In an effort to improve air quality in Texas, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), in conjunction with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), implemented vehicle emissions inspections. If your vehicle is registered in one of the following counties, it will be required to pass an annual emissions inspection before renewing vehicle registration.

Starting November 1st, 2026, vehicles registered in Bexar county will have to pass an annual

emissions inspection.

This program applies to gasoline vehicles between 2 and 24 years old. 

The remote sensing element, officially referred to as an On-Board Diagnostic (OBD), is installed by manufacturers. OBDs monitor the performance of the emission control equipment, fuel metering system, and ignition system. If the OBD on your vehicle detects a malfunction or deterioration in performance of any equipment related to emissions control, your vehicle may not pass its inspection.

Any vehicle owner that receives an annual vehicle registration renewal notice with "TCEQ - EMISSIONS PRGM NON-COMPLIANCE" printed on the front page will be unable to register their vehicle until the compliance issue is resolved.

Piston Lube Center locations in the counties listed above are registered with the DPS as Recognized Emissions Repair Facilities.