Vehicle inspection in the United States

Vehicle inspection laws by state:

  Periodic safety inspection required

  Safety inspection required upon sale or transfer

  Safety inspection required when registering a vehicle from another jurisdiction

  Emissions testing required in some areas

  Emissions testing required in all areas

  No inspection required

Striped: Both safety and emissions testing required

In the United States, vehicle safety inspection and emissions inspection are governed by each state individually. 17 states have a periodic (annual or biennial) safety inspection program, while Maryland and Alabama require a safety inspection on sale or transfer of vehicles which were previously registered in another state. New Jersey discontinued its passenger vehicle safety inspection program on August 1, 2010.^[1]

In 1977, the federal Clean Air Act was amended by Congress to require states to implement vehicle emissions inspection programs, known as I/M programs (for Inspection and Maintenance), in all major metropolitan areas whose air quality failed to meet certain federal standards. New York's program started in 1982, California's program ("Smog Check") started in 1984, and Illinois' program started in 1986. The Clean Air Act of 1990 required some states to enact vehicle emissions inspection programs. State impacted were those in metropolitan areas where air quality did not meet federal standards.^[2] Some states, including Kentucky and Minnesota, have discontinued their testing programs in recent years with approval from the federal government.

Jurisdictions requiring periodic vehicle safety inspections

PennDOT-issued sign at an auto garage stating that it does vehicle inspections for cars.

• Delaware—annually or biennially, new cars are exempt from inspection for the first five years provided the car remains with the same owner.
• District of Columbia—biennially,^[3] the requirement for safety inspection for privately owned cars ended October 1, 2009.^[4]
• Hawaii—annually, with the following exceptions: Brand new vehicles receive an inspection valid for two years. Emergency vehicles, school vehicles, rental cars, and vehicles used in public transportation must be inspected every six months. Sticker placed on rear bumper to right on license plate.
• Illinois—According to Illinois EPA, "Ensure your vehicle is safe to operate. Your vehicle may be rejected [for emissions testing] if the test cannot be safely conducted."^[5] Emissions testing is required biannually only for vehicles registered in specific counties and zip codes (see below).
• Louisiana—annually. However, as of September, 2012, people in most jurisdictions have the option of getting a sticker good for two years, rather than one, by paying double the usual fee.^[6] Note that, in New Orleans, Inspection Stickers are commonly referred to as "Brake Tags"; they are placed on the inside of the windshield, in the lower-left corner of the windshield (on the driver's side). Colors change every year.
• Maine—annually; color of sticker changes annually; Sticker placed in top center of windshield behind rear view mirror.^[7]
• Massachusetts—annually.^[8] Stickers are placed in the lower right corner of the windshield.
• Mississippi—annually.^[9] Sticker placed in lower left corner of windshield. (Effective July 1st, 2015, Mississippi will no longer require annual safety inspections^[10])
• Missouri—biennially, based on the vehicle's model year. Odd-numbered model year renews in odd-numbered year, even-numbered model year renews in even-numbered year. Effective January 1, 2010, vehicles are exempt from safety inspection requirements for the first five years following the vehicle's model year.^[11] Vehicles displaying historical plates are completely exempt from inspection.^[12]
• New Hampshire—annually, except the first inspection of a new vehicle or upon an ownership transfer is adjusted to expire in the month of the registrant's birthday and is therefore valid for 4 to 15 months.^[13] Sticker placed in top center of windshield under rear view mirror.
• New Jersey—annually for commercial vehicles (including taxis, limousines, jitneys, and buses), effective January 1, 2010. Passenger vehicles are exempt from safety inspections, effective August 1, 2010.^[14]
• New York—annually. Newly registered vehicles with a current inspection sticker from another state are exempt until the out-of-state sticker expires or for one year after registration in New York, whichever is sooner. Vehicles registered as farm vehicles are exempt. Stickers are placed on lower left corner of windshield.
• North Carolina—annually until the vehicle is 35 years of age, at which point inspections are no longer required.
• Pennsylvania^[15]—annually for most vehicles; every six months for all vehicles over 17,000 pounds (7,700 kg) GVW, which includes tractor-trailers, most non-articulated trucks, school vehicles (including school buses and school vans), motor coaches, mass transit buses, ambulances, fire department trucks, etc. Most vehicles that carry passengers for hire, including taxicabs but not limousines, are also required to be inspected semiannually. Stickers are placed on lower drivers sides corner on windshield. Vehicles bearing antique vehicle license plates are exempt from inspection, but vehicles bearing classic or collectible license plates are subject to inspection. Trailers in excess of 3,000 pounds (1,400 kg) GVW are also inspected annually as are motorcycles.
• Rhode Island—biennially; newly registered vehicles are exempt from the inspection requirement for 2 years from the date of purchase. Vehicles registered as antiques are subject to safety inspection, but are exempt from emissions testing. Stickers are placed on lower-right corner of windshield.
• Texas—new vehicles are sold with an inspection decal which expires 2 years after the sale of the vehicle. Annually thereafter. The inspection decal is placed in the lower left corner of the windshield near the registration decal. Beginning March 1, 2015, the inspection decal is being eliminated and proof of inspection will be required to renew the registration.
• Utah—biennially for the first eight years, annually thereafter.^[16]
• Vermont—annually; inspections are due at the end of even-numbered months only. Inspections performed in an odd-numbered month will receive a sticker for the next even-numbered month (e.g., a car inspected in November 2011 will receive a sticker good until December 31, 2012). Inspection stickers are placed behind the rearview mirror and are color-coded by year.
• Virginia^[17]—annually;.^[18] Newly registered vehicles with a valid inspection from another state are exempt from inspection until the out-of-state inspection expires. Color of stickers changes annually and are placed in the lower center part of the windshield.
• West Virginia^[19]—annually; color of sticker changes annually; sticker placed in lower right corner of windshield.

