The laws have changed here in Texas. For all the time we have lived here (44 years) it was necessary to get an inspection of your car in order to get a registration renewal. Starting this year, state vehicle inspections are no longer required, but there is a catch. In certain counties (ours) emissions testing is required for gasoline-powered vehicles 1996 or newer with 50,000 or more miles. Our Lexus is a 1994 model so it is exempt. Our Odyssey will require emissions testing when it gets 45,000 more miles on it. That will be a few years.