Georgia Car Inspection

Georgia Car Inspection: A Guide on the Vehicle Inspection Laws in Georgia

Does Georgia Require Car Inspections?

Unlike other states, Georgia doesn’t have car inspection laws, which means no annual car inspections are required on the state level. You can legally use your vehicle in Georgia for years without proving it is safe.

Even so, this does not mean that Georgia drivers can neglect vehicle inspections. Things can take a downturn if you are involved in an accident because of poor car maintenance. It would help if you learned about the mechanical failures that lead to car accidents to avoid this situation and have your vehicle inspected as often as possible to have them checked.

If you were involved in a car accident, consider seeking the help of an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney.

Although Georgia does not demand an annual inspection on the state level, 13 counties have local car inspection requirements. These counties are:

• Clayton

• Coweta

• Cherokee

• Cobb

• DeKalb

• Douglas

• Forsyth

• Fulton

• Fayette

• Gwinnett

• Rockdale

• Paulding.

You must schedule annual vehicle inspections if you live in any of these counties. If you just moved into one of these counties, you must visit a testing station within 30 days of your arrival. However, not all types of vehicles in these counties require inspection. The types exempted are:

• Recreational vehicles (RVs)

• Alternative fuel vehicles

• Motorcycles

• Diesel-powered vehicles

• Cars models that are 25 years old and over

• Cars models that are three years or newer

Georgia residents who are above 65 years old are also exempted from registration if:

• They drive for less than 5,000 miles annually

• Their vehicle is at least ten years old

These seniors may report to the Georgia Clean Air Force center for their exemption to be considered.

Does Georgia Require Emissions Testing?

What Inspection Tests Are Done?

The safety inspection process followed is determined by your car’s age. If the car’s model year is before 1995, your car goes through tests like:

• A gas cap seal test
• Accelerated simulation mode test
• A two-speed idle test
• Visual catalytic converter inspection

On the other hand, if your car’s model is 1996 or newer, the tests done are:

• OBD II test
• Gas cap seal test
• A visual catalytic converter inspection

The average time spent during the inspection is about an hour, but you may be at the inspection station longer during peak hours.

What Is the Cost of a Georgia Car Inspection?

There is no standard cost for an emissions test or vehicle inspection. While testing stations are free to set their preferred prices, this service often costs less than $25.

Should I Perform Inspections When Renewing My Car Registration in Georgia?

If you live in one of the 13 counties in the Atlanta Metro Area where annual emissions testing is mandatory, your car needs to undergo an emissions inspection before renewing its registration. The Georgia Clean Air Force recommends getting an emission test about a month before renewal. Otherwise, Georgia residents outside these counties are not required to perform an inspection.

Can My Vehicle Fail the Inspection Test?