Vehicle Inspection Laws by State

Texas Vehicle Inspection Sticker - Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Vehicle inspection laws by state can vary significantly, reflecting a wide range of safety, environmental, and regulatory priorities. Some states, like California and New York, have stringent inspection requirements that focus on emissions and operational safety to ensure vehicles meet specific environmental standards.

Other states, such as Florida and Alabama, have minimal or no inspection requirements, emphasizing personal responsibility and lower regulatory burdens. These laws are designed to maintain safety on the roads, protect the environment, and preserve vehicle efficiency, and knowing the specific requirements in your state is crucial for compliance and avoiding penalties. Finally, there are states like Texas that are making changes to their law starting in 2025 but until then, Texans are still required to get a vehicle inspection every year.

In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of vehicle inspection laws by state, a link for more details, and highlight some key differences between them and the reasons behind those differences.

Vehicle vehicle inspection report form against the background of automotive tools. Close up.- Vehicle Inspection Laws by State

 

Complete Guide for Vehicle Inspection Laws by State

The guide below gives a summary and a link for more details to all the vehicle inspection laws by state.

State Summary of Vehicle Inspection Laws by State Links to State Law
Alabama Alabama does not require vehicle inspections for all passenger cars, but vehicle safety inspections are required if someone wants to rebuild a salvaged motor vehicle, sell their vehicle, or transfer ownership of their vehicle.

