Philadelphia Emissions Test
Yes, emissions testing is required each year for gas-powered cars registered in Philadelphia County. A certified private garage does this test along with your safety inspection. Every station chooses a price and posts it.
- Each year
- With your annual safety inspection, or before it happens
- The shop determines it
- Each station posts a price of its own
- OBD and gas cap test
- For most vehicles, 1996 or newer
- Philadelphia County
- Within the Drive Clean PA Philadelphia Region
Who needs a Philadelphia emissions test
The five counties include Philadelphia, plus Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery in the Philadelphia Region of Drive Clean PA.
- According to the program brochure, cars, vans, and light trucks that run on gasoline must be tested. This covers vehicles of 9,000 lbs or less, from model year 1975 and newer.
- When your car needs a test, its registration card states "Emissions Inspection Required / Diesel Vehicles Exempt."
- The program excludes classics, antiques, collectibles, street rods, and motorcycles.
- A car is exempt if it is new with under 5,000 miles, or if it has been driven under 5,000 miles during the year since its last qualifying inspection; it still needs a sticker.
In Pennsylvania, 25 counties have annual testing. Statewide details are on the Pennsylvania emissions test page; you can also browse tests by city.
What the Philadelphia emissions test checks
| Your vehicle | Test |
|---|---|
| Most 1996 and newer | OBD check and gas cap test |
| 1996 and newer, 8,501 to 9,000 lbs | A two-speed idle emissions test, plus a gas cap check and visual inspection |
| Most 1975 to 1995 | Gas cap test and visual anti-tampering check |
Once a year, the test is due when you get your annual safety inspection or before it.
Philadelphia emissions test cost and locations
No fixed fee applies. Private garages perform the test, and competition sets the price. Every station must post its retail price. It covers sales tax plus a $1.80 program management fee. If your bill goes above the posted price, dial 1-800-265-0921 for the hotline.
An official station list for Philadelphia County comes from the program. Each entry gives the address, phone, and test types. The list includes more than 500 stations, and almost all provide the OBD check. Choose a nearby location from the Philadelphia area stations, then call to confirm it can perform the test your vehicle needs.
If your car in Philadelphia fails
Before your safety inspection expires, you must repair the emissions problem and get the car re-inspected. If you go back within 30 days, your first re-inspection at that same station is free.
A repair waiver may be available if repairs don't fix the problem. Ask the station for this year's minimum repair spend, based on PennDOT Pub 763, which adjusts the amount each January for inflation. Our guides explain the emissions waiver and steps after a failed test.
Philadelphia emissions test questions
How much does a Philadelphia emissions test cost?
That varies by station. Every station picks a price and must post that amount. The posted price must cover sales tax along with the $1.80 program management fee.
Who do I call with questions about the Philadelphia emissions test?
Call 1-800-265-0921 to reach the program's customer hotline.