Emissions/State Inspection
Emissions/State Inspection
Pennsylvania’s emissions inspection program was customized to meet specific regional air-quality issues and improvement goals while focusing on customer convenience. A great deal has been done to improve air quality in Pennsylvania; however more vehicles on the road and more miles being traveled are offsetting this progress. Vehicle emissions inspections are part of Pennsylvania’s plan to clean the air and keep it clean in the future.
Please visit Drive Clean PA for additional information on Pennsylvania’s vehicle emissions testing program, answers to frequently asked questions about emissions inspections, emissions testing equipment, emissions inspection forms, and other related information.
Your inspection sticker should be located in the lower drivers side corner of your windshield. You must pass the inspection by the last day of the month that is listed.
Your inspection can be completed up to 90 days before the final deadline. Some older or damaged vehicles may need repairs before they can pass the test so it’s a good idea to come as early as you can and give yourself some time to prepare. We are able to take care of any repairs needed if you don’t pass the first time around.
Yes, these are two separate tests with their own criteria but they are almost always done together.
- “Emissions Test: 1996 and newer vehicles are equipped with an onboard computer that controls all aspects of engine performance with regard to fuel, spark, and air. As long as all aspects of this computer are functioning correctly, then the vehicle’s emissions meet federal standards. However, if any of the computer’s sensors or relays are malfunctioning, they need to be repaired or replaced for the vehicle to be considered federally compliant. The emissions test is a state mandated test of these computer systems.”
- “State Inspection: After the emissions test is completed, a comprehensive safety evaluation of the vehicle is performed. This safety evaluation is what is commonly referred to as the “State Inspection,” or more properly the “State Safety Inspection.” This inspection tests a number of the vehicle’s various components for safety and performance, which will be discussed in further detail below.”
If your vehicle fails either of these tests then we will let you know what repairs are needed in order for it to pass. We have qualified technicians that can take care of any emissions repairs needed and re test you before your stickers expiration date.
Nothing is required besides your vehicle, valid registration and current insurance card.