Austin Emissions Test
Each year, a car that runs on gas and is registered in Austin's Travis County must get an emissions inspection before its registration is renewed. The $11.50 cap is $7 below the limits in Houston and in Dallas-Fort Worth.
- Once each year
- how often a gas car in Travis County gets inspected
- Up to $11.50
- what a station can charge at most
- Plug-in OBD
- test type for gas cars from 1996 onward
- Travis County
- the Austin-Round Rock program area
Austin emissions test cost
| Area | Inspection maximum |
|---|---|
| Austin (Travis and Williamson counties) | $11.50 |
| Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth | $18.50 |
The cost page from DPS says its listed amounts are the maximum charges. The TCEQ program highlights state that you pay a $2.50 fee for state administration when you register.
Who needs an Austin emissions test
According to TCEQ, the area is called the Austin-Round Rock Program Area. Inspections began there in Travis and Williamson counties on September 1, 2005. The DPS emissions county list includes both counties. Testing applies to gasoline vehicles registered there when they are 2 through 24 years old. Our Texas page has more state rules.
As of January 1, 2025, Texas no longer requires safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles. Austin drivers need only an emissions inspection, and only when their registration is in an emissions county.
Austin emissions test locations
Use the DPS station locator to search by ZIP code, city or county. Choose Travis to see a county list. Once the test is done, the report shows pass or fail. The result can also be found on MyTxCar.org, which the TCEQ waivers and inspection report page names for inspection history.
The emissions test by city page covers other Texas cities, including San Antonio and Houston.
Austin emissions test failed
Within 15 days after the first inspection, DPS provides a free challenge retest, as stated in the Texas rule filed with the EPA. An individual vehicle waiver may apply after at least $600 in emission-related repairs; see emissions waiver for the steps.
Austin emissions test questions
Does Austin's rule also cover Williamson County?
Yes. The same program area and $11.50 maximum apply to Travis and Williamson counties.
Is Austin's cap actually lower than Houston's?
Yes. For El Paso, Travis and Williamson counties, DPS lists $11.50; for DFW and Houston, it lists $18.50.