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DUDE! According to the ever-knowledgeable and trustworthy Google AI:

Question: "What is the vehicle emissions inspection process for a 1995 Non-OBD-II non-commercial vehicle?"

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In 2026, a
1995 gasoline-powered vehicle registered in Harris County is required to undergo an annual emissions inspection using the Acceleration Simulation Mode (ASM) test. This is a "tailpipe-based" test because vehicles from 1995 and older lack the On-Board Diagnostic (OBDII) systems found in newer cars.

The ASM Inspection Process
Since your vehicle is older than 1996, the inspection follows these specific steps:
  • Dynamometer Testing ("Treadmill Test"): The vehicle is placed on a dynamometer, which allows the wheels to spin while the vehicle remains stationary.
  • Simulated Driving Conditions: A technician "drives" the vehicle on the dynamometer to simulate typical load and acceleration.
  • Tailpipe Probe: A probe is inserted into the exhaust pipe to measure pollutants while the vehicle is under load.
  • Pollutants Measured: The ASM test specifically analyzes levels of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Hydrocarbons (HC).

Key Requirements & Exceptions
  • Safety Inspection Change: As of January 1, 2025, non-commercial vehicles in Texas no longer require a general safety inspection (checking brakes, lights, etc.). However, you must still complete the emissions test to renew your registration in Harris County.
  • 25-Year Rule: Emissions testing is required for gasoline vehicles between 2 and 24

WOO-HOO!
During my 5-mile city-street run tomorrow I shall make a point of having a conversation with my friendly Vehicle Inspections guy
and get actual process low-down.

Tell ya one thing: Sure beats the $100+ jizya annually for a sticker via the "other" method...


Whoopee! Round fer the house!

Eduardito
 
Last edited:
Referencing post 18:
anything before 96 isn't OBD II and does not require it to be plugged into for inspection.
Any vehicle over 25 years old is no longer subject to emissions testing in Harris County.
Texas has now done away with vehicle safety inspections so if your vehicle is over 25 years old you only deal with the DMV for licensing and registration. they did not skip the inspection fee though; you still get the gloved finger wave. Causes me to remember the old public pay phones when any passerby might check for forgotten change.
Mr. Administrator/Moderator Sirs:

I am trying to phrase the following in an apolitical fashion; if out-of-bounds, I apologize in advance:

I wonder if the dropping/defanging of these common-sense/absurd regulations have anything to do with the current U.S. Federal Administration's deregulation policy stance?

GONG! Yer outta here Ed!

Eddie
 
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