Choose State

Related Questions from DMV Answers

• What are the best times to avoid long lines at emissions test locations?

  • Registration > Smog and Emissions

  Each state or county that requires emissions inspections claims the best time to visit, when lines are shortest, is during the middle of the month. But there is no consensus regarding specific days. Arizona emissions inspection stations, for example, claim Saturday afternoons as the slowest time of the week. Whereas in Illinois Saturday is the busiest, a day to avoid for bringing your car in for a smog check. See grid below for the best or worst times in your respective state. States with a limited number of emissions test locations are sensitive to motorist complaints about long lines. Many inspection stations now offer live online cameras, allowing you to view the actual length of the wait lines. Others offer estimated wait times on Web sites. And some states, like New Jersey, encourage..

  Read More >>

• How do I find vehicle emissions testing locations?

  • Registration > Smog and Emissions

  The easiest way is to simply contact your local DMV office or visit your state’s DMV Web site. Not every state requires an emissions test for vehicle registration, but many do, and those states generally provide a list of approved vehicle emissions testing locations or point you in the direction of your state’s environmental commission or a similar agency. An emission test, also known as a smog test or smog check, is designed to make sure your vehicle is running as efficiently as possible to help keep the air clean. Oftentimes your DMV or testing facility will provide a check list of sorts that outline what you need to do to prepare your vehicle (this will help make sure your vehicle passes the test) as well as what you can expect during the check. Despite what your..

  Read More >>

• Do all DMV locations offer the road test?

  • DMV Locations and Hours

  While all DMV locations offer a basic menu of services, not all offices in all states will provide the road test. Some of the DMV locations that may not offer a road test include: Locations only open on a part-time basis Select offices located in shopping malls or other non-government locations Offices in very rural areas If you need to take a driving test to get your driver's license, the best course of action is to call the office you wish to visit to see if they offer the test and if you will need an appointment. If the road test is offered with no appointment necessary, the DMV representative may be able to recommend the best time to visit in order to reduce your wait. Drivers who live in states with adverse weather conditions should also ask about the DMV policy regarding testing..

  Read More >>

• How much do emissions testing stations charge?

  • Registration > Smog and Emissions

  That depends on where you live. In some states, such as Ohio, you won't pay anything to have your emissions testing completed. In other areas, like California and Pennsylvania, the cost varies depending on the smog testing station. And, in many states, there's a flat-rate fee no matter where you have your emissions level checked. Some states dictate a range of acceptable fees to be charged; while others let the free market dictate the going rate. Go to your state's motor vehicle division site to learn about the arrangement in your state. If the fee varies depending on the station, make a few phone calls to stations in your area to see what you'll be charged. No matter what, just be sure to pay the fee and have your car's emissions levels verified. Otherwise, if you live in..

  Read More >>

• Is there any way to tell if a used car has failed previous emissions tests?

  • Reports and Records > Vehicle Records

  Yes, you can tell if a used car has failed previous emissions tests by checking with the DMV, or more conveniently, by reviewing a vehicle history report. Why Emissions Test Results Are Important Emissions tests tell us a lot about the condition and performance of a used car. Furthermore, states require emissions standards be met before allowing vehicles to be registered and driven. The last thing you need is to buy a used car that has a history of failed emissions tests, which will end up costing you in the long run. Fixing exhaust problems that have resulted in failed emissions tests can run in the hundreds if not thousands of dollars, depending on the cause. Order a Vehicle History Report to Check One good way to know if a car is susceptible to emissions problems is to review its..

  Read More >>