Emissions Testing in Virginia

Who Needs an Emissions Test or Smog Check

Certain gasoline powered passenger or property vehicles under 25 model years old and weighing 10,000 pounds or less must be tested when garaged in required areas. Diesel vehicles of model year 1997 or newer and weighing under 8,500 pounds are subject to testing unless exempt. Clean fuel vehicles, motorcycles, autocycles and antiques are exempt. New vehicles and recent-used models may also be temporarily exempt from emissions testing requirements.

How Often Tests Are Required

Emissions testing in Virginia is conducted every two years for vehicles registered in required zones. Inspections must be current at registration or reregistration. First‑time registrations may be exempt if a valid inspection exists from another qualifying state. Testing aligns with biennial renewals but specifics may vary by location and vehicle type.

Where Emissions Testing Is Required

Testing is required in Northern Virginia regions where air quality goals mandate inspections. These include Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and Stafford counties, as well as the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park. Vehicles garaged outside these areas are not subject to emissions inspection requirements under current law.

What Happens During the Test

During an in‑person inspection, a technician performs an OBD‑II diagnostic scan for applicable model‑year vehicles, checks emissions control systems visually, and may conduct tailpipe testing. Older vehicles may undergo a two‑speed idle or dynamometer test. In addition, RAPIDPASS on‑road testing collects emissions data as a vehicle is driven past sensors. Results are reported electronically and must pass for vehicle registration.

Areas in Virginia That Require Emissions Testing

Requirements differ across Virginia depending on air quality districts and population density. Northern Virginia areas have stricter rules, so there are more emissions testing locations. In cities like Richmond, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Newport News, Lynchburg and Alexandria, availability of stations varies based on local participation in the Air Check Virginia program. Users will find many listings in Richmond and Charlottesville, while smaller cities may have fewer. The directory highlights emissions testing locations in Virginia where inspections are mandatory. Rural and non‑participating areas typically have no emissions requirement, reinforcing that inspection policy depends on location and local air quality priorities.

How the Emissions Test Works in Virginia

The emissions test process generally takes around 15 to 30 minutes at a certified station. Bring your vehicle registration and a form of payment. At the station, the technician checks OBD‑II systems, inspects emissions control components, and may perform tailpipe testing. If your vehicle fails due to a check engine light, incomplete readiness monitors or control system issues, you get a report and can return for a free retest within 14 days after repair. Costs vary by station. If repeated failures occur and repair costs exceed a threshold, you may apply for a waiver through a certified repair technician using documented receipts.