Smog & Emission Checks

Like many states, Virginia requires most vehicles to be up-to-date on two separate types of tests: one for emissions, and one for safety.

Emissions Inspections

Certain areas in Virginia require your vehicle to pass emissions inspections every two years. The most a smog check can cost is $28, which includes one free retest within 14 days if your vehicle fails the first time.

Exemptions to the emissions inspection requirement include:

• New vehicles being titled for the first time in Virginia with a manufacturer's certificate of origin.

• Gasoline-powered vehicles 25 years old or older, whether registered as antique or not.

• Diesel vehicles.

• Vehicles exclusively powered by clean fuel.

• Certain hybrid vehicles.

If you are required to have an emissions inspection, it must be done before you register your vehicle. When registering, if you cannot show proof to the DMV that your vehicle passed the emissions inspection, the DMV can issue a one-time-only 30-day temporary registration. This will allow you time to get your vehicle to pass inspection.

When your vehicle's registration renewal notice indicates that a smog check is required before renewing, remember to take your renewal notice with you to the inspection station. It will speed the process.

Comprehensive information about Virginia's emissions testing program is available from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, which administers the program. Here you can also search for an inspection station near you.

Waivers

If your vehicle fails an emission test, you must take it to a garage for emission-related repairs. The garage must be certified by Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

If your vehicle fails again and you paid $680 or more in emissions-related repairs, you will qualify for a waiver. The emissions-testing facility will provide you with the paperwork to apply for a waiver.

Reporting a Gross Polluter

Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality features seven regional enforcement offices. If you feel compelled to report a pollution violation, contact the DEQ.

Safety Inspections

Once you have registered a vehicle in Virginia, you must have it inspected immediately for safety. There is no grace period on this. Safety inspections cost $16 for motor vehicles, including trailers and semitrailers. Motorcycle inspections are $12.

If you bought a new vehicle in Virginia, it is exempt the first year you own it. The dealership may conduct an inspection at its discretion. New vehicles purchased out of state and then registered here must be inspected upon registration. Inspections must be repeated annually.

Active-Duty Military and Out-of-State Students

If your safety inspection sticker expires while you are an active-duty military member stationed out of the state, or while you are a full-time student attending college out of state, you do not have to get your vehicle inspected again until you return to your place of residence or business. You can drive an expired vehicle in Virginia while on leave, provided you have a valid out-of-state inspection sticker on it.

There are no extensions granted for safety inspections in Virginia. Carry documentation of your current residency status in case you get stopped by law enforcement.

Rejections

If your vehicle does not pass safety inspection, a rejection sticker will be placed on the windshield. You then have 15 days to have the vehicle repaired and pass inspection.

The rejection sticker does not protect you from any statute that governs equipment defects, however. You can still get tickets for being in violation of equipment statutes until the vehicle gets repaired and you have a valid inspection sticker.

Restrictions and Exemptions

• Neon lights are illegal anywhere in or on your vehicle unless they are covered and unlit while you are driving. The vehicle itself is not considered a cover for lights that are mounted under the vehicle.

• If your vehicle is registered as an antique (it must be 25 years or older), it is exempt from safety inspections.

• Regular passenger vehicles may not have any tinting on their front windshields. Front side windows may be tinted to allow 50% or more of light to pass through, and rear side windows may be tinted to allow at least 35% of light in.

• If you have a medical condition that requires sun shading, you can apply for a waiver of the tinting restriction.