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Car Emissions Testing and Inspections: Vehicle Inspections by State

November 24, 2024 - By admin

Quick Facts About Car Emissions Testing and Inspections

A smog check is a vehicle emissions inspection that tests a car’s exhaust system to ensure it meets specific environmental standards.
Electric cars are always exempt from smog tests since they do not produce tailpipe emissions.
The price of a vehicle inspection can vary depending on the state and the type of inspection.

If you just purchased a used car or moved to a new state, you need to know the requirements for vehicle emissions tests and inspections. For your existing vehicle, you might need these annually.

In the United States, requirements vary by state. For example, some states require an inspection and a smog check, while others require one and not the other, or none.

Our guide will provide an overview of car emissions tests and inspections in the U.S. to help you stay prepared. We will go over:

Use our jump-ahead links below to skip to the requirements for your area.

Why Do Cars Need Inspections?

Let’s start by understanding the purpose of car inspections. In short, many states implement these regulations to ensure that vehicles stay safe to drive and meet specific environmental standards. As cars age, they can develop safety hazards and become more polluting.

Though it depends on which state you live in, certain cars must undergo annual inspections to identify potential problems and ensure that they are still safe to drive. They might also require emissions testing. These checks can help keep our air clean.

What Is a Smog Check?

A smog check is a vehicle emissions inspection that tests a car’s exhaust system to ensure it meets specific environmental standards. This emissions test is required in some states but not all. Cars produce air pollution when they burn gasoline or diesel fuel. Pollution can contribute to respiratory problems and other health concerns. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Emissions of pollutants into the air can result in changes to the climate.”

Smog checks help reduce air pollution by ensuring gas and diesel vehicles meet emissions standards. If a car does not pass a smog check, the owner may need to make auto repairs or replace parts to get the vehicle to meet the standards.

What Cars Need an Emissions Test?

Depending on the state, smog checks may or may not be required. The age of the car could be a factor. For example, vehicles in California that are in the 1975 model or newer generally need a smog check unless they make the list of exempt vehicles, which we will explore later in this article.

The only cars that are always exempt from smog checks are electric vehicles since they do not produce emissions. Other vehicles may be exempt, depending on the state. For example, certain hybrid cars, alternative fuel cars, and motorcycles are exempt from smog checks in California.

What States Require an Emissions Test?

Currently, 29 states require an emissions test to register a vehicle or renew an existing registration. Some states, including Colorado and Idaho, require emissions tests for residents in certain counties or regions, but the check is not mandatory throughout the entire state.

Additionally, some states that do not require an emissions test may still order drivers to complete other safety or VIN inspections before applying for or renewing registration.

Which States Don’t Have Emissions Tests?

The following states do not require emissions testing for vehicle registrations or annual tag renewals:

Alabama	Alaska
Arkansas	Florida
Hawaii	Iowa
Kansas	Kentucky
Michigan	Minnesota
Mississippi	Montana
Nebraska	North Dakota
Oklahoma	South Carolina
South Dakota	Tennessee
Washington	West Virginia
Wyoming

How to Know if You Need an Emissions Test

Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office for a detailed explanation of vehicle testing requirements. Testing information is available on its website. You can also call or stop by the local office to speak with a representative and confirm the requirements.

Some states require an emissions test annually. Others mandate a test less frequently or based on the age of the car, vehicle weight, and other variables. The tests are typically valid for one year, but the validity period may vary from state to state. Always confirm these regulations and stay in compliance to avoid any fines or penalties.

Note that some states, like California, keep logs of a car’s smog check and inspection history. So, if you’re considering buying a used car, you may be able to request this information from the seller or look it up online.

Related: Car Title Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Where Can I Get My Car Inspected?

You must visit a licensed inspection station to get your car’s emissions test. Depending on your region, this can be a standalone emissions testing center, a repair shop, or a dealership.

The technician will connect your car to the emissions testing machine when you arrive for the test. This device measures pollution levels emitted from the exhaust, and it confirms whether the vehicle complies with the state’s standards. When this is complete, you’ll receive a passing certificate or failure report, depending on how the car scores. Failure reports will usually outline required repairs or adjustments. Once you have the car fixed, you’ll need to take another test to make sure it passes.

