Smog and Emissions Testing in Tennessee
Emissions testing in Tennessee is an important part of regular vehicle inspections and overall maintenance. The purpose of a car emission test is to make sure that the vehicles on the road are not giving off dangerous levels of fuel emissions that may turn into smog and affect the air quality in the area. Not only is smog harmful to the environment, but it is also a significant health hazard.
After passing a smog or emission check, the car owner will receive a smog certification that must be turned in to the DMV when he or she renews a car registration. This following section on smog testing in Tennessee will cover a variety of topics that will help you fully understand the testing process and its significance.
Tennessee Emissions and Smog Check Requirements
Tennessee emissions testing is generally administered using the onboard diagnostic (OBD) test. The OBD test is able to detect high levels of harmful emissions and determine if a vehicle is at risk for emitting dangerous levels of smog in the future. This type of testing is done by checking the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) and using a digital tool to scan and check the functionality of car parts that reduce the number of toxic emissions.
If your car was manufactured after 1996, there will be an extra step to your vehicle inspection in TN. Newer vehicles will also undergo a catalytic converter test, as well as an inspection of the gas cap. Cars with a model year older than 1996 may need an additional inspection, called the three-point tampering check. This part of the smog check must be done to ensure that the emissions reading was not manipulated to pass the test.
Smog Check Exemptions in Tennessee
There are many Tennessee DMV emissions testing exemptions because testing is only required in select counties. Safety and emissions testing is usually only required in heavily populated metropolitan areas, which are highly vulnerable to the effects of smog. However, none of the counties in Tennessee require smog certification for electric cars and motorcycles. Hybrid cars must still undergo the car emission test because they partially run on gasoline.
An exemption for the car emission test may also be given to permanent legal residents of TN who are temporarily residing elsewhere. Smog check exemptions are only given in these cases if the car owner will be living outside of Tennessee for a period of time longer than 90 days and is residing more than a two-hour drive away from the nearest testing station.
Car owners in Tennessee are exempt from regular emissions inspections if they do not reside in the following counties:
- Davidson County
- Hamilton County
- Rutherford County
- Sumner County
- Wilson County
- Williamson County
Out-of-State Emissions Testing in Tennessee
The way emissions inspections are regulated for permanent residents who are temporarily living outside of Tennessee is a bit different. A safety and emissions test exemption is given to residents who are living elsewhere for a period of 90 days or longer, and are more than a two-hour drive away from the nearest testing location.
However, out-of-state car owners will be responsible for performing an emission test as soon as they return to Tennessee. Failing to adhere to these policies may result in your future exemption requests being denied.
Emissions Waivers in Tennessee
A DMV smog check cannot be waived in TN, even in special circumstances. Since vehicle emissions testing is mandatory for a car owner in the state, he or she must take the test or be subject to various penalties.
Car owners who do not pass the emissions check need to get the necessary repairs done to address the smog issue. Keep in mind that a second emissions test can be taken for free if you fail your first one or if you complete the necessary repairs within 90 days of taking your first test.
Testing Fees in Tennessee
Emissions testing in Tennessee is usually administered for a fee. The smog test price is the same for all vehicles that must undergo an inspection, regardless of the make, model, fuel type or weight.
An Emission test is very affordable, and car owners have 90 days from the emission registration expiration date to receive a smog check without accumulating additional fines. If a car owner fails the vehicle inspection, he or she will be able to retake the test once for free. The car owner must pay full price for any additional retakes.
Where to Perform an Emissions Check in Tennessee
“Where can I find emissions testing near me?” is a common question asked by car owners who live in TN. Given that auto emissions testing is only required in some Tennessee counties, all of the emissions testing stations are concentrated in certain areas. Even so, there are several emissions testing locations throughout these counties, including in cities like Nashville, Madison and Hermitage.
Most locations are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Wednesday through Friday and closed on weekends. However, there are two Nashville emissions testing centers that are open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Failing a Tennessee Smog and Emissions Test
In addition to Tennessee emissions testing being mandatory for certain car owners, it is also required that all vehicles pass an evaluation. This means that even if a vehicle fails the safety and emissions test, the car owner is responsible for retaking the test until he or she earns a passing score.
If a vehicle fails the emissions inspection, the owner will receive a detailed report of the reasons why the vehicle did not pass. The Nashville Vehicle Inspection Program (VIP) will also check failed vehicles at no cost, though VIP does not offer repair services. Vehicles with a model year of 1995 and older will need to take the entire smog test over again, while newer cars will only be tested for the parts of the test they failed the first time.
If the car owner repairs these issues within 90 days of the initial vehicle inspection, the retake will be administered for free. Each additional attempt will follow the same pattern: pay for one safety and emissions test, and if you fail, the next one will be free.