Failed a Texas emissions test? What to do next

Catalytic Converter failure, Faulty gas cap, Fuel metering out of specification, Incorrect ignition timing, Inoperative injection system and/or thermostatic air cleaner, Mis-routed vacuum lines, and Faulty Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System or Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System.

If you choose a Recognized Emissions Repair Facility of Texas to repair your vehicle, all diagnostic, parts and labor costs associated with the emissions-related repairs go toward the waiver requirements.

if you choose an independent, non-recognized facility or perform the emissions repairs yourself, only the cost of certain emissions-related parts involved in the emissions-related repairs apply to the waiver requirements.

You do not have to pay to get your vehicle re-inspected if it fails inspection. If your vehicle fails the inspection, have the item(s) repaired and take it back to the inspection station that originally performed the inspection 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 should you present the vehicle after the 15 days , then your vehicle is no longer eligible for the free re-test.

The VIE-7 (Vehicle Repair Form) must be completed for a customer to receive a re-inspection or to apply for a waiver.

Waivers and time extensions are available for eligible vehicle owners.

This waiver is available to a vehicle owner that has spent at least $600 ($450 in El Paso) on emission-related repairs and is still unable to pass an emissions inspection or unable to qualify for another type of waiver.

This waiver is available to a vehicle owner whose vehicle has failed both its initial emissions inspection and re-inspection and in which at least $100 in emissions related repairs have been performed.

If your vehicle failed the emissions test and your annual income is below the national poverty level, you may be granted a one-year extension.

This extension is available to owners of vehicles experiencing emission inspection failures due to a vehicle part not being readily available.

AirCheckTexas Drive a Clean Machine (Vehicle Repair Assistance Program) is Closed

Vehicle owners that receive an annual vehicle registration renewal notice that has a “TCEQ - EMISSIONS PRGM NON-COMPLIANCE” remark printed on the front page will be unable to renew registration until the non-compliance issue is resolved.

For information call the TCEQ's Registration Denial Hotline at 1(888)-295-0141

On-road inspections are used to target high-emitting vehicles commuting from adjacent ozone nonattainment counties. Targeted motorists are required to have their vehicle inspected within 30 days of notification.

Vehicles targeted by the on-road inspection program that do not pass the required emission inspection may be ineligible to receive their vehicle registration.