Frequently Asked Questions
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When do I get my car inspected?
Your vehicle must be inspected and receive a new inspection sticker no later than the last day of the month indicated on your current inspection sticker. For example, a January inspection sticker must be replaced by the last day of January.
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Where do I take my car to have it inspected?
Authorized inspection repair stations are conveniently located throughout the Rhode Island area. To find an inspection station by city, town, or zip code, please click here to search the inspection station directory.
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How much will the inspection cost?
The RI Emissions and Safety Testing Program inspection costs $55.00 and provides
a sticker good for two years.
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What is a "new car" for inspection purposes?
When a vehicle is purchased new from a manufacturer (dealer), it is issued a certificate of origin from the manufacturer and is considered “New”. These vehicles are exempt from inspection for two years or until it reaches 24000 miles on the odometer (whichever occurs first). If a vehicle has been previously titled, it is no longer a “New” vehicle and is subject to inspection requirements.
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Where should I get my vehicle repaired?
Repairs can be made anywhere. However, if you believe you may want to apply for
a repair cost limit waiver, you should have repairs done by a state Certified Inspection
Repair Technician. The cost of labor performed by a Certified Inspection Repair
Technician (CIRT) can be applied to the waiver amount. To locate a repair facility
with a CIRT, contact us by calling toll-free 1-866-OBD-TEST (1-866-623-8378) or
go to this page.
No matter where your vehicle is repaired, you are entitled to one free inspection
retest within 30 days at the same inspection station where your vehicle was originally
tested. If you choose to go to a different inspection facility for the retest, you
will again be charged the full $55.00 fee.
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How do I apply for a waiver?
Apply for a diagnostic waiver if the part(s) needed to repair your
vehicle are no longer available or no longer manufactured. Proof that the part(s)
is not available will be required. Apply for a cost limit waiver
if you spend $700 or more for emission-related parts and/or labor (labor must be
performed by a Certified Inspection Repair Technician
to qualify) and the vehicle still does not pass. Finally, if the owner of a failing
vehicle can prove financial hardship, he/she should apply to the DMV for a
repair
time delay waiver
for one inspection cycle.
You can apply for any of the waivers described above at DMV's 325 Melrose Street
location, in Providence. Call this DMV location at 401-462-5890 for more information.
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What about older cars or non-factory specification vehicles?
Exemptions: The only vehicles that are exempt from testing in Rhode
Island are those that are registered as antique vehicles. New vehicles do not need
to be tested until they are two years old or have 24000 miles on the odometer. Age:
Motor vehicles 25 years old or older must undergo inspection for safety and emissions.
However, these vehicles will not be failed if they do not pass emissions standards.
Age: Motor vehicles 25 years old or older must undergo inspection
for safety and emissions. However, these vehicles will not be failed if they do
not pass emissions standards.
Antique cars: Vehicles registered as antiques with antique license
plates are exempt from safety and emissions testing. However, some antique registered
vehicles may be presented for safety inspection under state law that allows the
unlimited use of such a vehicle if it passes inspection.
Reconstructed and homemade vehicles: These vehicles are inspected
for emissions compliance using the standards and test procedures applicable for
exhaust emission, functional emissions control devices, and visual inspection for
each individual vehicle - based on the engine year of the engine installed in the
vehicle.
Vehicles with exchanged engines: These vehicles are inspected for
emissions compliance based on the chassis model year of the vehicle. However, if
the engine is newer than the chassis model year, the emissions inspection is based
on the model year of the engine.
Vehicles with engines changed from one fuel type to another fuel type
(for example, from a diesel engine to a gasoline engine) that are subject to these
regulations are subject to tests and standards for the current fuel type of the
engine installed.
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW):
All vehicles are to be tested according to standards as determined by the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight (GVW). If no manufacturer's GVW is available it shall be tested according to the GVW as determined by the DMV.
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When do I take my vehicle for inspection?
