TEXANS, i need your emissions test knowledge!

[txchainsawgogi]

Williamson/travis county in particular. I keep getting mixed info on whether or not a 1978 truck needs to pass an emissions test. On the TxDot site it says a test is required for autos 2-24 years old... but when I called to verify at a local station the guy made it seem like I was an idiot.

I don't have any of the smog can stuff and really need to get my truck legal!

Also if you've got a station that's more polite to old beat up trucks let me know.


(Edit- I'm only asking ahead of time so I don't spend 25$ just to fail because of emissions!!)

[ccz145a]

Galveston County around Houston Area, which should be about as as strict as any says no smog for your vehicle... they may do a visual but they said nothing about my '75 with headers and open element air cleaner. they did, however do a limited idle test on my '93 buick. So it sounds like the 24 year rule would fit.

[Dr_Snooz]

In CA, the DMV tells you at registration time if you need a smog check.

[TexasRed]

a 1984 in houston/harris county and they did no emissions test and no saying anything about my headers, no air pump or egr.

$14.50 sir.

[cvbear]

I suggest trying more than one place.  I have an '84 Silverado with a crate motor and headers, no smog equipment.  We live in DFW.  The first place my son went said they could not inspect it because it was so old!  The next day I took it to the local quick lube and they confirmed the horn and wipers worked and looked it over and gave me the sticker! 

[TexasRed]

did they check the pistol in the glove box?

[N2TRUX]

did they check the pistol in the glove box?

No need to. They had one of their own.

You will have to have a safety inspection, not a emissions inspection. I had my 77 inspected this year and all the tested was the brakes, lights and horn. I popped the hood and had a crowd around it, but they never considered what was "supposed" to be there.

[RCCoors]

This is straight from the TxDot webiste. Hope this helps.


05.02 Inspect Every Pickup, Panel, or Truck Under 80 Inches Wide For: (Listed in suggested order of inspection)

* Check for evidence of Financial Responsibility

1. Horn
2. Windshield Wipers
3. Mirror
4. Steering
5. Seat Belts
6. Brakes (system) Parking - (beginning with 1960 models)
7. Tires
8. Wheel Assembly
9. Safety Guards or Flaps (if four tires or more on rearmost axle)
10. Exhaust System
11. Exhaust Emission System (beginning with 1968 models)
12. Beam Indicator (beginning with 1948 models)
13. Tail Lamps (2); (1) if 1959 model or earlier
14. Stop Lamps (2); (1) if 1959 model or earlier
15. License Plate Lamp (1)
16. Rear Red Reflectors (2)
17. Turn Signal Lamps (beginning with 1960 models) (mea-sure if 1959 model or earlier)
18. Head Lamps (2)
19. Motor, Serial, or Vehicle Identification Number
20. 1988 & newer - inspect for window tinting or coating
21. Gas caps on vehicles 2-24 model years old.

Overall width is determined by measuring from the widest part on one side to the widest part on the other side of the vehicle. In some vehicles this may be the dual wheels which would be considered as part of the width. Do not include an outside mirror or mirrors in determining overall width.