Rule 810-5-1-.247  –  VIN Inspections

Alaska Alaska does not require vehicle inspections for passenger cars. An inspection is only required when a police officer or state trooper or other person authorized by the department, has reasonable cause to believe the vehicle is unsafe or not equipped as required by law. Section 13 AAC 04.006
Arizona In Arizona, emissions testing is mandatory in the cities of Phoenix and Tucson, while other areas across the state are exempt from this requirement. There are three distinct levels of inspection the government can conduct. A level one inspection matches the public VIN and a secondary VIN to the vehicle ownership documents to determine the identity of the vehicle. A level two inspection matches the public VIN, a secondary VIN, and the confidential VIN to the ownership documents to determine the identity of the vehicle. A level three inspection consists of a level two inspection plus verification of the VIN at the discretion of the inspector, some, or all component parts to determine the identity of the vehicle and that the vehicle is properly equipped for highway use. Arizona Section 28-2011
Arkansas Arkansas does not require vehicle inspections for passenger cars unless a law enforcement officer has reason to believe that a vehicle may have safety defects, in which case they have cause to stop the vehicle and inspect for safety defects. AR Code § 27-32-101 (2023)
California Vehicles must be inspected every two years. Inspections focus on emissions, but also include other safety checks like fluid levels and leaks. Smog checks are required when registering or renewing a vehicle, with some exceptions. Also, drivers must also stop and submit their vehicles for inspection when the California Highway Patrol is conducting inspections or when signs are displayed. Vehicle Code – VEH § 2814
Colorado Any car that is eight model years older or later, dating back to the 1982 model year, must be inspected every two years. Vehicles that are model year 1982 or older must be inspected every year. New hybrid-electric vehicles require inspection after seven years. Section 4 CCR 723-6-6714
Connecticut Depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle, as well as how the vehicle is being used, an inspection may be required annually or just periodically. Personal vehicles (e.g., cars and trucks) do not require a safety inspection. When it is time for your vehicle to undergo an inspection, you will receive a notice by email or physical mail from the Connecticut DMV letting you know. CT.GOV Dept. of Motor Vehicles
Delaware With some exceptions, vehicles must pass a safety and emissions inspection every other year but there are no fees to do so. Title 21-§ 2141-2144
District of Columbia A vehicle must pass inspection before it can be registered with DC DMV. All vehicles must display a valid inspection sticker on the front passenger side, lower corner of the windshield and personal vehicle inspection is valid for two years. DC.gov
Florida Florida does not require vehicle inspections or emissions testing for passenger cars. If a driver purchases a vehicle within the state, they are not required to conduct any annual safety or emissions inspections. Drivers are, however, required to address any discovered safety issues with their vehicles as soon as they appear. Chapter 316.610
Georgia Georgia does not require annual vehicle inspections at the state level, but some counties do have local requirements. You can legally use your vehicle in Georgia for years without proving it is safe. GA Code § 40-8-200
Hawaii Vehicle safety and VIN inspections must take place every year unless the car is less than three years old, and proof of insurance is required to obtain an inspection. HI Rev Stat § 286-209
Idaho
Idaho’s Division of Motor Vehicles does not require drivers to have periodic car safety inspections, but there are emissions testing programs in Ada and Canyon counties.
Title 67, Chapter 29, 67-2901B
Illinois
Vehicles with permanent registration plates are inspected every two years, starting in the fourth year after the model year. Vehicles with even model years are inspected in even calendar years, and odd model years are inspected in odd calendar years.
Chapter 625 § 5/13C-15
Indiana Indiana’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection for vehicles that have not previously been titled in Indiana. A police officer performs this inspection. IN Code § 9-19-20-2 (2023)
Iowa
Iowa does not require vehicle inspections or emissions testing for passenger cars.
Chapter 321.18
Kansas A VIN inspection is required for certain vehicles before they can be registered and titled in Kansas. This includes vehicles that are out-of-state, reconstructed, or have an uncertain identification number. The Kansas highway patrol can also perform spot inspections on vehicles at any time if they have reasonable cause to believe the vehicle is unsafe or not properly equipped. Statute, Article 1. 8-116
Kentucky
If a used car is purchased outside of the state, it must be inspected by a Kentucky certified vehicle inspector before it can be licensed in the state. The inspection is limited to verifying the VIN and odometer to ensure it was not stolen and the seller did not defraud the buyer. Also, any vehicle without a Kentucky title must be inspected by a Kentucky certified vehicle inspector before it can be licensed in the state.
601 Ky. Admin. Regs. 9:090
Louisiana
All registered vehicles must be inspected at least once every other year, but no more than twice a year.
RS 32: 1304
Maine
Law requires all registered motor vehicles to undergo an annual safety inspection. The inspection is conducted to ensure that the vehicle is safe to drive and in good working condition.
Maine.gov
Maryland A vehicle must get an inspection every 25,000 miles or at least once a year, whichever occurs first. Md. Code, Transp. § 23-302
Massachusetts Vehicles must be inspected within one year of the month of the last inspection. New vehicles must be inspected within seven days of the registration date. Section 7A
Michigan Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for passenger cars, except for salvage vehicles. Vehicles are also subject to an annual safety inspection if a uniformed police officer suspects equipment or safety defects. MCL-Section 257.715