Jurisdictions requiring a safety inspection only prior to sale or transfer of ownership

• Alabama^[20]
• Maryland^[21]

Jurisdictions requiring a safety inspection only when bringing a vehicle from another jurisdiction

• Nebraska^[22]

Jurisdictions requiring periodic vehicle emissions inspections

Vehicle emissions inspection station in Wisconsin.

• Arizona—biennially, in Phoenix and Tucson metro areas only, depending on age and type of vehicle.^[23]
• California—biennially for all vehicles from out-of-state, regardless of age; and all vehicles made after 1975 which are more than six years old (in most ZIP codes and in most major metropolitan areas including Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco).^[24]
• Colorado—biennially. Required in Denver, Boulder, and the Front Range. Includes Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld Counties.^[25]
• Connecticut—biennially.^[26]
• Delaware—annually or biennially. Older cars registered as antiques are exempt from emissions testing.
• District of Columbia—biennially.^[27]
• Georgia—annually for gasoline-powered cars or light-duty trucks (8,500 pounds GVWR or less), required only in the 13 metro Atlanta counties (Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding and Rockdale). The three most recent model year vehicles and those that that are 25 model years or older are exempt from emissions testing. As well as all motorcycles, recreational vehicles (RVs), motor homes and diesel powered vehicles.^[28]
• Idaho—required in Ada County and Canyon County only.^[29]
• Illinois—biennially after the vehicle is four years old. Required only in the Chicago metropolitan area and eastern suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri.^[30]
• Indiana—biennially, required in Lake County and Porter County (Chicago metropolitan area)/Northwest Indiana only.
• Louisiana—annually, only in the Baton Rouge metropolitan area parishes of Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingtston, and West Baton Rouge.
• Maryland—biennially, required in 13 (out of 23) counties and the independent city of Baltimore.^[31] The most recent two model years of vehicles are exempt from emissions testing.^[32]
• Massachusetts—annually, as of 2008. Vehicles less than 15 years old must pass an OBD-2 scan for emissions system compliance. Vehicles over 15 years old receive a visual check and must not 'produce visible smoke'. Prior to 2008, an emissions inspection was required biennially based on the vehicle's model year (odd-numbered model years were inspected in odd-numbered years, even-numbered model years were inspected in even-numbered years). Also in 2008, the tailpipe test for 1995 model year and older vehicles was discontinued.^[33]
• Missouri—biennially, based on the vehicle's model year, required only in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County, and Jefferson County.^[12]
• Nevada—required only in Clark County (Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno).
• New Hampshire—annually, except the first inspection of a new vehicle or upon an ownership transfer is adjusted to expire in the month of the registrant's birthday and is therefore valid for 4 to 15 months. Emissions inspection is required only for model year 1996 and newer vehicles.^[34]
• New Jersey—biennially. Effective January 1, 2010, commercial vehicles (including taxis, limousines, jitneys, and buses) are subject to an annual inspection. Effective August 1, 2010, new non-commercial vehicles are exempt for the first five years. Used non-commercial vehicles are also exempt for the first five model years, as indicated on the New Car Dealer inspection decal. Used non-commercial vehicles originally purchased outside of New Jersey will receive a decal valid for five years from the model year of the vehicle. Effective August 1, 2010, vehicles exempt from inspection include motorcycles, non-commercial diesel vehicles between 8,500 pounds (3,900 kg) and 10,000 pounds (4,500 kg) GVWR or older than model year 1997 and under 10,000 pounds (4,500 kg) GVWR, diesel trucks between 10,000 pounds (4,500 kg) and 18,000 pounds (8,200 kg) GVWR (subject to self-inspection), farm vehicles, collector vehicles, historic vehicles, trailers, and mopeds.^[14] Effective May 2016, cars 1995 and older are no longer subject to emissions inspection. ^[35]
• New Mexico - biennially, required only for vehicles registered in Bernalillo County
