Emissions Testing in Tennessee
Tennessee does not require emissions testing for vehicle registration or renewal. The state ended its emissions testing program on January 14, 2022, after the Environmental Protection Agency approved a revision to Tennessee's air quality plan. The program had required annual emissions testing in six counties: Davidson, Hamilton, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson. Five of those counties ended testing on January 14, 2022. Davidson County (Nashville) continued briefly but has also ended testing. Today, no vehicle owners in Tennessee must pass an emissions test or smog check to register or renew their vehicles. Tennessee does not require periodic safety inspections for passenger vehicles either. Drivers should confirm current requirements with the Tennessee Department of Revenue or the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC).
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Testing Requirements
Current Testing Requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee has no emissions testing requirements. The state's program ended on January 14, 2022, after EPA approved the removal of vehicle emissions testing from Tennessee's State Implementation Plan. TDEC administered the program and determined that air quality had improved sufficiently to discontinue mandatory testing. The program originally covered six Middle Tennessee counties in the Nashville metropolitan area. Tennessee law required the program to end 120 days after EPA's approval, which was published in the Federal Register on August 17, 2021, with an effective date of September 16, 2021. Vehicle registration through the Tennessee Department of Revenue does not include any emissions component.
Who Needs an Emissions Test or Smog Check
No vehicles in Tennessee are required to pass an emissions test. The state does not enforce smog check requirements for gasoline, diesel, hybrid, or electric vehicles. There are no model year restrictions, weight limits, fuel type requirements, or geographic zones that trigger mandatory testing. This applies to all 95 counties across the state, including the six counties that formerly required testing.
How Often Tests Are Required
There is no mandated testing frequency in Tennessee because the state does not require emissions inspections. When the program was active, affected vehicles were tested annually within 90 days of their registration expiration date. That schedule no longer applies.
Where Emissions Testing Is Required
No areas in Tennessee require emissions testing. The six counties that formerly required testing were Davidson (Nashville), Hamilton (Chattanooga), Rutherford (Murfreesboro), Sumner (Gallatin), Williamson (Franklin), and Wilson (Lebanon). All 95 counties now operate under the same policy.
What Happens During the Test
Tennessee does not require emissions testing, so there is no active test procedure to describe. When the program was operational through January 2022, vehicles model year 1996 and newer received an OBD-II diagnostic scan checking for stored trouble codes, readiness monitor status, and the malfunction indicator lamp. A gas cap test and visual anti-tampering inspection were also performed. These procedures are no longer required anywhere in the state.
Areas in Tennessee That Require Emissions Testing
No areas in Tennessee require emissions testing. Cities such as Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Johnson City, Jackson, Hendersonville, Kingsport, Smyrna, Gallatin, Cleveland, Columbia, La Vergne, Bartlett, Spring Hill, Mount Juliet, and Lebanon have no testing requirements. Rural areas across the state follow the same policy.
How the Emissions Test Works in Tennessee
Tennessee does not have an emissions testing process because no program exists. Drivers do not need to visit any station or submit test results for registration or renewal. If a vehicle owner wants a voluntary diagnostic check, private auto shops can perform an OBD-II scan. Fees for voluntary diagnostics vary by shop and are not regulated by the state. Results from a private scan do not affect registration status.
FAQ
Common questions
Have a question not covered here? Contact us and we will respond within one business day.
Does Tennessee require emissions testing?
Does Tennessee require emissions testing?
No. Tennessee ended its emissions testing program on January 14, 2022, after EPA approved the removal of vehicle testing from the state's air quality plan. No county in Tennessee requires a routine emissions test. Confirm any policy changes with the Tennessee Department of Revenue or TDEC.
Which vehicles need an emissions test in Tennessee?
Which vehicles need an emissions test in Tennessee?
No vehicles need an emissions test in Tennessee. Gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles can all be registered without any emissions inspection in all 95 counties.
How often do I need an emissions test in Tennessee?
How often do I need an emissions test in Tennessee?
There is no required emissions testing frequency in Tennessee. The state eliminated its program in January 2022. No testing schedule applies to registration or renewal.
Which areas in Tennessee require emissions testing?
Which areas in Tennessee require emissions testing?
No areas in Tennessee require emissions testing. Davidson, Hamilton, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson counties formerly had a program, but it ended in 2022. All 95 counties across the state have the same policy.
Are electric or hybrid vehicles exempt from emissions testing in Tennessee?
Are electric or hybrid vehicles exempt from emissions testing in Tennessee?
Yes. Electric and hybrid vehicles are exempt because Tennessee does not require emissions testing for any vehicle type.
Do diesel vehicles need emissions testing in Tennessee?
Do diesel vehicles need emissions testing in Tennessee?
No. Diesel vehicles do not need emissions testing in Tennessee. The state has no mandatory program for any fuel type.
What happens if my vehicle fails the emissions test in Tennessee?
What happens if my vehicle fails the emissions test in Tennessee?
This does not apply because Tennessee has no emissions testing requirement. If a private mechanic identifies issues during a voluntary diagnostic scan, repairs are at the owner's discretion.
How much does emissions testing cost in Tennessee?
How much does emissions testing cost in Tennessee?
There is no emissions testing cost in Tennessee because no mandatory program exists. Private mechanics may charge for voluntary diagnostic services. Fees vary by shop.
Do I need an appointment for emissions testing in Tennessee?
Do I need an appointment for emissions testing in Tennessee?
No appointments are needed for emissions testing because Tennessee does not require it. If you want a voluntary diagnostic check, contact a local auto shop.
Where can I find emissions test locations in Tennessee?
Where can I find emissions test locations in Tennessee?
Tennessee does not have designated emissions testing locations because no program exists. Private auto shops can perform diagnostic scans on request. The Tennessee Department of Revenue handles vehicle registration and can be reached through their website or local county clerk offices.
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