Emissions Test Exemptions
Across the 27 testing states plus Washington, D.C., see which vehicles are excused from emissions testing. No emissions test applies to electric cars anywhere.
States listed individually
| State | Newer cars | Older cars |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | The 5 newest model years are exempt | 1966 and older are exempt |
| California | 8 newest model years skip renewal testing, with a smog abatement fee paid instead; diesels are outside that new-car rule. | Gas cars from 1975 or earlier are excused, and so are diesels from 1997 or earlier. |
| Colorado | 7 newest model years qualify for exemption; the diesel limit is 4. | Cars from 1975 or earlier that have collector plates can be excused from testing. |
| Connecticut | Cars younger than 4 model years are exempt | Model years 2001 and earlier skip the test |
| Delaware | The 7 newest model years are exempt | Model years 1967 and earlier skip the test |
| Georgia | The 3 newest model years are exempt | Cars 25 model years or older are exempt |
| Illinois | The 4 newest model years are exempt | 1995 and older are exempt |
| Indiana | The 4 newest model years are exempt | With collector insurance, a car 25 years or older may be excused. |
| Louisiana | Tested from the first inspection | Model years before 1980 are not tested |
| Maine | Tested from the first inspection | 1973 and older are not tested |
| Maryland | During the first owner's initial 72 months (6 years), a new car doesn't need testing. | Cars from 1995 or earlier that weigh under 8,500 lb are excused. |
| Massachusetts | Soon after registration, a new car must have its first inspection. | Once a car is more than 15 years old, the emissions portion is skipped. |
| Missouri | A new car keeps its exemption through its model year and the following year when first sold with less than 6,000 miles. | Gas cars from 1995 or earlier are exempt, and diesels from 1996 or earlier are too. |
| Nevada | During the first three registrations, new cars skip the test; hybrids do so for five model years at the start. | Model years 1967 and earlier skip the test |
| New Jersey | New cars get a 5-year sticker | Gas cars from 1995 or earlier are exempt when weight stays at or below 8,500 lb. |
| New Mexico | With the first owner, a new car is excused for 4 years. | Once a car passes 35 years of age, testing is not required. |
| New York | A car under 2 model years old is excused. | Beyond 25 model years, a car is excused. |
| North Carolina | With under 70,000 miles, the 3 newest model years are excused. | Cars 20 years or older are exempt |
| Ohio | 6 newest model years are exempt; non-plug-in hybrids get 7. | Once a car passes 25 years, no test applies. |
| Oregon | The 4 newest model years are exempt | In Portland, 1974 and older qualify; in Medford, cars over 20 years old qualify. |
| Pennsylvania | Brand-new current-model-year cars under 5,000 miles are excused. | Classic, antique and collectible plates are exempt |
| Rhode Island | A new car stays exempt until 24,000 miles or 2 years, whichever arrives sooner. | Cars with antique plates are exempt |
| Texas | Cars are tested from their second anniversary | Past 24 years, a car no longer needs testing. |
| Utah | The 2 newest model years are exempt | 1995 and older are exempt |
| Vermont | Tested from the first inspection | Once past 16 model years, the OBD portion is skipped. |
| Virginia | The 4 newest model years are exempt | A gas car over 25 years old is excused from testing. |
| Washington, D.C. | New cars get a 4-year sticker | 1967 and older are not tested |
| Wisconsin | At renewal, the 3 newest model years don't need testing. | 1995 and older are not tested |