Minnesota Minnesota does not require vehicle inspections for passenger cars, but there are some inspection requirements for commercial motor vehicles and salvage vehicles. Section 169.781-782
Mississippi Mississippi does not require vehicle inspections for passenger cars. Miss. Code 77-7-16
Missouri Passenger vehicles must be inspected every two years at a certified inspection station and the inspection year is based on the model year of the vehicle. Mo. Section 307.350
Montana Montana does not require vehicle inspections for passenger cars unless the VIN doesn’t match the vehicle’s make and model or a department officer suspects the vehicle is unsafe or not equipped properly. Mt. 61-9-503
Nebraska All out-of-state vehicles must be inspected for a VIN before being titled in Nebraska. DMV.nebraska.gov
Nevada Emissions inspections are required in Clark and Washoe counties before registering and must be renewed annually. Police officers can also inspect vehicles suspected to be unsafe or not legally equipped. NV. NRS 484D.560
New Hampshire Vehicles must be inspected within 10 days of registration and then renewed inspection annually. DMV.NH.GOV
New Jersey Vehicles must be inspected every two years and every five years for classified new vehicles. NJ.GOV/MVC
New Mexico No regular safety inspections are required except for an emissions test every two years for vehicles registered in Bernalillo County that commute more than 60 days per year. N.M. Code R. 20.11.100.15
New York All registered vehicles must be inspected annually. DMV.NY.GOV
North Carolina All vehicles registered in North Carolina must pass a safety inspection annually to renew their registration and must be completed within 90 days of the vehicle’s registration or license plate expiration date. NCDOT.GOV
North Dakota North Dakota does not require vehicle inspections for passenger car. ND. Code 39-04-55
Ohio Ohio drivers are only obligated by law to get a vehicle inspection at the time they register a vehicle. Ohio rule 3745-26-12
Oklahoma New residents must pass a VIN inspection to register their vehicles in Oklahoma for the first time only. And officers of the highway patrol may also inspect vehicles and their equipment if suspected to be unsafe. Code 15-306  Section 13-102
Oregon All vehicles must get a VIN inspection when getting registered. And any law enforcement officer can conduct a safety or VIN vehicle inspection any time a vehicle is suspected to be unsafe or VIN not matching registration. Vehicles in Portland and Medford areas are mandated to pass an emissions test to register their vehicle every two years. ORS 803.210-212
Pennsylvania The state requires all vehicles to pass an annual inspection with the exception being school buses and other specific commercial vehicles transporting people that must get an inspection every 6 months. 75 Pa. C.S. § 4702
Rhode Island Motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,500 lbs. or less must be inspected for safety and emissions every two years. Vehicles with a GVWR over 8,500 lbs. must be inspected annually for safety. Motorcycles must be inspected for safety before the end of June each year. DMV.RI.GOV
South Carolina South Carolina does not require vehicle inspections for passenger cars despite an attempt to reinstate inspections in 2017-2018 with House Bill 3989. 2017-2018 Bill 3989
South Dakota South Dakota does not require vehicle inspections for passenger cars. A highway patrol officer can require a driver to stop and have their vehicle inspected if it is unsafe or in violation of certain laws, but only large passenger vehicles are required by law to get a certified annual inspection. SD Codified Law 32-21-3.1
Tennessee Only certain counties in Tennessee require annual emissions testing before vehicle registration. These counties include Davidson, Hamilton, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson. All light-duty motor vehicles registered in any county that has been designated by the Board to have a motor vehicle inspection. Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1200-03-29-.03
Texas Vehicle inspections in Texas are required every year; however, since the passing of House Bill 3297 and starting in 2025, vehicle owners will no longer have to drive to a physical location to get an inspection and will be replaced with a yearly online fee. Current Vehicle Inspection ProgramHouse Bill 3297
Utah Vehicles under six years old must undergo an emissions inspection every two years, with even-numbered model years being inspected in even-numbered years and odd-numbered model years in odd-numbered years. Vehicles over six years old must be inspected annually, except for vehicles from 1967 or earlier, which do not require emissions certificates. Commercial vehicles, first-time street legal ATVs, and rebuilt salvage vehicles require a safety inspection for registration. DMV.UTAH.GOV
Vermont All vehicles must get an annual safety and emissions inspection.  23 V.S.A. § 1222
Virginia
Vehicles must be inspected annually to comply with state law. The inspection sticker will be placed on the windshield and will indicate the expiration date.
§ 46.2-1158
Washington Washington does not require vehicle inspections or emissions testing for passenger cars. Washington state officially ended its vehicle inspection program in January 2020, but there are still some exceptions when a vehicle inspection is required.
West Virginia In West Virginia, vehicles must be inspected every two years. This includes motor vehicles, trailers, semi-trailers, and pole trailers. The law went into effect on January 1, 2024. HB 2310
Wisconsin Vehicle inspection requirements vary depending on the type of vehicle, its age, and other factors. Vehicles do not require inspection until they are four model years old. Some vehicles are exempt from inspection requirements, including older cars, motorcycles, large trucks, farm vehicles, electric cars, and large capacity service vehicles. WI Inspection Law
Wyoming Wyoming does not require vehicle inspections or emissions testing for passenger cars. However, there are some exceptions, such as when registering an out-of-state vehicle for the first time or when a vehicle needs a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection. Title 31

