Does Vermont Have Emissions Testing?

Vermont maintains an active statewide vehicle emissions testing program. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) jointly administer the program under the legal authority of 23 Vermont Statutes Annotated § 1222.

Vermont has required safety inspections on vehicles since 1935, with emissions inspectionsmandated since 1997. The program operates on a statewide basis, with all motor vehicles registered in Vermont subject to annual inspection requirements combining both safety and emissions testing.

Program Authority and Requirements

23 V.S.A. § 1222 establishes that all motor vehicles registered in Vermont shall undergo a safety and visual emissions inspection once each year. The statute also specifies that gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles that are 16 model years old or newer must undergo emissions or on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems inspection annually.

The emissions testing program is mandated by federal law as part of Vermont's State Implementation Plan for air quality compliance. The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation oversees the emissions component, while the Vermont DMV licenses inspection stations and certifies inspection mechanics.

Administering Agencies

Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603
Phone: (802) 828-2000
Official Website: Vermont DMV

Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation
1 National Life Drive, Davis 2, Montpelier, VT 05620
Phone: (802) 828-1138
Official Website: Vermont DEC

Which Counties in Vermont Require Emissions Testing?

Vermont's emissions testing requirements apply statewide. Unlike many states that limit emissions testing to specific counties or metropolitan areas, Vermont requires all motor vehicles registered in the state to undergo annual inspection that includes emissions testing components where applicable.

Vehicle Requirements in Vermont

Testing Requirements by Vehicle Type and Age

Gasoline and Diesel Vehicles (16 Model Years Old or Newer):

Gasoline and diesel powered vehicles that are 16 model years old or newer, having a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 8,500 pounds], must undergo emissions or on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems inspection once each year.

Vehicles Older Than 16 Model Years:

In 2019, Vermont enacted legislation exempting vehicles older than 16 model years from computer-based emissions inspections. These vehicles still undergo annual safety inspections and visual emissions inspections, but are not subject to OBD testing requirements.

The following vehicle categories are exempt from emissions testing requirements:

By Vehicle Type:

• Electric vehicles powered exclusively by electricity
• Vehicles registered as antique vehicles (model year 1967 and earlier)
• Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles
• School buses and motor buses (subject to different inspection schedules)
• Off-road vehicles not designed for highway use
• Farm vehicles used exclusively for agricultural purposes
• Trailers and semi-trailers (subject to safety inspection only)

By Vehicle Age:

• Vehicles more than 16 model years old (exempt from OBD emissions testing but still require a visual emissions inspection)
• Vehicles model year 1967 and earlier (completely exempt from emissions testing)

By Weight:

• Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or more (exempt from OBD emissions testing)

Special Cases

Newly Registered Vehicles: Vehicles not currently displaying a valid Vermont inspection sticker must be inspected within 15 days of registration, regardless of age or type (unless specifically exempted by vehicle category).

Out-of-State Inspection Stickers: Even if a vehicle has a valid inspection sticker from another state, Vermont law requires inspection within 15 days of Vermont registration. Out-of-state inspection certificates are not recognized for Vermont compliance purposes.

Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles: Hybrid vehicles with gasoline engines are subject to the same emissions testing requirements as conventional gasoline vehicles based on their model year.

Costs and Fees for Emission Test in Vermont

Inspection Fees

Vermont inspection fees are not state-regulated. Fees may be based on hourly rates or flat rates charged by each official inspection station, and stations must prominently post and display their fees. Typical costs range as follows:

Many Vermont inspection stations charge between $45 and $55 for a complete annual inspection, including both safety and emissions components.

Additional Costs

Repair Costs: Inspection fees do not include the cost of repairs needed to pass inspection. Repair costs vary depending on the nature of failures and are not regulated by the state.

Registration Fees: Vermont vehicle registration fees are separate from inspection costs and vary based on vehicle type, weight, and model year.

Time Extension Waiver Program

Vermont offers a time extension waiver program for vehicles that fail emissions testing due to expensive repairs. Vehicle owners may qualify for a time extension waiver if repair estimates or amounts spent exceed $200.