Each vehicle must be inspected biennially (every 2 years). Your vehicle must be
inspected and receive a new inspection sticker no later than the last day of the
month indicated on your current inspection sticker. For example, a vehicle with
a January inspection sticker needs to receive an updated sticker by the last day
of January.
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Are new vehicles exempt?
When purchased new from a dealer, a vehicle requires inspection within two years
and before the odometer reaches 24,000 miles (whichever comes first).
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Are old vehicles exempt?
Age: Motor vehicles 25 years old or older must undergo inspection
for safety and emissions. However, these vehicles will not be failed if they do
not pass emissions standards.
Antique cars: Vehicles registered as antiques with antique license
plates are exempt from safety and emissions testing. However, some antique registered
vehicles may be presented for safety inspection under state law that allows the
unlimited use of such a vehicle if it passes inspection.
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What if my vehicle fails inspection?
Your vehicle must be repaired and reinspected. Refer to
this
section
for information about repairs. Your may receive a free reinspection
after having your vehicle repaired if you present it for reinspection within 30
days at the same location that performed the initial inspection.
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What types of inspection may be performed on my vehicle?
All vehicles receive an emissions test, a safety test, and a gas cap integrity test.
The emissions test may consist of an OBDII inspection, or a visual component inspection.
Click here for more detail
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What if my vehicle fails only part of the inspection?
Your vehicle must pass all portions of the inspection (Safety, Emissions, and Gas
Cap) to pass the overall inspection.
Safety Failures: You must make safety repairs before the vehicle
will pass inspection and receive an inspection sticker.
Emissions Failures: You must make the needed repairs before the
vehicle will pass inspection and receive an inspection sticker, unless you qualify
for one of the three types of waiver. click here
Gas Cap Failures: You must correct the gas cap failure before the
vehicle will pass inspection and receive an inspection sticker
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How do I contest an inspection that may have been done incorrectly?
If you are concerned that your vehicle's inspection may not have been performed
correctly, you may request a challenge inspection be performed. To inquire about
a challenge inspection, contact DMV at 401-462-5890.
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What about modified vehicles?
Kit cars: Vehicles manufactured as kit cars may receive an alternate
type of inspection.
Reconstructed and homemade vehicles: These vehicles are inspected
for emissions compliance using the standards and test procedures applicable for
exhaust emission, functional emissions control devices, and visual inspection for
each individual vehicle - based on the engine year of the engine installed in the
vehicle.
Vehicles with exchanged engines: These vehicles are inspected for
emissions compliance based on the chassis model year of the vehicle. However, if
the engine is newer than the chassis model year, the emissions inspection is based
on the model year of the engine.
Vehicles with engines changed from one fuel type to another fuel type
(for example, from a diesel engine to a gasoline engine) that are subject to these
regulations are subject to tests and standards for the current fuel type of the
engine installed.
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What about heavier vehicles?
As long as they weigh 8500 pounds or less, trucks and vans are tested according
to standards as determined by the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight (GVW). If
no manufacturer's GVW is available it shall be tested according to the GVW as determined
by the DMV. Vehicles weighing over 8500 pounds (Gross Vehicle Weight) are inspected
under different standards set by DMV. To locate an inspection station, call
DMV at
401-462-5890.
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Are diesel-powered vehicles inspected in this program?
Light-duty diesel-powered vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 LBS or less must be inspected every two years for safety and emissions.
Medium and heavy-duty vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 8,500 LBS are inspected annually at an "A" Class inspection station, which may include some stations in our network. If you have a medium or heavy-duty vehicle and need to find an inspection station, please contact the DMV Safety and Emission Control office at (401) 462-5890 for more information.
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What is OBD?
OBD or On-Board-Diagnostics have been around since 1980, when General Motors first
introduce the system in certain vehicles sold in California. Chrysler and Ford soon
followed GM. By the mid 1980's, the Asian and European manufacturers were installing
on-board computer systems for the purpose of controlling emissions. With the increasing
smog problem nationwide, every light duty vehicle sold in California in 1988 had
to comply with the new OBD-I (first generation) regulations. The intent was to gain
consistency in the way emission systems were being monitored and how emissions problems
could be brought to a driver's attention.
