Does Pennsylvania Have Emissions Testing?

Pennsylvania requires vehicle emissions testing in 25 designated counties as part of the annual safety inspection program.

The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
1101 South Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone: (717) 412-5300
Official Website: PennDOT

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17105
Phone: (717) 787-9580
Drive Clean PA Information: 1-800-265-0921
Official Website: PA DEP

The emissions inspection program operates under Title 67 of the Pennsylvania Code, Chapter 177, and Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Section 4706.

Which Counties in Pennsylvania Require Emissions Testing?

Emissions testing applies to vehicles registered in 25 counties organized into four regional programs.

Counties Requiring Emissions Testing

Pennsylvania's emissions testing counties are organized into the following regions:

Philadelphia Region (5 Counties):

• Bucks County
• Chester County
• Delaware County
• Montgomery County
• Philadelphia County

Pittsburgh Region (10 Counties):

• Allegheny County
• Armstrong County
• Beaver County
• Butler County
• Fayette County
• Washington County
• Westmoreland County
• Greene County
• Lawrence County
• Mercer County

South Central Region (5 Counties):

• Berks County
• Cumberland County
• Dauphin County
• Lancaster County
• York County

Northern Region (5 Counties):

• Blair County
• Cambria County
• Centre County
• Lackawanna County
• Luzerne County
• Lycoming County

Vehicles registered in the remaining 42 Pennsylvania counties require safety inspections only, not emissions testing.

Vehicle Requirements in Pennsylvania

Vehicles Subject to Testing

In the 25 designated counties, most gasoline-powered vehicles must undergo emissions testing. Testing requirements vary by model year and vehicle type.

Testing by Model Year:

• 1996 and Newer: OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) check and gas cap test
• 1975-1995: Idle emissions test using analyzer and gas cap test
• Pre-1975: Generally exempt from emissions testing

Vehicles Requiring Testing:

• Gasoline-powered passenger cars and light-duty trucks
• Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 9,000 pounds or less
• Most 1975 and newer model-year vehicles registered in emissions counties

Testing Method:
Pennsylvania uses different testing methods based on vehicle age:

• OBD-II Check: For 1996+ vehicles, evaluates the on-board diagnostic system
• Idle Test: For 1975-1995 vehicles, measures exhaust emissions at idle
• Gas Cap Test: Checks for evaporative emissions leaks (all applicable vehicles)

Exemptions from Emissions Testing

The following vehicles are exempt from emissions testing:

By Age and Registration Status:

• Current model year vehicles (new vehicles in their first year of registration)
• New or current model year vehicles never previously registered with less than 5,000 miles

By Mileage:

• Vehicles driven less than 5,000 miles during the full year (365 days) from a previous qualifying inspection, owned by the same owner for one year or more

By Fuel Type:

• Electric vehicles
• Diesel-powered vehicles (most diesel vehicles under 9,000 pounds GVWR)

By Vehicle Type:

• Motorcycles
• Vehicles with GVWR exceeding 9,000 pounds
• Certain heavy-duty vehicles

By Registration Location:

• Vehicles registered in the 42 non-emissions counties

Note: Hybrid vehicles (including plug-in hybrids) that use gasoline engines are subject to emissions testing in the same manner as conventional gasoline vehicles.

Special Requirements and Exemptions

Low-Mileage Exemption: To qualify for the 5,000-mile exemption, you must:

• Have owned the vehicle for at least 365 days
• Have driven less than 5,000 miles in the 365 days since the previous qualifying inspection
• Provide documentation (odometer readings, maintenance records)

Current Model Year Exemption: Vehicles in their first year after initial registration are exempt from emissions testing.

Vehicles Over 9,000 Pounds GVWR: Heavy-duty vehicles are generally exempt from the light-duty emissions program.

Costs and Fees Inspection in Pennsylvania

Emissions and safety inspection fees vary by inspection station but generally follow market rates.

