Bexar County emissions testing is scheduled to begin November 1, 2026. Gasoline-powered vehicles registered in the county that are 2 to 24 model years old will generally need to pass an annual on-board diagnostics (OBD) emissions test before registration renewal, subject to applicable exemptions and approved waivers. Texas DPS confirms the start date and vehicle requirements.
Patrick Von Dohlen, Republican candidate for Bexar County Judge in 2026, is asking a practical question: Will your car pass—and what will it cost your household if it does not? His campaign’s new flyer highlights testing fees, potential repair bills, and his push for relief for Bexar County drivers.
What Bexar County drivers need to know
- Start date: November 1, 2026.
- Vehicles covered: Gasoline-powered vehicles 2 to 24 model years old registered in Bexar County.
- Registration: A covered vehicle must meet emissions-program requirements before annual registration can be renewed.
- Exempt vehicles: TCEQ lists electric vehicles, diesel vehicles, motorcycles, and mopeds as not requiring this emissions inspection.
The program applies across Bexar County, including San Antonio and other communities within the county. The campaign flyer estimates approximately 1.24 million vehicles could be affected; that figure is a campaign estimate. See TCEQ’s vehicle emissions program overview for official eligibility and registration information.
How much will Bexar County emissions testing cost?
The flyer highlights $28.50 per vehicle per year. That amount combines the maximum emissions inspection charge, the emissions administration fee, and the existing inspection program replacement fee for a typical non-commercial vehicle:
- Up to $18.50: The OBD emissions inspection charge.
- $2.50: The state emissions administration fee collected at registration.
- $7.50: The existing inspection program replacement fee for non-commercial vehicles.
The first two charges total up to $21 in emissions-related fees. Adding the existing $7.50 replacement fee brings the combined amount to $28.50, before ordinary registration charges or repairs. The $7.50 fee has applied since January 1, 2025; it is not a new emissions-testing charge. Sources: TCEQ’s Bexar County fee schedule and DPS’s inspection replacement fee explanation.
A failed test could mean a larger repair bill
Patrick’s concern extends beyond the inspection fee. The campaign flyer cites repair figures of $1,500 for a car, $2,500 or more for a truck or SUV, and $1,000 to $4,000 for a catalytic converter replacement. These are campaign-provided estimates, not state fees or independently verified average costs. An individual repair bill depends on the vehicle and the problem diagnosed.
For a household relying on a vehicle to get to work, take children to school, or reach medical appointments, an unexpected repair can be difficult to absorb. Patrick is calling for a public accounting of those potential costs before families are left to manage them.
Waivers and retesting: the $600 rule needs context
TCEQ’s Individual Vehicle Waiver includes a requirement to spend at least $600 on emissions-related repairs while still being unable to pass, along with other eligibility conditions. Spending $600 does not automatically guarantee approval.
That threshold does not apply to every relief option. TCEQ also lists a low-mileage waiver and time extensions for qualifying low-income owners or unavailable parts. Drivers should review the official waiver and extension requirements and contact DPS about eligibility.
After a failed inspection, DPS allows a free retest at the original inspection station within 15 days. Returning later or using a different station requires another inspection fee. See the DPS Bexar County inspection FAQ.
Why Patrick is pressing for federal relief
The campaign flyer argues that pollution transported into the region deserves greater attention before local drivers face additional costs. It cites a 73%–78% outside-area ozone contribution; that range is presented as the campaign’s cited estimate, not a finding independently established in this article.
TCEQ confirms that it submitted a Clean Air Act Section 179B(b) demonstration to the EPA on July 2, 2026, for Bexar County’s ozone nonattainment area. The submission concerns international pollution transport. It should not be read as an announcement that the emissions-testing requirement has been canceled: the official vehicle-program pages still list November 1, 2026. See TCEQ’s latest San Antonio ozone planning update.
Patrick’s warning in 2019—and his position today
The campaign flyer recalls Patrick’s October 17, 2019, City Council remarks warning about the household costs of the climate plan. It contrasts his warning with Ron Nirenberg’s assurances about mandates and cost estimates, and argues that residents deserve stronger accountability.
The flyer also describes Patrick’s formal comments, advocacy to TCEQ, and work with state legislators and local officials to oppose the mandate. His position is to seek available federal relief, demand a transparent cost-benefit analysis, and advocate for practical options that protect working families.
Read Patrick’s full position on the emissions testing mandate and his remarks to the Somerset City Council.
Frequently asked questions
Does every Bexar County driver need a test on November 1?
The program starts that day, but compliance is tied to registration renewal for covered vehicles. Review your renewal notice and the state’s requirements for your vehicle.
Does the $28.50 in the flyer represent the emissions test alone?
No. It combines up to $18.50 for the inspection, $2.50 for emissions administration, and the existing $7.50 inspection program replacement fee. Other registration charges and any repairs are separate.
Does Patrick support the emissions testing mandate?
No. Patrick opposes the mandate and is advocating for relief, a clear accounting of its costs and benefits, and protections for drivers facing financial hardship.
Make your voice heard before November
Patrick encourages residents to learn the requirements, share this information, and support the effort to protect Bexar County drivers.
Read the petition and add your name
For the November 3, 2026, election, the Texas Secretary of State lists these dates:
- Voter registration deadline: October 5, 2026.
- Early voting: October 19–30, 2026.
- Election Day: November 3, 2026.
Visit VoteTexas.gov for voter registration and election information.
Official program information checked September 14, 2026. The featured image is the campaign’s original flyer; the article above clarifies its fee and waiver statements and identifies campaign estimates.