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Vehicles registered in the State of Texas are required to receive an annual inspection. All vehicle inspections include a comprehensive safety inspection to ensure basic road worthiness.  Any vehicle registered in a county classified by Federal EPA as being in nonattainment status (17) are required to have an emissions test in addition to the safety inspection.

The cost of the annual inspection is determined by the county of registration and the what type of inspection is required.

Gasoline powered vehicles 2 through 24 years old are required to have an emission inspection. If you are in a county that requires an emission test and your vehicle is newer than 2 years or older than 24 years, you are still required to have a safety inspection.

Every motor vehicle registered in the state of Texas and operated on the streets and highways in the  state and required to be inspected shall be equipped with tires in proper and safe condition.

THE TIRE INSPECTION PROCESS:

Tires should be inspected visually and the tread measured with a tread depth gauge calibrated in 32nds of an inch if the tire does not have tread wear indicators.

No tire will be considered to be in safe operating condition unless it meets the visual and tread depth requirements set forth in the state regulations.

An inspection of the vehicle's spare tire is not required. All tires must appear to be properly inflated - even though a gauge check is not required.

The tread depth requirement of the state regulations apply to both tires of each set of dual wheels. All other inspection requirements also apply to both tires in each set of dual wheels.

Dragster tires or racing slicks without sufficient tread or which have had all tread removed are not acceptable.

THE STATE WILL INSPECT THE TIRES AND REJECT THEM FOR THE FOLLOWING:

1. Tires with any localized worn spot that exposes the ply or cord through the tread.

2. Tires that have tread or sidewall cracks, cuts, or snags (as measured on the outside of the tire) in excess of one inch in any direction and deep enough to expose the body cords.

3. Tires which have any visible bumps, bulges, or knots apparently related to tread or sidewall separation or partial failure of the tire structure, including bead area.

4. Tires which have been re-grooved or re-cut below the original groove depth, except special (re-groovable) tires which have extra under tread rubber for this purpose (commercial vehicles only) and are identified as such.

5. Any dual wheel assembly where the side of one tire is in contact with the other. (Any dual tires that contact each other.)

6. Tires that are marked "Not for Highway Use," "Farm Use Only," "For Racing Purposes Only," or with other use restrictions that would indicate the tire is not meant for highway use. This includes temporary spares, inflatable, or small high pressure spares.

7. Tires which has been repaired temporarily by the use of blowout patches and boots. Nail hole plugs or patches are not cause for rejection.

8. Tires without tread wear indicators worn so that less than 2/32 (1/16) of an inch of tread design depth remains when measured (with a tread depth gauge) at the lowest points in any two adjacent major grooves in the center or middle of the tire.

8. Tire with tread wear indicators worn so that the tread wear indicators contact the road in any two adjacent major grooves in the center or middle of the tire.

INSPECTION STICKER GRACE PERIOD:

The State of Texas offers a five (5) day grace period for vehicle owners to get their inspection sticker. An inspection certificate expires on the last day of the month that is indicated on the windshield sticker. Vehicle owners have until the 5th day of the following month to have your car inspected.

RE-INSPECTION OF YOUR VEHICLE IS FREE.

If your vehicle fails the original inspection, have the specified item(s) repaired and take it back to the inspection station where the original inspection was performed within 15 days for a free re-test. If you choose not to take it back to the station that originally performed the inspection or more than 15 days have passed since your first inspection then your vehicle is no longer eligible for the free re-test.