Fee Structure

Fee Information

• Pennsylvania does not set maximum inspection fees; prices are determined by individual inspection stations
• Most stations charge between $35 and $80 for a combined safety and emissions inspection
• The state-issued sticker fee is $12.00 for annual inspection stickers (paid by the station, included in total cost)
• Emissions inspection stickers have no separate state fee
• Repair costs for failed inspections are separate and not regulated
• Re-inspection policies vary by station; some offer free re-inspection if you return within a specified period

Where to Get Emissions Testing in Pennsylvania

Finding an Inspection Station

Emissions testing must be performed at PennDOT-certified inspection stations.

Station Locator:
PennDOT maintains lists of certified inspection stations:

• Safety Inspection Stations by County
• Enhanced Safety Inspection Stations
• Search by county to find nearby facilities

Regional Programs Information:

• Philadelphia Region Emissions Program

Registration and Emissions Testing Requirements in Pennsylvania

Initial Registration Requirements

New Vehicle Purchases: Emissions testing is not required for new vehicles during their first model year. The current model year and the immediate prior model year are exempt from emissions testing requirements.

Used Vehicle Purchases: When purchasing a used vehicle registered in one of the 25 emissions testing counties, emissions testing requirements depend on the vehicle's age and existing test status. Vehicles subject to emissions testing (1975 model year and newer, under 9,000 lbs GVWR) must have a current emissions test certificate before title transfer. If the seller's emissions certificate is still valid (within 12 months), it transfers with the vehicle. If the certificate has expired or no test exists, the buyer must complete emissions testing before registration.

Vehicle Age Requirements: Vehicles from the 1975-1995 model years are subject to emissions testing with an emissions analyzer. Vehicles from 1996 and newer model years require OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) testing and a gas cap check. Current model year vehicles are exempt from emissions testing. Vehicles 26 model years or older are permanently exempt from emissions testing.

Requirements for first-time vehicle registration in Pennsylvania are outlined in PennDOT's first issuance registration guide.

Renewal Registration Requirements

Testing Frequency: Pennsylvania requires annual emissions testing for vehicles registered in the 25 designated counties. The emissions test must be completed once every 12 months.

Test Certificate Validity: Emissions test certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of testing. Vehicle owners may complete emissions testing up to one year in advance of their registration expiration date without losing time on the certificate validity.

Registration Renewal Process: Vehicle owners must first complete emissions testing at any certified emissions inspection station in Pennsylvania. Testing can be completed up to 12 months before your registration expires. Test results are electronically transmitted to PennDOT, and you will receive a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) showing test results. Failed tests require repairs and re-testing before registration renewal is possible.

After passing emissions testing, vehicle owners can renew their registration through PennDOT's online services, by mail using the renewal notice with payment, or in person at any PennDOT Driver License Center.

Important Notes: PennDOT maintains electronic records of all emissions test results. You cannot renew your vehicle registration without a current emissions test on file. Registration renewal and emissions testing are separate requirements and do not need to be completed simultaneously. Pennsylvania does not accept emissions certificates from other states for registration purposes.

Out-of-State Vehicle Provisions

New Pennsylvania Residents: When registering an out-of-state vehicle in Pennsylvania, emissions testing requirements depend on which county you register in. If registering in one of the 25 emissions testing counties, your vehicle must pass Pennsylvania emissions testing before or at the time of registration.

New residents must register their vehicle within 20 days of establishing residency. Emissions testing must be completed before or at registration if required in your county. County requirements can be verified through Drive Clean Pennsylvania or by calling the emissions hotline at 1-800-265-0921.

Required documentation includes proof that your county requires emissions testing (PennDOT will verify), a current Pennsylvania emissions test certificate if applicable, your out-of-state title, and proof of insurance.

Temporary Exemptions: Pennsylvania offers temporary emissions testing exemptions in specific circumstances. Vehicles temporarily located out of state may complete emissions testing at any U.S. EPA-approved inspection program facility. Vehicles in long-term storage and not being operated may qualify for a temporary extension of the emissions testing requirement.

Pennsylvania emissions inspection stations can test vehicles registered in other states, but the test results are only recognized for Pennsylvania registration purposes. Out-of-state emissions certificates are not accepted for Pennsylvania registration.