• New York—annually. Newly registered vehicles with a current inspection sticker from another state are exempt until the out-of-state sticker expires or for one year after registration in New York, whichever is sooner. Model year 1996 and newer vehicles are subject to an OBD-II emissions inspection, while older cars receive a visual check of emissions components. Until December 31, 2010, vehicles registered in the five boroughs of New York City, as well as on Long Island, in Westchester County or in Rockland County required a tailpipe smog-test if they are not OBD II equipped (they now receive a visual only check of emissions control devices). All OBD II vehicles in those areas (1996 model year or newer, 1997 and newer for diesel) require and OBD II test plus a visual check of emissions components. Any vehicle 26 model years old or more does not require an emissions check of any sort, and vehicles 2 model years old or newer are exempt. Diesel trucks over 8500 lbs. GVWR are required to have a diesel emissions inspection if they are registered in the NYC metropolitan area.
• North Carolina—annually, required for vehicles in the 48 (out of 100) most populated counties for model year 1996 or newer vehicles, except brand new vehicles, which get safety inspections only. Non-gasoline powered vehicles and cars 1995 or older and vehicles with a GVWR of more than 8500 lbs. are exempt from emissions inspection. Effective November 1, 2008, no inspection decal is issued upon passing. All state inspection records both emissions and safety are now kept via electronic database, and are required for being awarded new license plates, and/or registration. Effective April 1, 2015, vehicles that are within the last three model years and have fewer than 70,000 miles on the odometer are exempt from emissions inspection.^[36]
• Ohio—currently required only in the Cleveland metropolitan area (Cuyahoga County, Geauga County, Lake County, Lorain County, Medina County, Portage County, and Summit County). Vehicles up to four years old are exempt. Testing is based on an odd-even year system. If a car was purchased in 2000, it is not required to be tested until 2010, if a car was purchased in 2003, then it will need to be tested in 2009. Ohio does not charge a fee for emission testing, due to Ohio's tobacco settlement.
• Oregon—required only in the Portland and Medford metro areas^[37]
• Pennsylvania^[15]—annually for most vehicles under 9,000 pounds (4,100 kg) GVW. Required in 25 (out of 67) counties. Diesel-powered vehicles are exempt from emissions inspection.^[38]
• Rhode Island—biennially.
• Tennessee—annually, in conjunction with registration renewal, excluding new motor vehicles being registered for the first time, vehicles with a designated model year prior to 1975, heavy duty motor vehicles (more than 10,500 lbs. GVWR) and motorcycles.^[39] Required only in Davidson County, Hamilton County, Rutherford County, Sumner County, Williamson County, Wilson County, the fee for the vehicle emissions inspection is $9.00.^[40] As of July 1, 2014, the city of Memphis no longer requires vehicle emission testing.^[41]
• Texas—annually, required only in the largest urban areas: Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and El Paso. Vehicles more than 2 model years old and up to 24 model years old are subjected to the annual emission tests (pre-OBDII automobiles registered in the Houston Metro area and DFW Metroplex are tested using the accelerated simulation mode while 4 wheel drive/all wheel drive automobiles, light trucks, vans, and SUVs over 8500GVW, continue to use the two-speed idle test (Travis/Williamson and El Paso Counties use the TSI test for pre-1996) - anything over 25 model years old - including those registered as an antique or classic (also inclusive of antique and classic motor vehicle displaying year of manufacture license plates where a state issued vanity license plate or previous Texas general issue license plate was used with the motor vehicle is used for registration purposes under the TxDMV Antique or Classic Vehicle Registration), are exempted from emission testing. Motorcycles and diesel vehicles are exempt from any state emissions testing.^[42]
• Utah—in its four most populated counties of Weber, Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah, biennially if less than six years old; annually, if older, but not older than 1967; otherwise, none is required.^[16]
• Vermont-annually, done at time of State Inspection 1996 and new with OBDII, some cars are exempt
• Virginia—biennially, in conjunction with registration renewal, required only in urban and suburban jurisdictions in Northern Virginia.^[43] Newly registered vehicles with a valid inspection from another state are exempt from inspection until the out-of-state inspection expires.
• Washington—required only in urban areas of Clark County, King County, Pierce County, Snohomish County, and Spokane County. Diesel vehicles weighing under 6,001 lbs or model 2007 or newer are exempt from emissions testing. All vehicles of 2009 or newer and all vehicles over 25 years old are also exempt from emissions testing.^[44]
• Wisconsin—biennially, required only in Kenosha County, Milwaukee County, Ozaukee County, Racine County, Sheboygan County, Washington County, and Waukesha County. Vehicles manufactured before 1996 are exempt from testing.

