Vehicle Inspection Law 

Ensuring that each of your vehicle systems are functional helps prevent accidents, keeps the vehicle safe to drive, and ensures compliance with Texas laws.

On January 1, 2025, Texas no longer required annual safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles, but emissions inspections are still mandatory in most large metropolitan areas to ensure air quality standards are met. An emissions inspection is required in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, and Tarrant counties.

While the annual safety inspection requirement has gone away for non-commercial vehicles, maintaining the safety features of your vehicle remains a legal obligation. Broken headlights, faulty brakes, and other safety defects are still illegal and can result in tickets, fines, or liability if they contribute to an accident. It is now your responsibility as a vehicle owner to regularly check these systems and ensure they are in proper working order, repairing or maintaining them as needed to stay compliant with the law and keep Texas roads safe. 

◙ Horn

• Check: Press the horn and listen for a loud, clear sound.
• Importance: A functioning horn is crucial for alerting other drivers or pedestrians in emergencies.
• Law: Texas law § 547.501 requires that the horn be audible at a distance of at least 200 feet.

◙ Windshield Wipers

• Check: Turn them on and ensure they smoothly clear the windshield without streaking.
• Importance: Wipers ensure visibility during rain or snow, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Law: Texas law § 547.603 mandates wipers in good working order on any vehicle with a windshield.

◙ Mirrors

• Check: Inspect side and rearview mirrors for cracks and ensure they provide a clear view.
• Importance: Mirrors enable drivers to see behind and around the vehicle, helping avoid collisions.
• Law: Texas law § 547.602 requires at least one rearview mirror for a clear view of the road behind.

◙ Steering Wheel / Column

• Check: Move the wheel back and forth to ensure smooth, responsive steering.
• Importance: Proper steering control is essential for safe driving, allowing quick maneuvers to avoid hazards.
• Law: Texas law § 547.233 requires functional steering systems for safe vehicle operation.

◙ Seat Belts

• Check: Pull each belt to ensure it locks properly and inspect for wear or damage.
• Importance: Seat belts significantly reduce injury in the event of a crash.
• Law: Texas law § 547.601 mandates that vehicles must have seat belts in good working order.

◙ Brakes

• Check: Test the brake pedal for firmness, and try the parking brake to ensure it holds the vehicle.
• Importance: Effective brakes prevent collisions by allowing you to stop quickly and safely.
• Law: Texas law § 547.401 requires vehicles to have a functioning brake system, including the parking brake.

◙ Tires

• Check: Measure tread depth and inspect for damage like cracks, bulges, or worn spots.
• Importance: Tires provide grip and stability, especially in adverse conditions.
• Law: Texas law § 547.612 specifies that tires must be in safe operating condition.

◙ Wheels

• Check: Look for any visible damage, wobbling, or misalignment in the wheels and suspension.
• Importance: Damaged wheels or assemblies can cause loss of control or accidents.
• Law: Texas law § 547.004 ensures the entire wheel assembly is free of defects that could compromise safety.

◙ Wheels

• Check: Look for any visible damage, wobbling, or misalignment in the wheels and suspension.
• Importance: Damaged wheels or assemblies can cause loss of control or accidents.
• Law: Texas law § 547.004 ensures the entire wheel assembly is free of defects that could compromise safety.

◙ High Beam Indicator

• Check: Turn on the high beams and verify that the indicator on the dashboard lights up.
• Importance: The indicator alerts the driver that high beams are on, which can otherwise blind oncoming drivers.
• Law: Texas law § 547.333 requires a functional high-beam indicator on the dashboard.

◙ Tail Lamps

• Check: Turn on the lights and verify that the tail lamps illuminate properly.
• Importance: Tail lamps make your vehicle visible to drivers behind you in low visibility conditions.
• Law: Texas law § 547.322 mandates that vehicles have at least two tail lamps emitting red light.

◙ Stop Lamps

• Check: Have someone press the brake pedal while you check that all brake lights illuminate.
• Importance: Brake lights warn drivers behind you that you are slowing or stopping.
• Law: Texas law § 547.323 requires two stop lamps in good working condition.

◙ License Plate Lamp

• Check: Turn on the headlights and check that the rear license plate is clearly illuminated.
• Importance: A lit license plate allows law enforcement to identify vehicles in low-light conditions.
• Law: Texas law § 547.322(f) requires a white light to illuminate the rear license plate.

◙ Rear Red Reflectors

• Check: Inspect the reflectors to ensure they are intact and not obscured.
• Importance: Reflectors make your vehicle visible to others in the dark.
• Law: Texas law § 547.325 requires at least two red reflectors on the rear of the vehicle.

◙ Turn Signal Lamps

• Check: Activate the turn signals and confirm that both the front and rear lights flash.
• Importance: Turn signals communicate your intentions to other drivers, preventing accidents.
• Law: Texas law § 547.324 requires functioning front and rear turn signal lamps.

◙ Head Lamps

• Check: Turn on the headlights and ensure both high and low beams function properly.
• Importance: Headlights provide visibility in the dark and during poor weather.
• Law: Texas law § 547.321 requires that vehicles be equipped with at least two working headlamps.