In Northern Virginia, Rapidpass can check your vehicle as you optionally drive through a roadside testing site. There’s no need to stop since two green boxes use ultraviolet and infrared light beams to test the air quality of the passing car, and a camera captures information from the vehicle as it passes through. Upon notification of a clean emissions result, motorists can pay a fee online and move forward with car registration.

Can I Get an Emissions Test in Another State?

While an emissions test can typically be completed by any certified motor vehicle inspector, you’ll need to visit an approved emissions testing site in your home state for registrations and tag renewals. Testing criteria in your state may differ from your neighboring state, so get your vehicle emissions tested where you live. However, some states do have reciprocity with others, meaning the inspection from your current state may be valid if you move to another state requiring an inspection.

How Long Does a Smog Check and Inspection Take?

Traditional emissions tests and inspections take less than an hour, including the time spent waiting in line. A simple emissions inspection takes less than 15 minutes. In places like Northern Virginia with its Rapidpass system, it takes less than 10 seconds when there’s no traffic.

However, if your car fails the emissions test or the inspection, you may need to have your vehicle repaired, which can take additional time.

Expert tip: Have your smog check done earlier in the month to avoid long lines of drivers rushing to get their inspection completed by the end-of-the-month deadline.

How Much Does an Inspection Cost?

The price of a vehicle inspection can vary depending on the state and the type being done. Smog checks are slightly less expensive than car inspections. However, both are manageable if you don’t need repairs.

For example, Virginia’s Rapidpass system costs $30 for a smog check.

Requirements by State for Inspections

Alabama

The state does not have emissions check requirements. A safety inspection is not needed for vehicle registration in Alabama. However, a VIN inspection is required when residents register out-of-state vehicles.

Alaska

In Alaska, you will find no mandatory safety or emissions inspections. The only thing you need to drive is valid car insurance. Certain municipalities previously required inspections, but those mandates were suspended or discontinued.

Arizona

In Arizona, Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas require emissions testing, including if you commute into these areas. Requirements may vary depending on the vehicle type, model year, fuel type, and weight. The biennial inspection is not required for registration outside of the state’s largest metro areas. Car safety inspections are not necessary in the state.

Arkansas

Arkansas has no mandatory safety or emissions inspections. However, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality strongly encourages voluntary emissions testing. That means you can get your car tested for emissions, but it’s not mandated.

California

The state of California enforces some of the strictest smog check requirements in the country. The part of the state you live in will determine which tests your car needs to pass. If you move to the state with a vehicle purchased elsewhere, it must pass a smog check before it can be registered. A visual inspection of your vehicle’s identification number is also required. For drivers of newer vehicles, you must pay a smog abatement fee instead of getting a smog inspection for the first eight years that your vehicle is registered.

The following vehicles are exempt from smog testing:

Electric vehicles
A motorcycle
Natural gas-powered vehicles over 14,000 pounds
Diesel-powered made before 1997
Made before 1975
Less than eight years old

If your car fails its smog test, you need a certified state test and repair station (STAR) to remedy the problem, which in some cases may be due to a stolen catalytic converter.

Colorado

In Colorado, most vehicles need biennial safety inspections. The biggest counties, including Denver, Broomfield, Douglas, and Boulder, also require emissions testing. Newer cars less than eight years old need tests every other year. Vehicles being registered in Colorado from another state must complete a VIN inspection.

Connecticut

The state of Connecticut performs safety inspections on commercial vehicles. Regular passenger cars, pickup trucks, and motorcycles do not need safety inspections. However, all vehicles registered in Connecticut must pass an emissions test every other year. Additionally, the state requires a VIN verification when registering any car in Connecticut for the first time.

Delaware

In Delaware, it’s essential to complete safety and emissions inspections every two years if your automobile or truck has a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less. These tests are performed by the DMV; independent inspection reports are not authorized or accepted. Automobiles manufactured before 1968 and diesel vehicles produced before 1997 are exempt. Vehicles in the most recent seven model years are also excluded from these testing requirements.

