Ohio Emissions Test
E-Check covers 7 Ohio counties, for gas, hybrid, and diesel cars. For 2026, model years 2002 to 2020 are the ones covered. Testing comes due every 2 years, with even model years testing in even years and odd model years in odd ones.
Which cars have to be tested?
For 2026, the green band marks the model years Ohio tests. Non-plug-in hybrids are exempt for the 7 newest model years; other cars for the 6 newest. No test applies to cars older than 25 years.
Have the model year and fuel ready. Check your car.
Ohio emissions test at a glance
| Program | E-Check |
|---|---|
| Where | Lorain County, Cuyahoga County, Geauga County, Medina County, Lake County, Summit County, and Portage County are the 7 counties. |
| Fuels tested | Gas, hybrid, diesel |
| Model years tested in 2026 | 2002 to 2020 |
| How often | Testing repeats every 2 years: an even model year goes in an even year, an odd model year in an odd year. |
| The test | The OBD plug-in test happens at a full-service station or a self-service kiosk open 24/7. |
| Fee | No charge for up to 3 tests in a 365-day span; from the fourth test it's $18 |
| Retest | Free for as many as 3 tests within 365 days |
| New cars | Exemption covers the 6 newest model years, or the 7 newest for non-plug-in hybrids instead. |
| Older cars | Testing skips cars more than 25 years old |
| Waiver | From January 1, 2026, a repair waiver is possible after at least $450 in emissions repairs and diagnosis. |
How the test works, and what if the car fails?
For an OBD plug-in test, the inspector connects a reader to the port under the dashboard and reads the data the car's computer has stored. Make sure the check engine light is off. The car's self-checks (readiness monitors) also need to be done.
A failed test means the report lists what failed. Fix the named issue first, then retest. The cap is 3 free tests in 365 days, total.
Ohio has a repair waiver if the car still fails after repairs: from January 1, 2026, it takes at least $450 in emissions repairs and diagnosis.