C3 inspection in Texas
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 29
Likes: 3
From: Rosharon, TX
C3 inspection in Texas
The other day in had an old 95 Tahoe inspected . I’m in brazoria county. They didn’t do any tailpipe or computer stuff . Said it was a “safety only” vehicle. Does anyone know if this is just based on year? Will my 77 vette fall in the same category?
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 109
Likes: 21
From: Dripping Springs Texas
Texas requires tailpipe (emissions) checks only in certain counties and I don't think Brazoria is one of them. That said, I'm in Travis county which does require emissions checks and they never do this on my '73.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 511
Likes: 66
From: Timnath, CO
My '72 only required a visual and safety inspection - no emissions test. It had a regular registration (i.e. not a collector car registration), and I lived in the Houston area which requires emissions tests for newer cars. Technically they are supposed to do a visual check to be sure all the emissions equipment is installed, but I don't think they ever did. It was hard to find shops that would do the safety test as the rate set by the state was only about $8 for the test. They can't make any money at that rate. The shops would claim they ran out of stickers!
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
Texas emissions check is for vehicles 24 yo or newer and only in 'non-attainment areas' meaning only certain counties where air quality is below federal standards.
For a C3 there's no reason not to register as an Antique Auto. No inspections, only rear plate required, no windshield sticker and cheaper. There's also a loophole in the law that means it can be driven anytime because the law says it can be driven for 'exhibition purposes'.
For a C3 there's no reason not to register as an Antique Auto. No inspections, only rear plate required, no windshield sticker and cheaper. There's also a loophole in the law that means it can be driven anytime because the law says it can be driven for 'exhibition purposes'.
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