In Pennsylvania, an emissions test is required for many original registrations, as well as for annual registration renewals. Renewal notices are sent annually to vehicle owners, and indicate whether and by what date an emissions test must be completed, usually no more than two months before the renewal.

VEHICLES THAT REQUIRE AN EMISSIONS TEST

A car, van, truck or light-duty truck (9000lbs or lighter) requires an emissions test when:

• It is a 1975 model or newer.
• It is registered in the counties of Allegheny, Beaver, Berks, Blair, Bucks, Cambria, Centre, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Erie, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mercer, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Washington, Westmoreland and York.

VALIDITY

Emission tests are valid for a period of one year.

EXEMPTIONS:

A vehicle is exempt from emissions testing when:

• It is a motorcycle.
• It is a vehicle owned for a year and more and has driven less than 5000 miles in the year before the inspection.
• It is a new vehicle and has driven less than 5000 miles.
• Registered antique, collectible or classic vehicles.
• Registered street rods.

For additional information call (800) 265-0921.

EMISSIONS TESTING LOCATIONS

Any PennDOT Authorized Emissions Inspection Station can test your vehicle. To save time it would be a good idea to combine both safety inspection and emission testing on the same day.

EMISSIONS TESTING FEES

Fees for the test vary as per the inspection station and it would be advisable to call before visiting.

EMISSIONS TEST FAILURES

In case your vehicle fails the emission test, all expenses that will accrue from making the vehicle road-worthy will have to be borne by you. It must then be retested, which if undertaken within 30 days of the first test, will be free of charge. If the vehicle fails the test again, you could receive a one year waiver if proof of spending over $150 in repairs is submitted. This can only be done by a PennDOT Authorized Emissions Inspection Station.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• If you happen to be out of state for over 30 days after the expiration of your vehicle's emission sticker, you will have to retest your vehicle within 10 days of return to the state. It would be advisable to carry proof of having been out of state for the period of time claimed by you.
• See also Vehicle History Reports.