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Vermont emissions test: the official wording
Everything in quotation marks here is from 3 sources and was matched to them on November 11, 2026. The quotes are the sources’ words; ours only label them.
On this page: where · how often · fee · new and older vehicles · diesel, electric, hybrid · check a vehicle · sources
What does the text call it?
Vermont’s Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Program helps to ensure that Vermont vehicles remain clean throughout their useful lives by requiring annual testing of vehicle emissions control systems and repairs if needed.
The page we point to: Vermont DMV, Vehicle Inspections.
Where does it apply?
The State of Vermont requires, on a statewide basis, that all motor vehicles be inspected annually.
How often is the test?
In addition to the safety equipment inspection, gasoline and diesel powered vehicles that are 16 model years old or newer, having a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less, must have an inspection of the OBD system to ensure that it’s working properly.
Shown with it, so that neither is read alone:
Except for school buses, which shall be inspected as prescribed in section 1282 of this title, and motor buses as defined in subdivision 4(17) of this title, which shall be inspected twice during the calendar year at six-month intervals, all motor vehicles registered in this State shall undergo a safety and visual emissions inspection once each year and all motor vehicles that are registered in this State and are 16 model years old or less shall undergo an emissions or on board diagnostic (OBD) systems inspection once each year as applicable.
The State of Vermont requires, on a statewide basis, that all motor vehicles be inspected annually.
What does the test cost?
If a fee is charged for inspection, it shall be based upon the hourly rate charged by each official inspection station or it may be a flat rate fee, and, in either instance, the fee shall be prominently posted and displayed beside the official inspection station certificate.
What does the text say about new and older vehicles?
In addition to the safety equipment inspection, gasoline and diesel powered vehicles that are 16 model years old or newer, having a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less, must have an inspection of the OBD system to ensure that it’s working properly.
Shown with it, so that neither is read alone:
Except for school buses, which shall be inspected as prescribed in section 1282 of this title, and motor buses as defined in subdivision 4(17) of this title, which shall be inspected twice during the calendar year at six-month intervals, all motor vehicles registered in this State shall undergo a safety and visual emissions inspection once each year and all motor vehicles that are registered in this State and are 16 model years old or less shall undergo an emissions or on board diagnostic (OBD) systems inspection once each year as applicable.
What about diesel, electric and hybrid vehicles?
Every current line we hold for Vermont that uses the word diesel, electric or hybrid. Some are about one place or one kind of test; each speaks for itself.
In addition to the safety equipment inspection, gasoline and diesel powered vehicles that are 16 model years old or newer, having a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less, must have an inspection of the OBD system to ensure that it’s working properly.
Shown with it, so that neither is read alone:
Except for school buses, which shall be inspected as prescribed in section 1282 of this title, and motor buses as defined in subdivision 4(17) of this title, which shall be inspected twice during the calendar year at six-month intervals, all motor vehicles registered in this State shall undergo a safety and visual emissions inspection once each year and all motor vehicles that are registered in this State and are 16 model years old or less shall undergo an emissions or on board diagnostic (OBD) systems inspection once each year as applicable.
What about heavier vehicles?
In addition to the safety equipment inspection, gasoline and diesel powered vehicles that are 16 model years old or newer, having a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less, must have an inspection of the OBD system to ensure that it’s working properly.
Shown with it, so that neither is read alone:
Except for school buses, which shall be inspected as prescribed in section 1282 of this title, and motor buses as defined in subdivision 4(17) of this title, which shall be inspected twice during the calendar year at six-month intervals, all motor vehicles registered in this State shall undergo a safety and visual emissions inspection once each year and all motor vehicles that are registered in this State and are 16 model years old or less shall undergo an emissions or on board diagnostic (OBD) systems inspection once each year as applicable.
What else does the text say?
The emissions check consists of a visual inspection of the catalytic converter and gas cap for all vehicles, and an electronic inspection of the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system for vehicles that are 16 model years old or newer.
Any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer not currently inspected in this State shall be inspected within 15 days following the date of its registration in the State of Vermont.
Emissions inspections have been required since 1997.
Low-income motorists who are struggling to afford emissions-related repairs may be eligible for assistance through the Automotive Emissions Repair Assistance Program
Check a vehicle against these quotes
Enter a model year, a fuel and a weight rating. The checker repeats the quotes above and, where a figure can be compared, says where your entry falls against it. It does not decide anything about your vehicle.
Where do these quotes come from?
- Vermont DEC, Vehicle Emissions Inspections and Maintenance (dec.vermont.gov; state agency page; read November 11, 2026)
- Vermont DMV, Vehicle Inspections (dmv.vermont.gov; state agency page; read November 11, 2026)
- 23 V.S.A. § 1222, Inspection of registered vehicles (legislature.vermont.gov; statute or administrative code; read November 11, 2026)
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