The OBD-I regulations for 1988 required onboard computer systems to have the ability
to record and store a specific diagnostic trouble codes for malfunctioning sensors
or systems. The major requirement of OBD-I was to notify the driver of a malfunction
by having the on-board computer turn on the MIL or Malfunction Indicator Lamp more
commonly known as the "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light.
The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments adopted the new OBD-II (second generation) requirements.
These new requirements were implemented for every vehicle sold in the U.S starting
in model year 1996. The requirements included the following:
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Use of the same universal Diagnostic Link Connector in every light-duty vehicle
sold in the U.S.
- A standard location for the Diagnostic Link Connector
- A standard list of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC)
- Common diagnostic test modes
- The ability to record a snapshot
- The ability to store a code when an emissions failure occurs
- A standard glossary of terms
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Which vehicles are required to receive the OBD test?
As part of the safety and emissions inspection process, all 1996 and newer gasoline-powered and 1997 and newer diesel-powered vehicles will receive the OBD test.
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What is the procedure for the new OBD-II test?
The inspector will connect a communication cable from emissions analyzer to the
Diagnostic Link Connector located in your vehicle. No changes to your vehicle will
be made; only data from your vehicles computer will be downloaded to the emissions
analyzer
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Will this OBD-II test eliminate the enhanced emissions test on my vehicle?
If your vehicle is eligible for the OBD-II test, no tailpipe emissions test will
be performed.
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How can my vehicle fail an OBD-II test?
Your vehicle will fail the OBD-II test if the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine) light is illuminated.
Your vehicle will also fail the OBD-II test if your vehicle model year is 1996 -
2000 and it has 3 or more system readiness monitors that read "not ready".
Your vehicle will also fail the OBD-II test if your vehicle model year is 2001 -
present and it has 2 or more system readiness monitors that read "not ready".
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My vehicle failed only for Monitor Readiness that read "not ready"
The computer in your vehicle performs diagnostic tests on certain emissions systems
while you are driving. These system monitors are usually
"Ready"
or "Complete", unless there's pending problem with a particular
system. Sometimes system monitors become
"not ready" due to the
battery in your vehicle having been disconnected or the computer having had its
memory erased.
As part of the OBD-II test, the analyzer checks to see how many of the system monitors
are "not ready".
>Your vehicle will fail the OBD-II test if your vehicle model year is 1996 - 2000
and it has 3 or more system readiness monitors that read
"not ready".
Your vehicle will fail the OBD-II test if your vehicle model year is 2001 - present
and it has 2 or more system readiness monitors that read
"not ready"
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What should I do if my vehicle failed?
You should have your vehicle looked at by a qualified technician such as a CIRT.
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What should I do if my vehicle's "Check Engine" light is flashing on and off?
If the Check Engine light is flashing or blinking, you should have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible. The flashing light may indicated that there is an
engine misfire, and extensive driving with a misfire could damage your vehicle's
catalytic converter.
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Any tips I should follow before I get my vehicle inspected?
Yes. Some vehicles require extensive driving to reset certain system readiness monitors.
Do not disconnect the battery on your vehicle. If your vehicle is in for service,
ask your technician not to clear the computer's memory since this will only unset
the system readiness monitors and result in your vehicle failing the OBD-II test.
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Which diesel vehicles have to get tested?
All light-duty diesel-powered vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 LBS or less must be inspected every two years for safety and emissions.
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How much does the test cost?
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Where can I go for a diesel inspection?
All light-duty diesel-powered vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 LBS or less can be tested at any authorized inspection repair station participating in the program. To find an inspection station by city, town, or zip code, please click here to search the inspection station directory.
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What if my vehicle fails the safety or emissions test?
If your vehicle fails either the safety or emissions test it fails the inspection.
If your vehicle fails the safety test you must make repairs before the vehicle will
pass inspection and receive an inspection sticker.
If your vehicle fails the emissions test you will have to make the needed repairs
unless you qualify for one of three types of waiver.