What changed in Texas

Insurance law does not sit still, but most guides are written once and left alone. Repealed programs and retired forms keep circulating for years. This is what actually changed inTexas, when, and where to verify it.

1. January 1, 2025

   Moving here

   Safety inspections abolished for non-commercial vehicles

   HB 3297 ended the Vehicle Safety Inspection Program for non-commercial vehicles. A $7.50 inspection program replacement fee is now collected at registration instead. Emissions testing still applies in designated counties.

   Texas DPS

2. September 1, 2019

   Driving uninsured

   Driver Responsibility Program surcharges repealed

   HB 2048 abolished the Driver Responsibility Program in full, including past, present and future surcharges. Roughly one million license suspensions were lifted. Guides that still list an annual $250 surcharge for driving without insurance are describing a program that no longer exists.

   Texas DPS

3. September 1, 2017

   Crash reporting

   TxDOT stopped accepting the CR-2 driver's crash report

   SB 312 ended TxDOT retention of the CR-2 'blue form'. Drivers now file the report with local law enforcement rather than the state, and keep their own copy.

   TxDOT