District of Columbia

Vehicles in Washington, D.C., must pass safety inspections and emissions tests before registration. While the DMV no longer requires motorcycles or motorized bicycles to pass inspections, all other vehicles must be checked. Vehicle inspections for personal cars remain valid for two years. To expedite emissions testing of previously inspected vehicles, the district provides self-service kiosks open around the clock, seven days a week.

Florida

Although there once was a time when Florida required both safety and emissions inspections, that’s no longer the case. However, drivers need to get a VIN inspection if they’re bringing an out-of-state vehicle into Florida for registration.

Georgia

Georgia law requires vehicles registered in the 13-county Atlanta metropolitan area to complete enhanced smog testing. Automobiles from the most recent three model years are exempt from emissions testing, and vehicles 25 model years or older are exempt from emissions inspection. Other exemptions include motorcycles, RVs, diesel-powered vehicles, and motor homes. Safety inspections are not required.

Hawaii

Emissions testing is not a requirement in Hawaii. However, all vehicles must pass an annual safety inspection to check essential components, including brakes, horn, headlights, and turn signals. The inspection must be done at an authorized station.

Idaho

Idaho’s Division of Motor Vehicles does not require drivers to have periodic car safety inspections. The state ended its emissions testing requirements for the Boise metropolitan area in 2023. A VIN inspection may be needed before registering a vehicle not previously titled in the state.

Illinois

Illinois requires annual emissions inspections for qualifying vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency tests automobiles before residents can renew vehicle registration with the secretary of state’s office.

Indiana

Indiana doesn’t require vehicles to have safety inspections. However, the state’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires a VIN inspection on vehicles not previously titled in Indiana. Its every-other-year emissions testing program applies only to vehicles made after 1975 and registered in Lake and Porter counties in Indiana’s northwest corner.

Iowa

No inspection is needed for vehicle registration in Iowa. The state does not mandate safety checks or require emissions testing for passenger cars.

Kansas

There are no safety or emissions testing requirements in Kansas. However, a VIN inspection is necessary on certain automobiles before they receive a Kansas title and registration. The Kansas Highway Patrol conducts these inspections to verify vehicle ownership when bringing a car into Kansas from another state.

Kentucky

In most cases, car registration in Kentucky does not require a vehicle inspection. However, motor vehicles brought into Kentucky from another state must pass a sheriff’s safety inspection to ensure roadworthiness.

Louisiana

All vehicles in Louisiana must have an annual safety inspection, which includes checking exhaust systems and emission items. Five parishes around the state capital, Baton Rouge, have an enhanced inspection and maintenance program to help control motor vehicle emissions.

Maine

Vehicles registered in Maine must pass annual safety inspections. Residents of Cumberland County, which includes the city of Portland, must also have their automobiles tested annually for emissions.

Maryland

Maryland requires that most used vehicles complete a comprehensive examination at a licensed vehicle safety inspection station before their sale or title transfer. The state’s vehicle emissions testing program applies to automobiles registered in 13 counties and the city of Baltimore. Emissions inspections occur every two years.

Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Vehicle Check program requires all passenger vehicles to pass an annual safety check and emissions test. The comprehensive inspection includes an examination of the car’s brakes, tires, horn, and other key safety components. Vehicles less than 15 years old with onboard diagnostic systems must pass an annual emissions inspection.

Michigan

Michigan vehicle registration does not require an inspection. The state does not mandate car safety checks or emissions testing.

Minnesota

The Driver and Vehicle Services division in Minnesota does not require safety checks or emissions testing on passenger cars registered in the state.

Mississippi

Mississippi does not require an inspection to register a car, nor does the state mandate vehicle safety checks or emissions testing.

Missouri

Missouri’s DMV requires passenger vehicles to pass a safety check every other year to assess the condition of their suspension, seatbelts, headlights, and other safety features. Residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area must also have vehicle emissions inspections.

Montana

Montana does not require car inspections, and motorists can register their automobiles through the state’s Motor Vehicle Division without having to perform a safety check or emissions testing. A VIN inspection may be used to confirm ownership.

Nebraska

Nebraska does not require a vehicle safety inspection or emissions testing to register automobiles. The state may perform a VIN inspection to confirm ownership and record the odometer reading, but there is no physical examination of roadworthiness.

