Austin car registration, emissions and towing rules
Most of Austin is in Travis County, and vehicles there are registered through the Travis County tax assessor collector. Use the county of your own address; TxDMV keeps the list of county tax offices. (source: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles)
Travis County is one of the 18 Texas emissions counties. Gasoline vehicles 2 to 24 years old need a passing emissions test before registration renewal. (source: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles)
TCEQ caps the station fee for an OBD emissions test in Travis County at $11.50. (source: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality)
You can renew up to 90 days before expiration, and TxDMV says a required emissions test must be done within that 90 day renewal period. (source: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles)
Parts of Austin reach into Hays County, which is not on the list of 18 emissions counties. The rule follows the county where the vehicle is registered. (source: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles)
The Austin area (Travis and Williamson Counties) has had OBD emissions tests since September 1, 2005. (source: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality)
If your car is towed here
Statewide maximums apply unless a local rule sets lower ones. (source: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation)
If your car is towed from a spot in Travis County, the tow hearing is in any justice court in Travis County, the county it was towed from (Occupations Code 2308.453). (source: Texas Legislature)
See tow fee limits, storage fees and registration deadlines.
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On this site: When is my Texas registration due, and what if it is late? · I just moved to Texas. What are the vehicle deadlines? · Buying or selling a car in Texas: title and transfer deadlines · Do I still need a vehicle inspection in Texas? · Texas emissions test: cost, timing and retests · Bexar County emissions testing: required from November 1, 2026 · Towed from a private lot in Texas: what can they charge? · Texas vehicle storage lot fees and getting your car back · How to challenge a tow in Texas (tow hearing) · Texas Lemon Law: tests, deadline and fee · Texas vehicle fees at a glance · Cities · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV): County Tax Offices (checked November 1, 2026)
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV): Register Your Vehicle (checked November 1, 2026)
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ): Highlights of the Vehicle I/M Program (checked November 1, 2026)
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV): Registration and Title Bulletin RTB 003-26: Bexar County Emissions Testing Requirements (PDF) (checked November 1, 2026)
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR): Towing and Vehicle Storage: Consumer Information (checked November 1, 2026)
- Texas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes): Occupations Code Chapter 2308: Vehicle Towing and Booting (checked November 1, 2026)
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