Understanding Vehicle Inspection Laws by State

Vehicle inspection laws are typically governed at the state level, meaning that each state has its own set of regulations and requirements. This can be confusing for drivers who may travel between states or have recently moved to a new state. It is important to familiarize yourself with your state’s specific vehicle inspection laws to ensure that you are meeting all necessary requirements.

Why Do the Vehicle Inspection Laws by State Vary?

The variation in vehicle inspection laws by state can be attributed to a variety of factors, including differing environmental priorities, geographic conditions, and state governance structures. Each state has its own specific environmental concerns that influence how rigorously they enforce vehicle inspection programs.

For example, states with larger urban populations or those experiencing higher levels of pollution may prioritize stringent emissions testing to address air quality issues. Furthermore, geographical differences, such as mountainous terrain or extreme weather conditions, may necessitate unique safety inspections tailored to local driving conditions.

Additionally, the political climate and regulatory approach in each state can significantly affect how vehicle inspection laws by state are set and enforced, resulting in diverse regulatory landscapes across the country. States must balance economic implications, public health priorities, and environmental objectives, leading to a wide range of inspection requirements.

What States Do Not Require Vehicle Inspections?

While many states across the U.S. have mandatory vehicle inspection requirements aimed at ensuring road safety and environmental compliance, there are several states where such inspections are not required. Below is a list of states that do not require regular vehicle inspections for passenger vehicles:

  1. Alaska
  2. Arkansas
  3. Florida
  4. Iowa
  5. Michigan
  6. Minnesota
  7. Mississippi
  8. Montana
  9. North Dakota
  10. South Carolina
  11. South Dakota
  12. Washington
  13. Wyoming

Types of Vehicle Inspections

There are two main types of vehicle inspections when it comes to vehicle inspection laws by state: safety inspections and emissions inspections. Safety inspections focus on ensuring that a vehicle is safe to operate on the roads, while emissions inspections check for excessive pollution levels from a vehicle’s exhaust system.

Here is a breakdown of all possible types of vehicle inspections by state that may be required depending on the type of vehicle:

  • Emissions Testing:  This type of inspection is crucial for measuring and regulating the levels of pollutants emitted by vehicles, ensuring compliance with both state and federal air quality standards.
  • Safety Inspections:  These inspections verify that essential vehicle components such as brakes, lights, tires, and seat belts are functioning correctly and safely and that vehicle inspection laws by state are being conducted correctly.
  • On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Testing:  Leveraging technology, this testing involves connecting to the vehicle’s OBD system to detect any issues with the engine, transmission, or emissions systems.
  • VIN Verification:  Ensures that the vehicle’s identification number matches documentation for registration and ownership validation purposes.
  • Title Inspections:  This inspection is required when transferring vehicle ownership, especially if a vehicle has been involved in an accident or declared salvage.
  • Theft and Obstruction Inspections:  Focuses on checking for any signs of tampering or illegal modifications that might impact the vehicle’s safety or legality.
  • Weight and Load Inspections:  Particularly important for commercial vehicles, these inspections ensure compliance with weight limits to promote road safety.
  • Comprehensive Inspections:  Often required for older or specialized vehicles, these inspections cover a range of factors from structural integrity to emission levels ensuring that vehicle inspection laws by state are being enforced.

Why are Emission Vehicle Inspections Important to States?

Vehicle inspection laws by state generally require emissions testing. Emission vehicle testing is critical for every state as it plays a pivotal role in maintaining air quality and public health. The burning of fossil fuels by vehicles releases pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons, which contribute to air pollution and a myriad of environmental issues, including smog and acid rain.

By implementing regular emissions testing, states can identify vehicles that produce excessive emissions and ensure they are repaired or removed from the road. This process helps in reducing the concentration of harmful pollutants in the atmosphere, leading to cleaner air. Furthermore, emissions testing is often tied to federal and state environmental regulations, which aim to reduce the overall carbon footprint and mitigate the impact of climate change.