Waiver Eligibility Requirements:

• The estimate to repair the vehicle exceeds $200, or
• The owner has spent more than $200 to repair or diagnose the vehicle
• Emissions repairs are not covered by the manufacturer's warranty
• The vehicle passes all safety inspection requirements

The time extension waiver issues a valid inspection sticker for the current year while giving the owner up to one year to complete the emissions repairs. This allows vehicle owners facing substantial repair costs time to save funds or pursue financial assistance options.

Automotive Emissions Repair Assistance Program (AERAP)

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation administers the Automotive Emissions Repair Assistance Program (AERAP), which offers vouchers of up to $2,500 for the repair of vehicles that failed the on-board diagnostic II (OBD II) systems inspection. The program is income-based and designed to assist qualifying Vermont residents with emissions-related repair costs.

Where to Get Emissions Testing in Vermont

Vermont emissions testing must be performed at one of approximately 1,100 official inspection stations licensed by the Vermont DMV. These privately-owned facilities employ certified inspection mechanics authorized to conduct both safety and emissions inspections.

Finding an Inspection Station

Official Station Locator:

The Vermont AVIP Station Locator provides an interactive map and searchable database of all official inspection stations throughout Vermont.

The Vermont DMV Inspection Stations page also provides information about locating certified inspection facilities.

Emissions Testing and Vehicle Registration in Vermont

Initial Registration Requirements

New Vehicle Purchases:

New vehicles purchased from dealers with manufacturer's statements of origin are subject to inspection requirements based on their model year. Vermont does not provide a blanket exemption for brand-new vehicles from emissions testing—if the vehicle is subject to OBD testing based on its model year, it must be inspected.

However, newly registered vehicles must be inspected within 15 days of registration, giving owners a brief period to complete the requirement.

Used Vehicle Purchases:

Used vehicles being registered in Vermont must undergo a complete Vermont safety and emissions inspection before being legally operated on Vermont roads. This applies regardless of whether the vehicle has a valid inspection from another state.

When purchasing a used vehicle:

• The vehicle must be inspected within 15 days of Vermont registration
• Out-of-state inspection stickers are not accepted
• The inspection must include both safety and emissions components where applicable
• A valid Vermont inspection sticker must be displayed before regular operation

Title Transfers:

When transferring a vehicle title, the new owner must ensure the vehicle has a current, valid Vermont inspection sticker or complete an inspection within 15 days of registration.

Renewal Registration Requirements

Testing Frequency:

Vermont law requires all motor vehicles registered in the state to undergo inspection once each year. The annual inspection includes both safety and emissions components where applicable.

Inspection Validity:

Vermont inspection stickers are valid for one year from the month of inspection. The sticker displays the month and year when the next inspection is due. Vehicle owners should schedule an inspection before the expiration date to avoid penalties.

Registration Renewal Process:

Vermont allows registration renewal up to 60 days in advance. Registration can be renewed:

1. Online: Through the Vermont DMV website
2. By Mail: Using the renewal notice sent by DMV
3. In Person: At town clerk offices throughout Vermont

Important: While registration can be renewed without a current inspection sticker, operating a vehicle without a valid inspection sticker is a violation of Vermont law subject to civil penalties.

Relationship Between Registration and Inspection:

Vermont decouples registration renewal from inspection requirements. A valid registration certificate is required to complete a vehicle inspection, but registration can be renewed independently of inspection status. However, operating a vehicle requires both current registration and a valid inspection sticker.

Out-of-State Vehicle Provisions

New Vermont Residents:

Individuals moving to Vermont must register their vehicle within 60 days of establishing residency. Vehicles must be inspected within 15 days of Vermont registration, regardless of any valid inspection from another state.

Temporary Exemptions:

Vermont provides limited exemptions for certain circumstances:

• Military personnel stationed outside Vermont
• Students temporarily residing in other states
• Vehicles primarily located outside Vermont for employment purposes

Vehicle owners in these situations should contact the Vermont DMV for guidance on temporary exemption applications.