Most states require vehicles to pass a car inspection before drivers can register them or renew their registration, but Georgia does not. Unless you want to register your car in one of 13 counties in the Atlanta metro area, you don’t need to worry about an inspection. Drivers in the Atlanta region may need to get an emissions test, but only if their car falls within certain model years and meets other requirements.
While many Georgia drivers don’t need an emissions test to register their vehicle, it’s still important to understand the state’s testing requirements. Failure to get an emissions test when required could cause the state to block your vehicle registration, meaning you can’t legally drive your car. Regularly inspecting your vehicle is also crucial for safety reasons, as you want to make sure your car is in good shape when you drive it.
What Is a Car Inspection?
In most states, car inspections involve a safety check where a technician looks at different parts of your vehicle to ensure they are working correctly. Some parts technicians will examine in a safety inspection include:
- Brakes
- Tires
- Lights
- Windshield wipers
- Steering and suspension
- Seatbelts
However, Georgia does not require a safety inspection. Some counties do require an emissions inspection, though. The Georgia Clean Air Force (GCAF) oversees emissions tests in the state.
An emissions test measures the amount of harmful gasses your car releases into the air, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide. The goal of the test is to make sure your vehicle isn’t causing too much pollution. During an emissions test, technicians analyze your car’s exhaust system to see if it’s working properly and controlling emissions.
For most vehicles, a testing station does the following three tests:
- OBD test checking your emissions control performance history
- Fuel cap inspection checking the seal
- Visual inspection checking for tampering or removal of the catalytic converter
If your car’s emissions fall within certain standards, you pass the test and can register your vehicle.
Which Georgia Counties Require Vehicle Inspections?
The GCAF says drivers in these 13 Atlanta-area counties must get an inspection:
- Cherokee County
- Clayton County
- Cobb County
- Coweta County
- DeKalb County
- Douglas County
- Fayette County
- Forsyth County
- Fulton County
- Gwinnett County
- Henry County
- Paulding County
- Rockdale County
Annual emissions testing is required in these counties to register all gas-powered cars and light-duty trucks that are newer than 25 model years but older than 3 years.
When Is Vehicle Emissions Testing Required in Georgia?
If you live in one of the 13 Georgia counties that require emissions tests, you may have to have your vehicle tested to register it. Otherwise, you don’t need an emissions inspection to register your car.
In the 13 counties that require emissions tests, certain vehicles are exempt from this requirement. Cars from the most recent 3 model years do not need an emissions test, though you may need an emissions test after you’ve owned your vehicle for a few years. Cars 25 model years old or older are also exempt from emissions tests.
Other vehicles exempt from emissions inspections in the counties that require them include:
- Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 8,500 pounds
- Vehicles that use only diesel or another alternative fuel
- Motorcycles
- Recreational vehicles (RVs)
- Motor homes
There is also an exemption for people 65 or older with vehicles that are 10 model years old or older and driven less than 5,000 miles per year.
Where Do I Need to Take My Vehicle to Have It Tested?
You can get an emissions test at most auto body shops or businesses that offer oil changes or similar services. However, if you have an older vehicle that still requires an emissions test, it’s a good idea to call ahead and make sure the inspection station has the equipment to properly test your car. Otherwise, you might wind up wasting your time and having to schedule another test on a tight deadline. The GCAF recommends you schedule an inspection four to six weeks before your registration renewal date in case you need to repair your car after a failed test.
Will I Have to Have My Vehicle Inspected to Renew My Car’s Registration?
You only have to get an inspection to renew your registration if you live in one of the 13 Atlanta-area counties that require an emissions test. Otherwise, you don’t need proof of a passed inspection to register your car.
If you have just moved from within Georgia to one of the 13 counties requiring emissions testing, you can wait until you’re required to renew your registration. However, you only have 30 days to inspect and register your car if you moved to one of these counties from another state.
What If My Vehicle Fails Inspection?
If your car fails an emissions inspection, you must get it repaired and bring proof of a passed test to register your car. The state won’t let you register your vehicle without proof of a passed inspection. You can request a 30-day, nonrenewable extension at your local county tag office, but they may not grant you the extension. Getting your test done several weeks before your registration renewal date gives you time to fix your car if you don’t pass the initial inspection.
If you fail your first emissions test, you can get a second test for free if you return to the original inspection site within 30 calendar days. Returning to the initial inspection site can save you money if you need to pay to fix your car because of a failed test.
Do not drive your car without a valid registration after failing an emissions test. If the police catch you driving without a valid registration, you could face fines and other penalties. Driving a car without a valid registration can also lead to legal trouble if you are involved in a collision.
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
The Georgia car accident attorneys at Sherrod & Bernard, P.C. encourage you to get your car inspected every year even if your county doesn’t require it. Proper vehicle maintenance helps prevent collisions, keeping you and others on the road safe. However, when someone else causes an accident, we’re prepared to defend your rights and help you seek fair compensation. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free case review.
