Emissions testing questions (1 Viewer)

[Curtice]

Hi all.

I will be moving to Houston (from WA) this summer. I have a 1978 FJ40 with a completely desmogged 3FE (all smog parts removed). I've been looking into what is needed to register this when I get there. As I understand, if I go "antique" vehicle, I won't need any inspections. But if I register normally, or as a "classic", safety and emissions testing are required. Is that correct? Since I am desmogged, I assume I will fail this test. So going antique is really my only option.

Is my understanding correct? Thanks for any help.

Curtice

 

[jLB]

It’s my understanding that vehicles that are more than 24 years old, are exempt from emissions testing, but you may still have to do the annual “safety inspections”.

I haven’t tried getting a 24+ year old vehicle inspected, with visually missing emissions equipment any time recently.

 

[samc2447]

No emissions required for normal registration on your 40. But yes you need a safety, which is basically all lights and signals work, horn, seat belts and parking brake.

 

[Gretsch]

In Texas, only certain counties require Emissions testing. In your case the applicable counties are as follows:

• Brazoria County
• Fort Bend County
• Galveston County
• Harris County
• Montgomery County

Cars 2 to 24 years old require Emissions testing. Past 24 years, it's a safety inspection only. Heads up here, they went to a program a few years back called the Texas Two Step. State-wide database system. You cannot register the vehicle unless it has passed inspection, either safety or safety and emissions. So, you have to have it pass inspection. If you try and register the vehicle without a passing inspection, they will know, and you won't be able to do so. I had my 60 series fail because of some silly things, so make sure all your electrical is right. Failed me once for my High Beam Indicator not working after a Koito headlight upgrade.

As I understand, if I go "antique" vehicle, I won't need any inspections. But if I register normally, or as a "classic", safety and emissions testing are required. Is that correct? Since I am desmogged, I assume I will fail this test. So going antique is really my only option.

My truck was desmogged and I never had an issue with passing inspection other than the HBI not working. They won't understand it's been modified, and your truck is past the 24-year mark anyway. I registered mine as a normal vehicle. You'll be fine. HTH.

 

[John Staton]

I am in The Woodlands (Montgomery County)...$7 bucks (if I remember right) and 10 minutes is all it takes. Less if they guy looking at it cant drive a standard as he will skip the brake check. I am desmogged and deleted my cats but that is not checked at all....they dont even lift the hood.

 

[FARMAN33]

I would strongly encourage you to register "antique". It is a 5 year registration for $50! They will warn you that doing such limits your use to (1) use to and from parades (2) use to and from club functions (3) for maintenance. The third provision gives you literally ANY reason to be on the road ie.... getting gas, charging batteries, testing tune-up, alignment, brakes and on and on. If driving across town, say your taking it to a specialist. If driving across the state, say your delivering it. In short... I have rocked antique plates for nearly 20 years and pulled over many times and plates were NEVER mentioned.

 

[jLB]

Texas Two Step. State-wide database system. You cannot register the vehicle unless it has passed inspection, either safety or safety and emissions.

And a fun bit, if you have a (2-24 year old) car inspected in a non-emissions county (because it lives there), but your main residence is in an emissions county, they get real persnickety and “lockup” your renewal w/o another trip to the county courthouse annex

 

[Curtice]

Thanks everyone. The 24 year rule was unclear to me, so thank you for clarifying. This is good to know. I was getting worried.

I am considering the antique license plate. I don't drive it a ton, it is more for fun, so maybe that is a good way to go.

It is fully restored rig, but I will probably have to do some work to get it to pass safety inspection. I understand I need a license plate light? Also, my vin plates (eg on the door jamb) are buried in a box somewhere and I think one of the steps is a vin check? I know there is the frame vin, but it is not great.

On another note, if you guys get together regularly, I'll look forward to meeting you.

 

[Gretsch]

I will be moving to Houston (from WA) this summer.

Your bigger issue OP above and beyond inspection rules in Texas. I'll check with you middle of August to see how things are going.

I kid, I kid. Welcome to Texas.