration window.
