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Buying, Inspections & Costs · 1 min read

What Fails a Texas State Inspection? (And How to Pass)

The short answer

The most common reasons a car fails a Texas state inspection are an illuminated check engine light (in emissions counties), worn brakes, burned-out bulbs, bald tires, broken windshield wipers, and a missing or loud exhaust. Fix these before your appointment.

The Texas DPS checklist and the cheap fixes that keep you from failing.

From My Mechanic Pros Texas · 10+ years repairing Texas vehicles

Technician reviewing vehicle diagnostic scan data
Illustrative image for this repair topic; not a customer job photo.

Illustrative repair images; not customer job photos.

Safety items

Texas DPS-certified inspection stations check brakes, lights, horn, wipers, mirrors, seat belts, tires, and steering.

Emissions counties

Vehicles registered in Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, Galveston, Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Travis, and Williamson counties (among others) also get an OBD-II emissions test. A check engine light means automatic failure.

Pre-inspection check

A mobile mechanic can scan for codes, check brakes, and replace bulbs or wipers at your home before your inspection date.

Frequently asked questions

Can I pass with a check engine light?

Not in an emissions county.

Do I need inspection to register?

Texas uses 'Two Steps, One Sticker' — pass inspection, then renew registration.

Will recently cleared codes pass?

Usually not — readiness monitors must be set first.

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