Emissions Testing in Vermont
Vermont requires an annual vehicle inspection that includes both safety and emissions components for all registered motor vehicles statewide. The program is managed jointly by the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Air Quality and Climate Division of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Inspections are performed at approximately 1,100 licensed private inspection stations across the state. All vehicles receive a safety check and a visual emissions inspection. Vehicles 16 model years old or newer also receive an OBD-II diagnostic scan as part of the emissions portion. Inspections are due at the end of even-numbered months based on a staggered schedule. Newly registered vehicles must be inspected within 15 days of registration. Drivers should confirm current requirements with the Vermont DMV at dmv.vermont.gov.
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Testing Requirements
Current Testing Requirements in Vermont
Vermont operates a statewide annual combined safety and emissions inspection program. The program has required safety inspections since 1935 and added emissions inspections in 1997. The Vermont DMV and DEC jointly administer the program. Inspections are performed at licensed private stations by certified inspection mechanics. The safety portion checks wheels, tires, steering, suspension, brakes, lights, glass, body and sheet metal, exhaust system, and fuel system. The emissions portion includes a visual inspection of the catalytic converter and gas cap for all vehicles. For gasoline and diesel vehicles 16 model years old or newer with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less, an OBD-II diagnostic scan checks that the emissions control system is functioning properly. The state recently rolled out the Automated Vehicle Inspection Program (AVIP), which uses tablets connected to OBD systems to electronically submit inspection data to the DMV.
Who Needs a Vehicle Inspection
All registered motor vehicles in Vermont must pass an annual safety and visual emissions inspection. Vehicles 16 model years old or newer must also pass the OBD-II emissions inspection. The OBD-II requirement applies to gasoline vehicles model year 1996 and newer and diesel vehicles model year 1997 and newer with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less. Vehicles older than 16 model years receive only the visual emissions check (catalytic converter and gas cap) in addition to the safety inspection. Exhibition vehicles and some homebuilt vehicles may be exempt from the OBD-II portion if they meet specific requirements. Electric vehicles are exempt from the emissions portion but must pass the annual safety inspection. Newly registered vehicles must be inspected within 15 days of registration.
How Often Tests Are Required
Inspections are required annually. Vermont uses a staggered schedule based on even-numbered months. Inspections performed in an odd-numbered month receive a sticker for the next even-numbered month. School buses are inspected twice per year at six-month intervals. Motor buses are also inspected twice per year.
Where Emissions Testing Is Required
Emissions testing is required statewide in Vermont. There are no county or municipal exemptions. All 14 counties across the state follow the same inspection requirements. The program applies equally in urban and rural areas.
What Happens During the Test
The safety inspection covers wheels, tires, steering, suspension, brakes, lights, glass, body and sheet metal, exhaust system, and fuel system. The emissions portion begins with a visual inspection of the catalytic converter and gas cap for all vehicles. For vehicles 16 model years old or newer, a technician connects to the OBD-II port and checks for stored diagnostic trouble codes, readiness monitor status, and the malfunction indicator lamp. A lit check engine light causes failure. If the OBD system connector is missing or not working, the emissions portion cannot be completed and the vehicle fails. The OBD-II scan takes about two minutes. The combined inspection typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Areas in Vermont That Require Emissions Testing
Every city and town in Vermont requires emissions testing for applicable vehicles. Cities and communities where inspections are available include Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, Essex, Colchester, Bennington, Brattleboro, Milton, Hartford, Williston, Barre, Montpelier, St. Albans, Middlebury, St. Johnsbury, Springfield, Morrisville, Stowe, Newport, and Lyndonville.
How the Vehicle Inspection Works in Vermont
Drivers take their vehicle to any of approximately 1,100 licensed inspection stations. These are privately owned auto shops, dealerships, and service stations authorized by the DMV. Bring your current vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Fees vary by station and are not state-regulated. The combined safety and emissions inspection typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. If the vehicle passes, it receives an inspection sticker valid until the end of an even-numbered month. If it fails, the owner must complete repairs and return for reinspection. As of February 9, 2026, the Vermont DMV no longer issues Time Extension Waivers for vehicle inspections. Vehicles that fail the emissions portion due to a check engine light but have no safety issues may qualify for assistance through the Automotive Emissions Repair Assistance Program (AERAP), which provides financial help to low-income Vermonters for emissions-related repairs. AERAP can be reached at 802-447-6447.
FAQ
Common questions
Have a question not covered here? Contact us and we will respond within one business day.
Does Vermont require emissions testing?
Does Vermont require emissions testing?
Yes. Vermont requires annual emissions testing statewide as part of the combined safety and emissions inspection. Vehicles 16 model years old or newer receive an OBD-II scan. Older vehicles receive a visual emissions check.
Which vehicles need an emissions test in Vermont?
Which vehicles need an emissions test in Vermont?
All registered vehicles must pass the visual emissions inspection (catalytic converter and gas cap check). Gasoline vehicles 16 model years old or newer and diesel vehicles under 8,500 pounds of the same age range must also pass the OBD-II scan. Electric vehicles are exempt from the emissions portion but must pass the safety inspection.
How often do I need an emissions test in Vermont?
How often do I need an emissions test in Vermont?
Every year. The annual inspection includes both safety and emissions components. Stickers expire at the end of even-numbered months on a staggered schedule.
Which areas in Vermont require emissions testing?
Which areas in Vermont require emissions testing?
All areas. Vermont requires emissions testing statewide across all 14 counties. There are no geographic exemptions.
Are electric or hybrid vehicles exempt from emissions testing in Vermont?
Are electric or hybrid vehicles exempt from emissions testing in Vermont?
Electric vehicles are exempt from the emissions portion but must pass the annual safety inspection. Hybrid vehicles with gasoline engines that are 16 model years old or newer are subject to the OBD-II emissions test.
Do diesel vehicles need emissions testing in Vermont?
Do diesel vehicles need emissions testing in Vermont?
Yes. Diesel vehicles 16 model years old or newer with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less must pass the OBD-II emissions test. Older diesel vehicles receive the visual emissions check. All diesel vehicles must pass the annual safety inspection.
What happens if my vehicle fails the emissions test in Vermont?
What happens if my vehicle fails the emissions test in Vermont?
You must complete repairs and return for reinspection. Time Extension Waivers are no longer issued as of February 2026. Low-income vehicle owners may qualify for the AERAP program, which provides financial assistance for emissions-related repairs. Contact AERAP at 802-447-6447.
How much does emissions testing cost in Vermont?
How much does emissions testing cost in Vermont?
Fees are set by individual inspection stations and are not state-regulated. Call ahead for pricing. The combined inspection covers both safety and emissions components.
Do I need an appointment for emissions testing in Vermont?
Do I need an appointment for emissions testing in Vermont?
No appointment is required at most licensed inspection stations, though some may accept them. Vermont has approximately 1,100 licensed stations across the state.
Where can I find emissions test locations in Vermont?
Where can I find emissions test locations in Vermont?
Approximately 1,100 licensed inspection stations are located throughout Vermont. The Vermont DMV at dmv.vermont.gov provides station information. The DEC at dec.vermont.gov has additional emissions program details. The AERAP helpline is 802-447-6447 for repair assistance.
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