Texas · Handbook chapter 2 · 3 min read
Chapter 2: Vehicle equipment, registration and insurance
Texas rules on yearly inspection, required and forbidden equipment, registration for new residents, minimum liability insurance and the penalties for driving uninsured.
Why this chapter matters
Texas asks about equipment numbers and insurance limits. They are easy points if you learn the figures: 25 feet, 200 feet, 2/32 inch, 30/60/25.
Inspection
Every vehicle registered in Texas must be inspected each year at an official inspection station, including motorcycles, mopeds and autocycles. You show proof of insurance at the inspection. Only the registration sticker is displayed on the windshield; it serves as proof of both registration and inspection. A passing inspection report is valid for 90 days for registration.
Required equipment
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Foot brake | Must stop the car within 25 feet at 20 mph |
| Headlights | Two, with a high-beam indicator |
| Taillights and brake lights | Two each (one each on cars built before 1960); a third high brake light must work if fitted |
| License plate light | White light on the rear plate when headlights are on |
| Horn | Heard at least 200 feet away |
| Rearview mirror | Shows the road at least 200 feet behind |
| Tires | Tread at least 2/32 of an inch deep |
| Plates | One on the front and one on the rear of passenger vehicles |
| Slow-moving vehicle emblem | On vehicles that travel at 25 mph or less |
Equipment you must not have
- A red light showing to the front, or a siren or bell, unless you drive an emergency vehicle.
- A muffler cutout or a radar-jamming device.
- A load sticking out more than 3 inches past the left side or 6 inches past the right side of the car.
Registration
- Register a newly bought vehicle within 30 days.
- A new resident may drive on out-of-state registration for 30 days, then must register in Texas. New residents must register every vehicle they own before applying for a Texas license.
Insurance (financial responsibility)
Every driver must carry at least the minimum liability insurance:
- $30,000 for injury or death of one person,
- $60,000 for injury or death of two or more people,
- $25,000 for property damage.
You must show proof to a police officer on request and to anyone involved in a crash with you. An image of your insurance card on a phone counts as proof. A first conviction for driving without proof brings a fine of $175 to $350; later convictions can mean a suspended license, higher fines and having the vehicle impounded for 180 days.
Frequently asked questions
How often must my car be inspected?
Every year, at an official inspection station.
What are the Texas minimum insurance limits?
$30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per crash for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage.
Can I show my insurance card on my phone?
Yes. The handbook lists an image on a wireless device as acceptable proof.
Based on the Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7, revised January 2026), Texas Department of Public Safety.