This year, I got one for the guy who used to own this house but apparently didn't change his address. Happened to be the same month as mine, so.....
While an inspection is longer required with the exception of those that live in counties that require emissions testing... why exactly do you think this is some kind of flex?
Even then, you don't have to get it inspected if during online renewal you choose, "My vehicle will be outside of the county of residence when it expires." I don't recall the exact wording, but I just renewed mine without getting it inspected that way. I was out of town, but I didn't have to prove I was. I'm sure many will just choose that option.
Also, if you ever get a ticket for an expired sticker, you won't just have to pay for the current year's registration, you will have to pay for every year you didn't get it registered. If he really hasn't had it registered since, say 1996, he would have to pay roughly $2,250 just to get it caught up. Not including fines.
The police sit right underneath the underpasses on the Katy Freeway, just checking to see if your inspection sticker has expired. I absolutely get the sticker renewed every year.
I did when it was the law. Now I think I still have to because Travis County is non attainment -- I think. Can't remember if I had to get one last year. Even as a limited govt advocate, I think we should have some kind of regular inspection -- even if it's not every year. I also think we don't come down hard enough on those who break the rules of the road. People with busted tail lights can actually be dangerous and some people aren't aware initially unless it comes up in an inspection. I say it all the time, if I ever career change it's going to be a traffic cop. Pullin all y'all's asses over.
I let the tire guy look at brakes/shocks/etc when I get the tires rotated. Oil change guy looks at all the fluids/etc (I check all those I can get to every couple of months anyway). I don't need an inspection to tell me if the lights/horn/wipers work.
At least in my area, you have to have your car inspected prior to renewing you car registration. there is no car inspection sticker
Yes, in these counties you have to get your car inspected (for emissions purposes) prior to getting it registered. Houston-Galveston-Brazoria Program Area: Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, and Montgomery Counties Dallas-Fort Worth Program Area: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, and Tarrant Counties Austin Area: Travis and Williamson Counties (crazy that these are the only 2 in the area, especially the exclusion of Hayes) El Paso Area: El Paso County San Antonio Area: Bexar County (beginning on November 1, 2026)