Jurisdictions requiring VIN inspection

• California - Required when registering an out-of-state vehicle
• Colorado - Required when registering an out-of-state vehicle
• Connecticut - Required when registering an out-of-state vehicle
• Florida - Required when registering an out-of-state vehicle
• Illinois - The main VIN tag is inspected at emissions testing stations. If the VIN tag is not acceptable or is missing, the vehicle is "rejected" for emissions testing.^[45] Emissions testing is required biennually only for vehicles registered in specific counties and zip codes (see above).
• Indiana - required when registering an out of state vehicle
• Kansas - Required when registering an out-of-state vehicle
• Kentucky - Required when registering an out-of-state vehicle
• Nevada - Required when registering an out-of-state vehicle for the first time in the state ^[46]
• New Mexico - Required when registering an out-of-state vehicle
• Oklahoma - Required when registering an out-of-state vehicle
• Oregon - Required when registering an out-of-state or new-to-Oregon vehicle.^[47]
• Pennsylvania - Required as part of the annual safety inspection. The inspection procedure only requires checking the main VIN tag.^[48] A tracing or visual verification of the VIN by an inspection mechanic or notary is also required when registering an out-of-state vehicle.
• Rhode Island - Required when registering an out-of-state vehicle
• Vermont - Required when registering out-of-state vehicle ^[49]
• Washington—required only when registering an out-of-state vehicle for the first time in the state,^[50] or for rebuilt vehicles.^[51]
• Wyoming - Required when registering an out-of-state vehicle

States without safety, emissions, or VIN inspections

• Alaska^[52]
• Arkansas
• Florida
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Montana
• North Dakota
• South Carolina
• South Dakota

Summary of Periodic Inspection Requirements for Non-Commercial Vehicles

State	Periodic Safety Inspections	Periodic Emissions Inspections
Alabama	no	no
Alaska	no	no
Arizona	no	biennially for Phoenix and Tucson metros
Arkansas	no	no
California	no	biennially
Colorado	no	biennially
Connecticut	no	biennially
Delaware	biennially	biennially
District of Columbia	biennially	biennially
Florida	no	no
Georgia	no	annually for Atlanta metro
Hawaii	annually	no
Idaho	no	yes for Ada and Canyon counties
Illinois	no (not actively checked, see above)	biennially for Chicago and St. Louis metros
Indiana	no	biennially for Lake and Porter counties
Iowa	no	no
Kansas	no	no
Kentucky	no	no
Louisiana	annually/biennially	annually for Baton Rouge metro
Maine	annually	yes for Cumberland county only
Maryland	no	biennially for 13/23 counties and Baltimore
Massachusetts	annually	annually
Michigan	no	no
Minnesota	no	no
Mississippi	biennially	no
Missouri	biennially	biennially for St. Louis metro
Montana	no	no
Nebraska	no	no
Nevada	no	yes for Clark and Washoe counties
New Hampshire	annually	annually (Model Year 1996 and Newer Only)
New Jersey	no	biennially
New Mexico	no	biennially for Bernalillo county only
New York	annually	annually
North Carolina	annually	annually for 48/100 counties
North Dakota	no	no
Ohio	no	odd/even for Cleveland metro
Oklahoma	no	no
Oregon	no	yes for Portland and Medford metros
Pennsylvania	annually	annually in 25 of 67 counties
Rhode Island	biennially	biennially
South Carolina	no	no
South Dakota	no	no
Tennessee	no	annually for select Nashville counties/Chattanooga area
Texas	annually	annually for large urban areas
Utah	biennially	yes for four most populated counties
Vermont	annually	annually
Virginia	annually	biennially for urban and suburban northern Virginia
Washington	biennially	yes for urban areas of select counties
West Virginia	annually	no
Wisconsin	no	biennially for select counties
Wyoming	no	no

