Vehicles travel in rush-hour traffic on Interstate 35E near Post
Oak Drive in a 2021 photo. Texas will be dropping vehicle safety
inspections in 2025, but emissions testing will still be required
for vehicles registered in Denton County and 16 other counties.
DRC file photo
Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 3297 to eliminate regular mandatory vehicle safety inspections last Tuesday.
The bill passed on a 109-32 vote in the Texas House and a 20-11 vote in the state Senate last month. The law will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
While the bill eliminates the mandatory vehicle safety inspection, 17 Texas counties still require drivers to have emissions inspections, including Denton County.
“When this law goes into effect, our office will renew registration for our customers in accordance with the statute and rules resulting from this bill,” Michelle French, tax assessor-collector for Denton County, said via email. “It is still very early in the process to know how the state will implement the law.”
What is an emissions test?
The test checks that a vehicle’s emissions-related parts are working properly in order to limit smog and air pollution. Only gasoline-powered vehicles must be tested.
Car emissions testing is conducted by connecting a testing system to the car’s onboard diagnostics port on 1996 and newer model-year vehicles. The On Board Diagnostics-Second Generation (OBDII) system monitors all emissions-related components and systems for proper functionality, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Where to get an emissions test in Denton
Drivers can get an emissions test at local mechanic shops, but the Texas Department of Public Safety has listed businesses that offer emissions testing through the Recognized Emission Repair Program.
Local repair shops in the list include:
Advanced Auto Repair, 612 Fort Worth Drive
Barebones Auto & Diesel Repair, 3826 Market St.
Charlie Beck’s Garage, 505 N. Elm St.
Firestone, 1850 Brinker Road
J & M Automotive, 2727 N. Elm St.
James Wood AutoPark, 3906 S. Interstate 35E
Kwik Kar, multiple locations in Denton County serving Denton, Aubrey, Cross Roads and north Little Elm
Pro-Tech Automotive, 2105 Sadau Court, Suite 100
TAS of Denton, 521 W. University Drive
Tommy’s Hi Tech Auto, 620 Fort Worth Drive
Texas drivers will still have to pay the annual $7.50 inspection program replacement fee, which will go toward the Texas mobility fund, general revenue fund and the clean air account. Drivers with new cars or from out of state will pay $16.75.
JUAN BETANCOURT can be reached via Twitter at @jbetancourt_15.
Juan Betancourt/DRC
A family waves at the Denton Housing Authority truck, one of
many decorated vehicles in the Denton Juneteenth Parade that
traveled around downtown Saturday morning. The parade started at
the Denton Civic Center, went around the Square and ended at Fred
Moore Park for a day of events and festivities.
Page A1 | e-Edition | dentonrc.com
Juan Betancourt/DRC
A family waves at the Denton Housing Authority truck, one of
many decorated vehicles in the Denton Juneteenth Parade that
traveled around downtown Saturday morning. The parade started at
the Denton Civic Center, went around the Square and ended at Fred
Moore Park for a day of events and festivities.
The searing summer sun reflects off an insulated panel being
carried by a roofer on a house under construction in August 2020.
An excessive heat warning is in place Monday through Tuesday, and
people who work outdoors should take care to limit their risk of
heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Al Key/DRC file photo
The National Weather Service of Fort Worth has issued an excessive heat warning due to dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 120 degrees expected in parts of North Texas, including Denton County.
The excessive heat warning, which started Monday and was set to expire Tuesday night, has been extended through 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
Monday was sunny, with temperatures reaching 100 in Denton.
Tuesday is expected to be mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 101 and heat index values as high as 115. There is a slight chance of showers before 8 a.m.
The weather service forecast for Wednesday is sunny with a high near 96 and heat index up to 107.
The weather service recommends taking precautions during the excessive heat warning:
Drink plenty of fluids.
Stay in an air-conditioned room.
Check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles.
Take extra precautions if working or spending time outside.
Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible.
Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Call 911 if someone is suffering from heatstroke.
JUAN BETANCOURT can be reached via Twitter at @jbetancourt_15.
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