Do You Need a Texas State Vehicle Inspection?
Excalibur is a Texas Vehicle Inspection Station AND a Recognized Emission Repair Facility.
We can perform both safety and emissions inspections, and issue your new sticker if everything checks out. If there’s a problem, we can diagnose it and figure out the most cost-effective way to fix it and keep you legal.
Inspections are available Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm.
All vehicles registered in the state of Texas are required to receive an annual comprehensive safety inspection to ensure basic road worthiness.
Vehicles registered in Travis County are also required to pass an emissions test.
TX State Vehicle Inspection Cost
Inspection prices are set by the state. All inspection stations charge the same price, and use the same equipment.
- Safety and Emissions Inspections . . . $18.50
- Emissions Only Inspection . . . $11.50
- Safety Only Inspection . . . $7.00
- Motorcycle Inspection . . . $7.00
- Trailer Inspection . . . $7.00
Texas Safety Inspections – Requirements and Checklist
We first check evidence of Financial Responsibility (Insurance), which must satisfy Texas minimum requirements.
For passenger vehicles, we then check operation of these components:
- Horn
- Windshield Wipers
- Mirror
- Steering
- Seat Belts
- Brake system
- Tires
- Wheel Assembly
- Exhaust System
- Exhaust Emission System ( 1968 and newer )
- Beam Indicator ( 1948 and newer )
- Tail Lights
- Brake Lights
- License Plate Light
- Rear Red Reflectors
- Turn Signals ( 1960 and newer )
- Head Lights
- Motor, Serial, or Vehicle Identification Number
- Gas cap
- Window Tint
Travis County Emissions Inspections
Emissions inspections help ensure that vehicles’ exhaust systems are operating properly. Faulty exhaust systems produce gasses that contribute to lung-damaging ground-level ozone.
Depending on your vehicle, we will perform one of the following two tests:
Two Speed Idle (TSI) Test
1995 and older vehicles
The TSI Test takes a little longer, but we have to use it for older vehicles that don’t have a built-in diagnostic computer system. We measure the hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide coming out of your tailpipe while it’s idling – first at high speed, then at low speed.
On-Board Diagnostic (OBDII) Test
1996 and newer vehicles
The On Board Diagnostics (OBDII) system is installed on all 1996 and newer passenger vehicles. It monitors your emissions system components to make sure they’re working correctly. OBDII sensors can detect components which are starting to fail – even before you notice a problem. OBDII lets us know about small problems so we can repair them before they become big, expensive problems.
TX Department of Public Safety – Emissions Testing FAQ
https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/vehicle-inspection/faq/emissions-testing
If You Fail the Emissions Test
If your vehicle fails the emissions test, you need to fix the problem. Failed vehicles are entitled to a free re-test, within 15 days of the initial test.
If you spend $600 on repairs at a Recognized Emissions Repair Facility (we are one) and your vehicle still does not pass its emissions inspection, the TX Department of Public Safety may grant you an Individual Vehicle Waiver. Contact us for details.
Reasons your vehicle might fail its emissions test include:
- Faulty catalytic converter
- Faulty gas cap
- Incorrect ignition timing
- Faulty fuel injection system
- Inoperative thermostatic air cleaner
- Faulty or improperly installed vacuum lines
- Faulty Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System
- Faulty Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System
- Poorly adjusted carburetor
- Worn rings/valve guides
- Faulty oxygen sensor
We Can Fix That
Excalibur is a Recognized Emissions Repair Facility. We have the tools and training we need to correctly diagnose your vehicle’s emissions problem, figure out the most cost-effective way to repair it, and get you back on the road with a legal sticker.
Additional Info
- Texas Department of Public Safety, Vehicle Inspections
dps.texas.gov/section/vehicle-inspection - Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ): Austin-Round Rock and the Implementation Plan
tceq.texas.gov/airquality/sip/aus/sip-aus
Excalibur Inspection Customers Say . . .
These guys are awesome!
I called this place this morning to schedule two car inspections. Michael got us on the schedule at set times and got us in instantly upon arrival, which showed that they appreciate us as customers, something very important to somebody with three children under two. Other shops wanted us to wait in first-come, first-serve lines.
While I was there, I needed help printing proof of insurance for my registration, which Michael did for me happily. These guys will always get my business!
Brian G.
Excalibur delivered as they said they would. Had both state inspection and Evap system repair. Every mechanic was helpful. Would recommend business to anyone..
