You can get your car inspected in any county in Texas, and that’s critical to keeping you safe on the road. Poorly maintained vehicles are more likely to cause accidents, leading to severe injuries and tragedies. If you’ve suffered an injury in a wreck caused by someone else’s negligent maintenance, the Houston car accident attorneys of Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP will be ready to fight for your rights. 

How the Inspection Process Works

In Texas, the car inspection process is relatively standardized across the state. However, when it comes to where you can get your car inspected, there are some variations. For example, there are certain counties, including Harris County, where the state may also require emissions testing.

An inspection typically involves taking your vehicle to a certified inspection station, where a licensed inspector will thoroughly examine your car to ensure it meets our state’s safety and emissions standards. This inspection covers various vehicle components, including brakes, lights, tires, the exhaust system, and more. 

Once the vehicle inspection is complete and your vehicle passes, you’ll receive a sticker indicating that your car is roadworthy and compliant with state regulations.

Reasons Why Maintenance is So Important

Proper maintenance is essential to vehicle safety for several reasons. First and foremost, a well-maintained vehicle is more likely to perform reliably on the road, reducing the risk of mechanical failures that could lead to accidents. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, brake inspections, and tire rotations, helps ensure that all vehicle components function correctly and are in good condition.

These are just some problems that occur due to a lack of maintenance.

Brake Failure

Worn brake pads, leaking brake lines, or malfunctioning brake components can significantly impair a vehicle’s ability to stop quickly and effectively, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions or other accidents caused by inadequate braking.

Tire Issues

Worn or underinflated tires can reduce traction and increase the risk of skidding or losing control of the vehicle, particularly in adverse weather conditions such as rain or snow. Tire blowouts can also occur when owners don’t maintain their tires, leading to loss of control and potential accidents.

Lights and Turn Signals

Faulty lights and signaling systems are another common issue in poorly maintained vehicles. Burned-out headlights or brake lights can reduce visibility and make it difficult for other drivers to see your vehicle, increasing the risk of car accidents, especially at night or in low-light conditions.

Steering and Suspension

Inadequate maintenance of the steering and suspension systems can also pose safety hazards. Loose or worn steering components can result in difficulty controlling the vehicle. Worn suspension parts can lead to unstable handling and an increased risk of rollover accidents, particularly during sudden maneuvers or emergencies.

Do You Have to Get Your Car Inspected Where It’s Registered?

If you’re new to Texas, you might be wondering if you need to get your car inspected in the county where it’s registered. You’ll learn the answer to that question and information on significant changes to the Texas vehicle inspection program in this article. You’ll also learn why regular car maintenance is essential and how an Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP attorney can help if you’re hurt in an accident caused by a driver who neglected maintenance.

Inspection Information

No matter where you live in Texas, you don’t need to get your car inspected where it’s registered. All you need to do is get it inspected at a location approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Our state was one of only 13 in the country that required vehicle inspections as of this writing, but big changes are ahead.

As of Jan. 1, 2025, Texas will no longer require inspections of non-commercial vehicles. Drivers in the state will still need to pay an inspection fee of $7.50 when getting their yearly registration, but they won’t have to go to a mechanic to check their vehicle.

However, if you live in one of the following 17 counties, you must still bring your vehicle for emissions testing. The counties are:

• Bexar (Starting Nov. 1, 2026)
• Brazoria
• Collin
• Dallas
• Denton
• Ellis 
• El Paso 
• Fort Bend
• Galveston
• Harris
• Johnson
• Kaufman
• Parker
• Montgomery
• Rockwall
• Tarrant 
• Travis
• Williamson

How an Attorney Can Help if the Other Driver Didn’t Maintain Their Vehicle

Suppose you’ve been injured in a car wreck because another driver failed to maintain their vehicle. A Houston car accident attorney from Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP can be instrumental in helping you seek justice and compensation. We will assess the details of the accident, including the extent of your injuries and the circumstances surrounding the other driver’s negligence in maintaining their vehicle.

Our lawyers can also help you understand your legal options and the potential outcomes of your case. Whether through negotiating a settlement or pursuing litigation in court, we will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident.

Dealing With Insurance Company Tactics

The at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely try to do whatever it can to deny your claim. Insurers often prioritize their profit margins over doing what’s right. They’re not above using various tactics to protect their bottom line.

For example, the insurer might argue you’re not as severely injured as you claim or that you’re to blame for the accident. 

But a skilled Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP lawyer can defeat those tactics. We’ll show the extent of your injuries through medical records and expert testimony. We’ll also have the facts showing the other driver caused the wreck by ignoring maintenance.

Ultimately, an experienced attorney can provide invaluable support and guidance during a challenging time, allowing you to focus on your recovery while they fight for the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.

Injured in a Wreck With a Poorly Maintained Car? Contact a Houston Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident attorney from Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP in Houston is ready to help if another driver’s failure to maintain their vehicle led to your injury. Schedule a free case review by contacting us online today.

C.J. Baker

C.J. Baker represents victims with serious injuries and has won millions of dollars for victims of 18-wheeler crashes, oilfield equipment failures, offshore platform explosions, and defective medical devices. C.J. graduated summa cum laude from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2016. He was an editor of the Texas Tech Law Review and a top national trial and moot-court advocate.