A new Texas law that no longer requires safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles goes into effect  Jan. 1, but drivers will still need to take their vehicles for regular emissions tests in the state’s largest counties. 

Texas House Bill 3297 passed in the Texas Legislature last year, eliminating mandatory non-commercial vehicle safety inspections, which determine if a car is safe to drive on the road. Instead, the requirement will be replaced by a $7.50 registration fee, which is 50 cents more than a state inspection fee. 

Although safety inspections will no longer be mandatory, 17 of the largest counties that exceed ozone in the atmosphere in Texas will continue requiring drivers to take annual emissions tests next year. This is done to abide by Environmental Protection Agency federal rules that aim to reduce pollution nation-wide. Travis and Williamson Counties, in which Austin is located, will continue emissions testing requirements for registered vehicles in the area. 

“I fail to see the logic (of the new law),” said Stacy Suits, the constable for Travis County in Precinct 3. “If people have to come in and do an emissions test because it’s mandated by the federal government, in particular the EPA, why wouldn’t you want to do a safety inspection and check the tires, some brakes, lights (and) the windshield wipers?” 

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, some of the most common vehicle malfunctions that resulted in car crashes last year were defective tires and brakes. 

Political communications sophomore Ethan Viesca said he recently took his car for a safety inspection test and felt better about driving it.

“It’s kind of a necessity (to get a vehicle safety inspection),” Viesca said. “Not a lot of people know a lot about cars, and if they’re running correctly. To have that peace of mind that ‘Okay, my car is running good,’ just benefits drivers all around the state.” 

Adele Noel, air quality project manager for Travis County, said because of the new law and costs involved with training personnel, it’s unlikely safety inspection stations will offer inspection services next year. 

Education sophomore Diana Lopez said she is worried that people whose cars are malfunctioning — but don’t know or can’t afford to fix them — will still drive them on the road. 

“You’re responsible for not only your life and then your passengers, but (also) everyone else around you,” Lopez said. “We all share the road, so (this new law) is really, really scary.” 

Suits and members of Precinct 3 plan to attend the 89th Texas legislative session in January to file a bill that will make safety inspections mandatory again in the 17 largest Texas counties. Until then, he said it’s important for drivers to check their tires annually to avoid blowouts. 

“If your car is in bad condition, don’t drive it at high speeds,” Suits said. “If your brakes are subpar, the faster you go, the longer it takes to stop. I know people have to get about, and some people are driving clunkers, but just be smart about it.”