Texas emissions testing is required annually for any gasoline vehicles between 2 to 24 model years old—but only in specific counties throughout the state.

Driving your own car has many advantages, but one disadvantage is having to bring it in for routine emissions testing. The process can be time-consuming, and if your vehicle is rejected or fails the emissions test, bringing it into compliance can be costly.

Luckily,

Jerry

, the super app for

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, is here to answer all of your questions about Texas emissions testing rules in this

car repair

guide. Read on to learn more about the requirements, how emissions testing works, and what to do if your car fails the Texas emissions test.

We'll even show you how to save on

Texas car insurance costs

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Texas emissions testing regulations

Texas is one of the states that require vehicles to get emissions tests. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), working alongside the Texas Commission on Environment Quality (TCEQ), first began emissions testing in 2002 to help improve air quality across the state.

But in Texas, not every car needs to have its emissions checked. Let's go over the rules below to find out if you are exempt.

Which counties in Texas require emissions testing?

First off, it’s important to know that location makes a difference. Because

Texas' emissions inspection program

is regional, you may not have to do an emissions test at all depending on where you live and drive.

If your vehicle is registered in one of the counties listed below, you are inside the assessment region and must submit to emissions testing:

Collin

Ellis

Fort Bend

Parker

Travis

Williamson

MORE: How bad is Dallas traffic?

Which cars need emissions testing in Texas?

The vehicle you drive is another factor that determines whether you need an emissions inspection.

If you own a gasoline vehicle between 2 to 24 model years old, you must pass an emissions test annually.

Exemptions from Texas emissions testing

A few types of vehicles don't have to pass emissions tests in Texas. If you own one of the following cars, you don't have to worry about getting your car tested for emissions:

New vehicles made in the last 2 model years

Vehicles made over 24 years ago

Diesel vehicles

In Texas, all cars and trucks must pass a safety inspection. Hybrid cars also have to go through a smog check.

MORE: Title transfer in Texas

How does Texas emissions testing work?

If your car needs to be tested, here's the process you’ll need to follow:

Locate a testing center. You can check

here

for a full list of locations where you can get an emissions test done.

Bring your vehicle in for the inspection. Depending on how old your car is, how it runs, and what kind of fuel it uses, you may be able to take different types of tests (more on that below).

Pay the necessary fee. Fees are indicated above, but depending on the age of your car, you should anticipate spending between $12 and $25.

Texas caps smog check fees between $11.50 and $24.50 for TSI, ASM, or OBD inspections, based on the

testing location

. The total for both a safety inspection and emissions test cannot exceed $31.50, depending on the required testing area, vehicle year, and engine type.

Types of emissions tests

A normal emissions test will include a basic check to confirm that your vehicle is safe to inspect, along with a visual inspection of your dashboard lights and gas cap. The rest of the examination, however, is dependent on the type of vehicle you drive.

Vehicles manufactured in 1996 or later model years, including hybrids, must undergo an on-board diagnostics (OBD) inspection. The technician will use an OBD-II scanner to look for trouble codes related to emissions issues.

There is also an acceleration simulation mode (ASM) test, which is sometimes called a “treadmill test”. It entails placing the vehicle on a large treadmill for around four minutes to simulate how it runs on the road.

Finally, there is a two-speed idle test. In this test, technicians insert a probe into the exhaust pipe and measure the engine speed with a tachometer. Then, as the name implies, they'll let the engine idle twice before revving it to 2500 RPM.

What happens if you fail emissions testing in Texas?

If a vehicle fails an emissions inspection, any related repairs must be completed by a licensed mechanic at a designated repair facility, and the vehicle must be retested before you can hit the road.

Texas also offers waivers and extensions to eligible car owners, a list of which can be seen

here

. However, keep in mind that if the technician observes any visible smoke, missing or modified equipment, or a failing gas cap, the waiver request might be denied.

MORE: Texas Electric Vehicle Incentives

How to save on car insurance in Texas

Taking your car in for an emissions test can be a nightmare, especially if it fails and you need to get it up to code! The same might be said when the time comes to shop for new car insurance—but you can avoid all the usual aches and pains with

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Do you need an emissions test every year in Texas?

Not necessarily. Only gasoline vehicles between 2 and 24 years old are required to pass an annual inspection.

How do I avoid emissions testing in Texas?

You can escape emissions testing if you drive an inspection-exempt vehicle, such as an all-electric vehicle or a vehicle older than the 1998 model year. However, if your car is required to undergo testing, it's advisable not to try to cut corners—your registration renewal could be rejected.

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