Safety Inspections are Out, Emissions are In: What You Need to Know

If you’re confused about the current state of vehicle inspections in San Antonio, you aren’t alone. We’ve recently seen the state of Texas phase out the traditional, multi-point annual safety inspection for non-commercial vehicles. However, due to air quality levels in our region, a new requirement is taking its place.

The Shift: From Safety to Emissions

While you no longer need a safety inspection to get your registration sticker today, Bexar County has been designated as a non-attainment area for ozone standards. To help improve local air quality, the state is mandating annual emissions-only testing starting November 1, 2026.

The Important Distinction:

• Safety Inspections: No longer required for most vehicles.
• Emissions Inspections: Mandatory for registration renewals beginning Nov. 1, 2026 (for vehicles 2 to 24 years old).

Don't Get Caught by the 2026 Deadline

Because emissions testing is specifically designed to monitor your vehicle's exhaust and engine efficiency, a "Check Engine" light is an automatic failure. Often, these lights are triggered by small sensors or minor leaks that you might be tempted to ignore since they don't affect daily driving.

At Christian Brothers Automotive Alamo Heights, our Courtesy Inspections are the perfect tool to bridge this gap. We can surface these issues now, giving you plenty of time to address them before they become a barrier to your registration in 2026.

Plan Ahead with Our Online Scheduler

We want to make this transition as seamless as possible. You don't have to keep the 2026 deadline in your head—let us do it for you.

Using our online scheduler, you can actually book an appointment for next year right now. Simply select a date prior to your 2026 registration expiration, and we’ll send you a reminder when the time comes. We’ll ensure you have everything you need for a simple, successful registration.

Everyday Maintenance, Everyday Value

Keeping your car running clean is the best way to prepare for the new requirements. We offer great everyday prices and regular special offers on the essentials:

• Full Synthetic Oil Changes
• Tire Rotations
• Computerized Alignments