Emissions Testing in Ohio

Testing Requirements

Current Testing Requirements in Ohio

Ohio operates the E-Check emissions testing program in seven Northeast Ohio counties. The program began in 1996 to address ozone nonattainment in the Cleveland-Akron-Lorain area under the federal Clean Air Act. The Ohio EPA administers the program. Testing is performed at centralized full-service E-Check stations and 21 self-service kiosks available 24/7. For 1996 and newer gasoline vehicles and 1997 and newer diesel vehicles, the test is an OBD-II diagnostic scan. Older vehicles that predate OBD-II but fall within the 25-year window receive an opacity or tailpipe test. The Cleveland area was reclassified as a Serious nonattainment area for ozone effective January 2025, which increased the repair waiver minimum from $300 to $450 starting in 2026. Ohio does not require safety inspections for passenger vehicles.

Who Needs an Emissions Test

All gasoline and diesel vehicles, including flexible fuel and non-plug-in hybrid vehicles, weighing 10,000 pounds or less, 25 years old or newer from the current testing year, and registered in one of the seven E-Check counties must pass an emissions test. New gasoline and diesel vehicles are exempt for the first six model years. Non-plug-in hybrids are exempt for the first seven model years. Vehicles over 25 model years old are permanently exempt. Plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles are exempt. Vehicles over 10,000 pounds are exempt. An E-Check is also required when a vehicle title is transferred and the new owner registers the vehicle in an E-Check county.

How Often Tests Are Required

Emissions testing is biennial, following a model year odd/even cycle. Even model year vehicles are tested in even calendar years. Odd model year vehicles are tested in odd calendar years. Non-plug-in hybrids start testing in an off year and then follow the normal biennial cycle. Compliance certificates are valid for 365 days, so vehicles can be tested up to one year in advance of their registration renewal date. An E-Check is also required at title transfer for vehicles being registered in an E-Check county.

Where Emissions Testing Is Required

Emissions testing is required in seven counties in Northeast Ohio: Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit. All other 81 Ohio counties do not require emissions testing. The program does not apply in the Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, or any other metropolitan area outside Northeast Ohio.

What Happens During the Test

For 1996 and newer gasoline vehicles and 1997 and newer diesel vehicles, a technician or self-service kiosk connects to the OBD-II port via the Diagnostic Link Connector. The system checks for stored diagnostic trouble codes, readiness monitor status, and the malfunction indicator lamp. A lit check engine light causes automatic failure. Incomplete readiness monitors may result in a "not ready" status requiring additional driving before retesting. Older diesel vehicles receive an opacity test. At self-service kiosks, the vehicle owner performs the test by following on-screen instructions to connect the OBD-II cable. The test typically takes 5 to 10 minutes at a kiosk and slightly longer at a full-service station.

Areas in Ohio That Require Emissions Testing

Within the seven covered counties, cities and communities where E-Check is required include Cleveland, Akron, Lorain, Elyria, Mentor, Lakewood, Parma, Strongsville, Brunswick, Medina, Kent, Ravenna, Chardon, Painesville, Wooster (if in Medina County portion), Barberton, Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, Hudson, and Wadsworth. Cities outside the seven counties do not require emissions testing. Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, Youngstown, Springfield, Mansfield, Canton, Zanesville, and all other Ohio cities outside the Northeast Ohio program area are exempt.

How the Emissions Test Works in Ohio

Drivers can visit any of the 23 full-service E-Check stations or 21 self-service kiosks in the seven-county area. Self-service kiosks are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. At a kiosk, the driver connects the OBD-II cable to the vehicle's diagnostic port, follows on-screen prompts, and receives a printed Vehicle Inspection Report. Up to three tests per 365-day period are free at self-service kiosks. After the third test, additional testing requires a full-service station inspection at $18 per test. Full-service station hours are typically Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. If the vehicle passes, the compliance certificate is recorded electronically and is valid for 365 days. Registration can be renewed through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. If the vehicle fails, repairs must be completed and the vehicle retested. A repair cap waiver is available if the vehicle still fails after qualifying emissions repairs totaling at least $450 (effective 2026, increased from $300). Repair receipts must be original and for work performed after the initial E-Check or within 60 days prior. The E-Check program can be reached at 1-800-CAR-TEST (1-800-227-8378).