Starting January 1st, most Texas drivers will no longer need annual safety inspections for their vehicles after state lawmakers passed House Bill 3297. Supporters say the inspections were inconvenient, while critics warn the change could compromise road safety. Although the $7.50 inspection fee will still be collected during vehicle registration under a new name, annual emissions tests will remain mandatory in 17 counties. With 26 million registered cars in Texas, this change impacts millions of drivers, sparking ongoing debate about convenience versus safety.