By enforcing these standards, states can ensure compliance with legal mandates and protect the well-being of their residents.

Fees Associated with Vehicle Inspections by State

The cost of vehicle inspections by state can vary depending on several factors, including the type of inspection and the state in which it is conducted. A basic safety inspection may cost anywhere from $10 to $50. Emissions testing, which is mandated in certain areas to reduce air pollution, could add an additional $10 to $50. Some states bundle these inspections and charge a combined fee.

Fees are typically set by state departments of transportation or motor vehicles, and costs can differ depending on whether the inspection is performed by a state-run facility or a private service provider. The cost of vehicle inspections can vary significantly depending on the state’s regulations and the type of inspection required. Emission testing is a critical component of these inspections, as it helps reduce air pollution and ensure compliance with federal and state environmental regulations.

Vehicle owners must be aware of their state’s specific penalties for non-compliance of vehicle inspection laws by state to avoid costly repercussions and uphold their responsibility towards maintaining clean air for all. Thus, it is crucial to stay informed about vehicle inspection laws by state to ensure both safety and environmental sustainability.

Additional factors such as the age and type of vehicle may also affect the cost of inspections, as older vehicles may require more thorough testing or repairs to meet emission standards. Moreover, some states offer exemptions or waivers for specific vehicles, such as antique cars or low-emission vehicles, which can lower the overall cost of inspections. It is essential for vehicle owners to research and understand these exemptions to avoid unnecessary expenses.

In addition, advancements in technology have also led to the implementation of more efficient and accurate testing methods, such as on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems. These systems can help identify emission issues without the need for a physical inspection, potentially reducing costs for both the state and vehicle owners. As technology continues to evolve, it may lead to further improvements in vehicle inspection processes and costs.

Overall, understanding the factors that influence vehicle inspection costs can help individuals budget accordingly and stay compliant with vehicle inspection laws by state. These inspections not only ensure the safety and well-being of drivers and passengers but also contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment for all.

As such, it is crucial for states to continue investing in efficient and effective inspection programs while also educating vehicle owners about their responsibilities in maintaining safe and environmentally friendly vehicles. With continued efforts, we can work towards a more sustainable future for generations to come when everyone does their part to abide by the vehicle inspection laws by state.

Range of Penalties for Failure to Comply with Emission Vehicle Inspection Laws by State

Penalties for failing to meet emission vehicle inspection standards vary widely by state, reflecting the differing priorities and environmental strategies across regions. In some states, failing an emissions test may simply result in a failed inspection sticker, requiring vehicle owners to undertake necessary repairs and pass a re-test.

Other states impose more stringent penalties such as fines, which can range anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on the severity of the infraction and the state’s regulations. Additionally, repeat offenders may face increased fines and the potential suspension of vehicle registration until compliance is achieved.

In states with a strong commitment to environmental enforcement, non-compliant vehicles may even be impounded if issues are not resolved in a timely manner. Thus, it is vital for vehicle owners to be aware of their state’s specific penalties for vehicle inspection laws by state and abide by emission standards to avoid costly repercussions.

Driving a vehicle without a current inspection can lead to several legal and financial repercussions. In states where inspections are mandatory, operating a vehicle without a valid safety or emissions inspection is typically considered a violation of state law.

Penalties can include fines, points on your driving record, or even having your vehicle’s registration suspended until the inspection is completed. Additionally, getting into an accident while driving an uninspected vehicle might affect your insurance coverage, as insurers can deny claims if the vehicle does not meet the state’s inspection requirements.

It is also important to note that repeated offenses can lead to increased fines and more severe penalties. Therefore, knowing the vehicle inspection laws by state and keeping your inspection up to date is essential to avoid these potential consequences and ensure the safety and legality of your vehicle on the road.

Thompson Law will continue to keep you up to date on all these vehicle inspection laws by state along with other vital information regarding the law, regulations and what to do if you find yourself or a loved one with severe injuries because of someone else’s negligence. Call us today or submit an online inquiry for a no-obligation, FREE CONSULTATION.

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