Exemptions and waivers
Which vehicles need an emissions test in Texas?
Updated Oct 7, 2026 · sources read Oct 6, 2026 · 8 official sources quoted
Short answer
In the 18 program counties, gasoline vehicles from 2 through 24 years old are tested every year, starting at the vehicle’s second anniversary. Electric vehicles, diesel vehicles, motorcycles and mopeds are not required to test.
The age window
Gasoline vehicles model-year 2 through 24 years old are inspected annually beginning with the vehicle's second anniversary.
Gasoline-powered vehicles two through 24 years old are required to have an emissions inspection.
TCEQ counts the age by model year. Its 2024 fee analysis dates the old cut-off this way: on January 1, 2020, model years 1995 and older left the program. By that arithmetic a vehicle is in the window in the calendar years from its model year plus 2 to its model year plus 24; in 2026 that is model years 2002 through 2024. The fee calculator applies it to any model year.
On January 1, 2020, all vehicles with model years of 1995 and older became exempt from the vehicle emissions inspection requirements in Texas
Three quick examples, by the same arithmetic: a 2024 gasoline SUV registered in Harris County is in the window in 2026, from its second anniversary; a 2002 sedan is in the window in 2026 but out of it in 2027; a diesel pickup is never tested, whatever its age. The county still has to be a program county: the same SUV registered in Lubbock County needs no test at all.
The inspection station’s analyzer and the state database make the final call for a particular vehicle. Treat the model-year arithmetic as a guide.
Gasoline only
Not required to inspect: electric vehicles, diesel vehicles, motorcycles, and mopeds.
All gasoline powered vehicles from 2 through 24 years old which are registered in emissions counties will receive the On-Board Diagnostic (OBDII) test.
Model-year 1996 and newer vehicles are subject to OBD inspections.
Registered in a program county
Motorists with vehicles registered in Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, El Paso, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, and Williamson Counties will not be eligible to renew their vehicle's annual registration if the vehicle has not passed its annual emissions inspection or complied with the vehicle emissions inspection program requirements.
Beginning November 1, 2026, motorists with vehicles registered in Bexar County will not be eligible to renew their vehicle's annual registration if the vehicle has not passed its annual emissions inspection or complied with the vehicle emissions inspection program requirements.
For the list of counties see which counties require emissions testing.
Special vehicles
Motor homes in EMISSIONS counties are also required to have the appropriate emissions test performed.
The vehicle must pass an emissions test just like any other new vehicle.
Miniature vehicles will require an emissions test when applying for registration in a county with an emissions inspection requirement.
Vehicles registered as “Antiques” are exempt from annual inspection.
Questions
Does a brand-new car need an emissions test in Texas?
Not in its first two years. TCEQ says gasoline vehicles are inspected annually beginning with the second anniversary, and a new vehicle pays a one-time $16.75 replacement fee covering two years.
Gasoline vehicles model-year 2 through 24 years old are inspected annually beginning with the vehicle's second anniversary.
New vehicles (those of the current or preceding model year on the date of purchase) purchased in Texas that have not been previously registered in Texas or another state are required to pay an initial inspection program replacement fee of $16.75 to cover two years.
Is my 2001 car tested in 2026?
By model-year arithmetic a 2001 vehicle is 25 in 2026, outside TCEQ’s 2 through 24 year window. Confirm with the station or your county tax office.
Gasoline vehicles model-year 2 through 24 years old are inspected annually beginning with the vehicle's second anniversary.
Sources
- TCEQ, Vehicle Emissions Inspections in Texaspage as published Sep 23, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
- Texas DPS, Cost of Inspectionpage as published May 19, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
- TCEQ, 2024 Fee Analysis for AirCheckTexas Vehicle Emissions Inspection Programpage as published Oct 5, 2025 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
- Texas DPS, Inspection Criteria: Emission Inspectionpage as published Aug 16, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
- TCEQ, Highlights of the Vehicle I/M Programpage as published Jun 16, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
- Texas DPS, Unique Vehicles (vehicle inspection)page as published Jul 30, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
- Texas DPS, 89th Legislation (vehicle inspection)page as published Jan 14, 2026 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
- Texas DPS, Vehicle Safety Inspection Program Changes Now in Effectpage as published Dec 16, 2025 (archived copy), read Oct 6, 2026
TX Emissions Guide is an independent guide, not a government site. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.