In Rhode Island, a vehicle 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.

VEHICLES THAT REQUIRE AN EMISSIONS TEST

A car, truck, motor home or RV (recreational vehicle) requires an emissions test when:

• It is a vehicle with a weight of under 8500 lbs
• It is a private sale or transfer of ownership or out-of-state in which case it must be inspected within 5 days
• It is a semi-trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating of over 1000 lbs. All semi-trailers, livestock trailers and motorcycles must be inspected by June 30th of every year.

VALIDITY

Emission tests are valid for two years. A valid test is required to reinstate a suspended registration and to complete an original vehicle registration or registration renewal. Used car dealers are required to issue a valid emissions test for any vehicle they sell. Getting an emissions test is the buyer's responsibility when the vehicle is purchased from a private owner. Vehicles over 8500 lbs, trailers and motorcycles must be inspected every year.

EXEMPTIONS

A vehicle is exempt from emissions testing when:

• It is an electric vehicle
• It is a new vehicle yet to complete two years or 24,000 miles
• It was registered with antique plates (25 year old or above)

EMISSIONS TESTING LOCATIONS

Any Authorized Emissions Inspection Station licensed by the State can test your vehicle. Look for the official sign issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles to authorized testing stations. The test standards and maximum fees will be displayed at the stations. Only select stations deal with light-duty diesel vehicles.

EMISSIONS TESTING FEES

There is a maximum emissions testing fee set by the Department of Motor Vehicles. The fee varies by county, type of vehicle and type of fuel. The fees are $ 39 and $11 for the trailers, semi-trailers, live-stock trailers, motorcycles .See Emissions Fees for details.

EMISSIONS TEST FAILURES

If your vehicle fails the emissions test, you must have the vehicle repaired, after which it must pass the after repairs emissions test within 30 days. The vehicle can be repaired at the station or elsewhere. Some stations offer discounts or "no-pass, no-pay" deals at the station owner's discretion. If your vehicle is unable to meet the emissions standard following the necessary repair work, you may be able to obtain a waiver issued by DMV prior to registration. There are three types of waivers:

• Diagnostic Cost Waiver: This is for those vehicles in which the emission control devices are functioning well and no additional repairs is possible due to unavailability of parts.
• Repair-Cost-Limit Waiver: This can be applied by those who have spent $700 in sixty days prior to inspection by a certified technician. The cost of the spare parts and labor can be accounted.
• Repair-Time-Delay-Waiver: This can be applied by owners from low income groups for a time delay for only one emission test.

Contact the Division of Motor Vehicles Emission Inspection Station to request a waiver or call 401-222-3886.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• If you are out of state, or if your vehicle is otherwise unavailable for inspection, you can get the vehicle inspected in five business days.
• See also Vehicle History Reports.