05/14/2026
Vehicle inspections are a routine part of car ownership. Depending on where you live, you may have to get one done annually or biennially to ensure your car meets certain safety and environmental requirements.
While different states have different vehicle inspection rules, you should know that some common elements of vehicle inspections include:
A VIN Inspection: Your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) is a unique identifier. Some states require VIN inspections for out-of-state vehicles and salvage vehicles. These inspections offer a detailed history of the vehicle, including its ownership, accident reports, reports of theft and title changes.
An Emissions Test: Emissions tests can be a requirement for registering a new car or renewing registration on your existing car, and it could be statewide or only for certain urban areas. This test ensures cars’ exhaust systems meet certain environmental standards. If a vehicle fails an emissions test, it will need to undergo repairs.
Safety Testing: Some states require regular automotive safety inspections. These rules may be for all cars, or they may depend on the age of your vehicle. Safety checks typically involve looking at key parts of your car, such as its airbags, exhaust system, brakes, seatbelts, turn signals, lights, electrical system, tires, fluids and steering system. Any issues that do not meet state standards will require repairs before your car passes.
Regular inspections help keep your car safe and, in many cases, legal to drive. If you’re heading in for a required inspection, you can have peace of mind knowing what to expect.
