Is Inspection Required for Registration in Vermont?

Yes, a safety and emissions inspection is required for vehicle registration in Vermont. Under 23 V.S.A. § 1222, all motor vehicles registered in Vermont must undergo a safety and visual emissions inspection once each year, and vehicles 16 model years old or less must undergo an on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems inspection annually. Any motor vehicle not currently inspected in Vermont must be inspected within 15 days following the date of registration in Vermont.

Vermont Inspection Requirements

Vermont operates a comprehensive annual vehicle inspection program administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles under the authority of Title 23, Chapter 13 of Vermont Statutes. The state has required safety inspections on vehicles since 1935, and emissions inspections have been mandated since 1997.

The inspection program encompasses both safety and emissions testing for most vehicles. Federal law requires Vermont to maintain an emissions testing program to reduce air pollution from motor vehicles. The state currently licenses inspection stations and certified inspection mechanics who conduct inspections according to procedures prescribed in the Vermont Periodic Inspection Manual.

Inspection Requirements for New Registrations in Vermont

The requirements depend on the vehicle's source, age, and condition.

Vehicles Purchased from Dealers: Used vehicles sold by licensed Vermont dealers must meet inspection requirements at the time of sale. The dealer typically handles inspection requirements, ensuring the vehicle receives proper certification before delivery to the purchaser.

Private Party Purchases: Vehicles purchased through private sales in Vermont that do not display a valid Vermont inspection sticker must be inspected within 15 days of registration. This requirement ensures that privately sold vehicles meet safety and emissions standards before extended operation on Vermont roads. Buyers should verify inspection status before completing private party transactions to avoid delays in obtaining proper certification.

Out-of-State Vehicles: Any motor vehicle, trailer, or semi-trailer not currently inspected in Vermont must be inspected within 15 days following the date of its registration in Vermont. This applies regardless of whether the vehicle has a current inspection certification from another state. Vermont does not accept out-of-state inspection stickers as valid proof of compliance with Vermont's specific inspection standards.

Types of Inspections Required in Vermont

Vermont requires comprehensive safety inspections and emissions testing for most registered vehicles. The inspection program evaluates critical vehicle systems and environmental compliance through established procedures administered at licensed inspection stations throughout the state.

Safety Inspections: Vermont's safety inspection evaluates multiple vehicle systems essential for safe highway operation:

• Wheels and tires for adequate tread depth, proper inflation, and absence of dangerous wear patterns or damage
• Steering and suspension systems for loose or worn components that could affect vehicle control
• Brake systems, including brake pads, rotors, hydraulic components, and parking brake function
• Headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and license plate illumination
• Windshield and windows for cracks or damage that impairs visibility
• Vehicle body and sheet metal for conditions that could pose safety hazards
• Exhaust system for leaks, proper routing, and secure mounting
• Fuel system components to prevent leaks or fire hazards

Emissions Inspections: Vermont's emissions inspection program includes visual emissions checks for all registered vehicles and on-board diagnostic (OBD) testing for vehicles 16 model years old or less. The visual emissions inspection examines emissions control system components to verify proper installation and function.

Inspection Fee Structure:

Under 23 V.S.A. § 1230, the Commissioner receives $8.00 for each inspection certificate issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Inspection stations charge fees based on their hourly labor rate or may charge a flat-rate fee.

Vermont Registration Renewal and Inspection Requirements

Vermont enforces vehicle inspection compliance through integrated registration and inspection tracking systems. The Department of Motor Vehicles monitors inspection status electronically and links compliance to registration validity.

Vermont does not provide a grace period for expired inspections.

Registration renewal processes in Vermont do not automatically verify inspection status, but operating a vehicle without a current inspection violates state law regardless of registration status. Vehicle owners must maintain both a valid registration and current inspection certification to lawfully operate vehicles on Vermont highways.

Penalties for Expired Inspections in Vermont

Vermont imposes civil penalties for operating motor vehicles without valid inspection certification. The penalty structure balances enforcement needs with recognition that minor violations may result from oversight rather than willful noncompliance.

Under 23 V.S.A. § 1222(c), a person shall not operate a motor vehicle unless it has been inspected as required and has a valid certification of inspection affixed to it. A person cited for a violation within the 14 days following expiration of the motor vehicle inspection sticker is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5.00.

For violations beyond the 14-day window, standard penalties apply according to Vermont's violation code structure. The Vermont violation codes maintained by DMV provide specific penalties for various inspection-related violations. Operating with an expired inspection sticker beyond 14 days subjects the operator to standard civil penalties and potential points on driving records.

Where to Get an Inspection in Vermont

Vermont authorizes privately owned and operated inspection stations throughout the state to conduct official safety and emissions inspections. The Department of Motor Vehicles licenses and regulates these facilities, requiring them to meet specific standards and follow prescribed procedures outlined in the Vermont Periodic Inspection Manual.

Finding a Licensed Inspection Station

Vermont provides online resources to help vehicle owners locate licensed inspection stations. The Automated Vehicle Inspection Program (AVIP) Information Portal maintains current information about inspection stations throughout Vermont.

When selecting an inspection station, vehicle owners should verify that the facility is currently licensed for the specific type of vehicle requiring inspection.

Types of Inspection Facilities

Vermont inspection stations operate under various business models:

• Full-Service Automotive Repair Facilities: General repair shops that provide comprehensive mechanical services along with inspection capabilities, allowing immediate repair of deficiencies discovered during inspection
• Dealership Service Centers: New and used vehicle dealerships with service departments authorized to conduct inspections, particularly convenient for warranty work and manufacturer-specific requirements
• Specialty Shops: Facilities focused on particular vehicle types such as motorcycles, heavy-duty trucks, or commercial vehicles
• Quick-Service Centers: Stations emphasizing rapid inspection services with limited repair capabilities, suitable for well-maintained vehicles requiring only certification
• Municipal Fleet Inspection Stations: Facilities authorized to inspect only vehicles registered to municipalities, not available for private vehicle inspection

Government Agencies

Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603-0001
Phone: (802) 828-2000
Toll-Free: (888) 998-3766
Official Website: Vermont DMV

Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation - Air Quality and Climate Division
One National Life Drive, Davis Building - 4th Floor, Montpelier, VT 05620-3802
Phone: (802) 828-1288
Official Website: Vermont DEC Air Quality