Nevada

Nevada does not mandate vehicle safety inspections. Annual emissions testing is a requirement for vehicles from model years 1968 and newer in Clark and Washoe counties, or the Las Vegas and Reno areas.

New Hampshire

Automobiles registered in New Hampshire must pass an annual safety check as part of the state’s vehicle inspection program. In addition to the physical inspection needed for all cars, passenger vehicles less than 20 years old require an onboard diagnostics test for early detection of malfunctioning emissions devices.

New Mexico

New Mexico does not have a statewide vehicle safety inspection requirement. However, an emissions inspection is mandatory for automobiles registered or commuting in Bernalillo County. All motor vehicles up to 10,000 pounds in the county from model years 1990 and newer must pass the test every two years or at a change of ownership.

New York

The Empire State has a comprehensive inspection program for cars and light trucks. The annual safety check covers the vehicle’s horn, wipers, brakes, and more. For emissions inspection, an onboard diagnostics test is necessary for cars built since 1996. The OBD test is a computerized analysis of the automobile’s emissions.

North Carolina

Passenger vehicles under 30 years old must pass an annual safety inspection before the North Carolina DMV registers the car. A licensed mechanic examines the vehicle’s headlights, signals, brakes, steering, windows, tires, and other safety components. Along with the safety check, motorists in 19 North Carolina counties must have an OBD emissions inspection.

North Dakota

North Dakota does not require vehicle inspections. The state’s Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division registers passenger vehicles for North Dakota residents without a safety inspection or emissions test.

Ohio

Emissions testing is required in seven Northeast Ohio counties around Cleveland. A network of self-service stations makes testing easier for motorists in the Buckeye State. Vehicles four years old and newer are exempt from testing, as are cars older than 25. The frequency depends on the vehicle weight and model year. There is no mandatory safety testing in Ohio.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma does not require vehicle inspections. Motorists can register a car in Oklahoma with minimal straightforward requirements and no safety or emissions testing.

Oregon

Oregon does not require vehicle safety inspections. However, residents of the Portland and Medford metro areas must test emissions control systems, depending on the car’s age. Newer vehicles under four years old are exempt. In Portland, automobiles manufactured after 1975 require testing. For vehicles in Medford, the cutoff is 20 years.

Tennessee

Vehicle emissions testing is a thing of the past in Tennessee. The Volunteer State ended its inspection program in metropolitan counties in 2022 after the Environmental Protection Agency approved the state’s air quality plan.

Texas

A law in Texas eliminating the requirement for vehicle safety inspections takes effect on Jan. 1, 2025. However, the Texas emissions inspection policy still applies to 17 of the state’s 254 counties. Designated counties are in the metropolitan areas of Houston, Dallas, Austin, and El Paso. Bexar County, part of San Antonio’s metro area, will require emissions tests in 2026. The emissions requirement applies to gasoline-powered vehicles less than 25 years old.

Utah

The state of Utah removed the safety inspection requirement for most private automobiles as a prerequisite for registration. Motorists in Cache, Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, and Weber counties must pass emissions requirements. In general, cars with model years less than six years old are required to have an emissions test once every two years. The vehicle’s model year determines if inspections occur during an even or odd year.

Vermont

Vermont enforces its annual emissions inspection and maintenance program for vehicles. Residents can visit one of the 1,100 official inspection stations throughout the state to complete the straightforward emissions test and safety check. Cars 16 years old or newer must undergo these tests.

Virginia

Virginia requires an annual vehicle safety inspection to help ensure cars have proper equipment that’s in working order. Emissions tests are required every other year in the most populated areas of Northern Virginia. Motorists there can use the on-road emissions inspection program, Rapidpass. It allows a motorist to drive through the system to complete their emissions test in less than a second without visiting a testing station.

Washington

Washington terminated its emission check program in 2020 after 38 years of service. There are no yearly safety inspections in the state, but vehicles still must meet strict Clean Car requirements. All Washington State passenger cars, model years 2009 and newer, must be certified to California emission standards.

West Virginia

West Virginia requires a safety inspection every 24 months, and it is illegal to operate a vehicle without a valid inspection sticker on the windshield. However, no smog or emissions test is required to register a car in West Virginia.