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Since January 2025, most drivers in Texas have no longer needed to complete an annual vehicle safety inspection. This significant change, passed as part of House Bill 3297, eliminates mandatory inspections for non-commercial vehicles registered in the state, except in 17 counties where emissions testing is still required. While this may seem like a minor regulatory update, it has wide-reaching implications for road safety, liability after crashes, and personal injury claims.
At Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys, we believe Texas drivers must understand how this policy shift could impact their safety and legal responsibilities.
What Exactly Is Changing?
Under the previous law, Texas drivers must complete a vehicle safety inspection each year before they can renew their registration. These inspections check for essential safety components such as brakes, lights, tires, steering, and seat belts.
Since January 2025, these inspections are no longer required for most drivers. Vehicle owners will still need to pay an annual $7.50 fee that previously covered inspection costs, but inspections themselves—except emissions testing in designated counties—will be optional.
This means millions of vehicles may go years without a professional safety check, potentially increasing risks on Texas roads.
Why the End of Inspections Raises Safety Concerns
Annual inspections often identify hidden mechanical problems that can lead to serious crashes, like bald tires, worn brake pads, or malfunctioning lights. Without required inspections, some drivers may delay or skip necessary maintenance altogether, especially if their vehicles appear to function normally.
For example, a driver might not realize their brake system is deteriorating until it’s too late. If that vehicle is involved in a collision, questions of preventable negligence may arise.
At Glen Larson Law, we anticipate this change could lead to:
- An increase in crashes caused by mechanical failure.
- More disputes over liability in personal injury claims.
- Greater scrutiny of vehicle maintenance in litigation.
How This Affects Personal Injury Claims in Texas
Texas operates under a modified comparative fault system, meaning if you’re hurt in a crash, your compensation can be reduced if you’re partially at fault. Now that inspections have ended, if a driver causes a collision due to vehicle neglect—say, driving on worn-out brakes—insurers or opposing attorneys may argue that the driver was reckless for failing to maintain the vehicle.
This makes documenting your vehicle’s condition more critical than ever. If you’re injured by another driver whose vehicle was unsafe, our legal team will work to uncover records and prove that maintenance neglect contributed to your injuries.
Stay Proactive: What Texas Drivers Can Do
While the state may no longer require inspections, smart drivers should take proactive steps:
- Continue annual safety inspections voluntarily.
- Keep records of all maintenance and repairs.
- Visually inspect your vehicle regularly for warning signs.
- Respond to dashboard alerts or abnormal sounds immediately.
Doing so protects not only your safety but also your legal rights if you’re involved in a crash.
When to Call a Texas Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’re hurt in a crash caused by an unsafe vehicle—especially one that may have gone years without inspection—you deserve legal representation that understands both the law and the shifting landscape in Texas.
At Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys, we have the resources and experience to investigate crashes, uncover contributing factors like mechanical failure, and hold negligent parties accountable.
Call us today at (512) 883-0277 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We stand ready to pursue dedicated, driven results for you—no fees unless we win.