See also

• Vehicle inspection
• Under vehicle inspection
• Automobile safety

References

1. KYW-TV article on discontinuation of New Jersey inspection Retrieved 2010-08-02
2. "What To Expect At Your Next Auto Inspection". CARCHEX. Retrieved 2015-07-27.
3. "Vehicle Inspection". Dmv.dc.gov. Retrieved 2013-12-22.
4. Craig, Tim (2009-09-15). ""D.C. Ending Safety Checks On Private Cars ," ''The Washington Post,'' September 15, 2009". Washingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
5. "Vehicle Emissions Testing Program".
6. "2-year vehicle inspection option takes effect today". Nola.com / The Times-Picayune / New Orleans Net LLC. Retrieved 2013-02-20.
7. "State Police: Vehicle Inspections & Crashes: Motor Vehicle Investigations". Maine.gov. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
8. "Massachusetts Vehicle Check". Massvehiclecheck.com. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
9. Miss. still requires inspection stickers, July 21, 2014, The Clarion-Ledger
10. , June 02, 2015, http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/
11. "Motor Vehicle - Additional Resource Help". Retrieved 25 January 2015.
12. "Motor Vehicle - Additional Help Resource". Dor.mo.gov. 2010-01-01. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
13. "Saf-C 3200". Retrieved 25 January 2015.
14. "State of New Jersey - Motor Vehicle Commission". State.nj.us. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
15. "PENNDOT Driver and Vehicle Services - Vehicle Safety Inspections". Dmv.state.pa.us. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
16. "Utah Vehicle Inspections". Dmv.utah.gov. 2012-01-24. Retrieved 2012-05-03.
17. "Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles". Dmv.state.va.us. 2007-05-14. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
18. Virginia Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Program, from the Virginia State Police
19. "Vehicle Inspection". Transportation.wv.gov. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
20. "Motor Vehicle Division - Registration FAQs". Ador.alabama.gov. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
21. "Vehicle Safety Inspection". Mva.maryland.gov. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
22. "Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles". Dmv.state.ne.us. 2010-08-19. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
23. "Arizona Vehicle Emissions Program". Myazcar.com. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
24. "Smog Information". Dmv.ca.gov. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
25. "Program Area Maps". aircarecolorado.com. 2013-03-02. Retrieved 2013-03-02.
26. "CT Emissions Testing". Ctemissions.com. 2003-03-17. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
27. "District of Columbia: Department of Motor Vehicles - Services - Inspections". Dmv.dc.gov. 2009-10-01. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
28. "Georgia Clean Air Force". Cleanairforce.com. Retrieved 2015-01-29.
29. "Treasure Valley Vehicle Emissions Testing". deq.idaho.gov. Retrieved 2013-05-30.
30. "Air Team - Illinois Vehicle Emission Test Program". Epa.state.il.us. 2011-05-26. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
31. "VEIP General Requirements". Mva.maryland.gov. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
32. "General Requirements". Mva.maryland.gov. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
33. "Information for Motorists: Basic Inspection Information". massvehiclecheck.state.ma.us. Retrieved 2015-06-05.
34. "Saf-C 3200". Gencourt.state.nh.us. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
35. http://www.nj.com/traffic/index.ssf/2016/04/one_strike_and_youre_out_at_state_inspection_stati.html#incart_most_shared-news
36. http://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/vehicle/registration/inspection/ from North Carolina Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles
37. "Oregon DMV Emissions Testing & DEQ Requirements". Oregon.gov. 2010-12-20. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
38. (PA DEP I/M - Drive Clean Pennsylvania Program Maps
39. "Cost, Location, Frequency, and Vehicles". Nashvillevip.org. Retrieved 2015-01-16.
40. "Vehicle Inspection Program". TN.gov. Retrieved 2015-01-16.
41. "Weights & Measures and MVIB". Memphistn.gov. Retrieved 2015-01-16.
42. http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/vi/inspection/inspectionCriteria.aspx
43. Emissions Inspections, Virginia (U.S.A.) Department of Motor Vehicles
44. http://www.emissiontestwa.com/e/faq.aspx
45. "What to do if Your Vehicle is Rejected".
46. http://www.dmvnv.com/newresident.htm
47. Oregon DMV VIN Inspections
48. Pennsylvania inspection procedure Retrieved 2014-04-09
49. http://dmv.vermont.gov/registrations/drivers/requirements/vinverification
50. "WA State Licensing: Title and registration fees". Dol.wa.gov. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
51. "Vehicle Identification Inspections - Washington State Patrol". Wsp.wa.gov. 2010-12-21. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
52. "Emission Inspections and Waiver Information". Doa.alaska.gov. Retrieved 2012-03-03.

External links

• CITA-Vehicle Inspection.org
• Guide To The Inspection Mirror