Texas Emission Waiver

[LEGACY_GN]

Low Mileage Waiver

There is a low mileage exemption for motorists who drive less than 5,000 miles/year. To qualify for this exemption you must:

Fail both the initial test and free retest
Incur $100 of emissions related repairs
Drive less than 5,000 miles/year
If you meet these qualifications then you would qualify for the low mileage waiver. Contact the DPS challenge station in your area for more information on the forms to complete.

Houston Office

DPS Waiver/Challenge Stations
DPS Field Office N Houston Rosslyn
11222 N. Houston Rosslyn
Houston TX, 77088
Main phone: 2812721150
Fax phone: 2812721193

 

[notacarlo]

I can fail! I can fail!

Thanks for the info.

 

[zeus87gn]

So where can I find out information on testing for vehicles?
I will be moving to the Houston area this year and would like to know more.
Thanks in advance.

 

[CaptainInsane-O]

So where can I find out information on testing for vehicles?
I will be moving to the Houston area this year and would like to know more.
Thanks in advance.

Texas Department of Public Safety - Vehicle Inspection Program

 

[LEGACY_GN]

Update

I just talked to the DPS. They said as long as you haven't driven 5,000 miles since your last inspection (which has the mileage on it), fail twice and spend $100 on spark plugs, air filter or emmision related expenses including labor if you take it somewhere you will get waiver no problem. By the way, the second fail is free if you take it back within 14 days for retest.

 

[charlief1]

It's actually 15 days to include the day of the inspection. I was an inspector for a while.

 

[WeAreVenom]

I just talked to the DPS. They said as long as you haven't driven 5,000 miles since your last inspection (which has the mileage on it), fail twice and spend $100 on spark plugs, air filter or emmision related expenses including labor if you take it somewhere you will get waiver no problem. By the way, the second fail is free if you take it back within 14 days for retest.

Wait, so you have to fail the test ($40), fail again, and then spend $100 on emission stuff (from where?) and you get an emissions waiver? Sounds like a lot of driving around and entrusting my car to some Oil 'n Lube kid one too many times.

I'm sure some folks can get an inspection cheaper than that.

 

[LEGACY_GN]

Wait, so you have to fail the test ($40), fail again, and then spend $100 on emission stuff (from where?) and you get an emissions waiver? Sounds like a lot of driving around and entrusting my car to some Oil 'n Lube kid one too many times.

I'm sure some folks can get an inspection cheaper than that.

Your with the car when they test it. One fee of $40 for two fails. Then just get a recipt for $100 for plugs or something you need anyway.

 

[LEGACY_GN]

Don't get me wrong, if somebody has the hookup, pm me.

 

[fast86gn]

Wait, so you have to fail the test ($40), fail again, and then spend $100 on emission stuff (from where?) and you get an emissions waiver? Sounds like a lot of driving around and entrusting my car to some Oil 'n Lube kid one too many times.

I'm sure some folks can get an inspection cheaper than that.

It does sound like a big hassle? They should just give the waiver for cars that stay under 5,000 miles per year. Mine passes anyway and with only two years left to have to do emissions it's not that big of deal...

 

[WeAreVenom]

It does sound like a big hassle? They should just give the waiver for cars that stay under 5,000 miles per year. Mine passes anyway and with only two years left to have to do emissions it's not that big of deal...

Exactly. Most of us don't daily these things so just let us do the safety inspection and we can be on our way!

 

[LEGACY_GN]

It's was just a suggestion that I figured many didn't know about. Like I said, if someone has a better deal in Houston, pm me.

 

[just plain john]

2011/2012

If your vehicle is older than 25 years, it is exempt from emissions testing. So if you have an 86/87 model you're almost there.

 

[bsdlinux]

Its not that hard to get these cars to pass even here in Austin. Takes me 30 minutes to put my car in emissions mode