PA State Inspection

Pennsylvania requires annual inspections that are designed to verify the safety equipment, as well as the emissions control systems on both commercial and light-duty vehicles. 

Residents of the state of Pennsylvania who own vehicles made in and after the year 1975 that are registered in the following counties must participate in Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Emissions Inspection & Maintenance program: 

• Allegheny

• Beaver

• Berks

• Blair

• Bucks

• Cambria

• Centre

• Chester

• Cumberland

• Dauphin

• Delaware

• Erie

• Lackawanna

• Lancaster

• Lebanon

• Lehigh

• Luzerne

• Lycoming

• Mercer

• Montgomery

• Northampton

• Philadelphia

• Washington

• Westmoreland

• York

Pennsylvania is unique because emissions inspections and safety inspections are not necessarily due on the same date each year. And unlike other states, Pennsylvania does not require these tests to be completed to register the vehicle. 

Completing the required inspections for the Pennsylvania Vehicle Emissions and Maintenance Program ensures that your vehicle is in safe condition for traveling on Pennsylvania roads. In addition, it ensures that your vehicle's emissions system is not pushing harmful pollutants into the clear Pennsylvania air. 

What Is Checked During a Pennsylvania State Inspection?

Pennsylvania state inspections check the operation of vehicle safety systems, as well as emission control systems. 

The state safety inspection verifies the operation of the following components: 

• Suspension components

• Steering

• Braking systems

• Tires and wheels

• Lighting and electrical systems

• Glazing (glass)

• Mirrors

• Windshield washer

• Defroster

• Wipers

• Fuel systems

• Speedometer

• Odometer

• Exhaust systems

• Horns and warning devices 

• Body and chassis

An on-board diagnostic system  diagnostic test is also performed, which is designed to verify the operation of emissions control systems in vehicles manufactured in or after the year 1996. Note, if your vehicle is showing a check engine light, it will not pass inspection in Pennsylvania. 

In addition, Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Emissions Inspection & Maintenance Program dictates that the following components must be visually inspected for tampering to pass the emissions test:

• Catalytic converter (CAT)

• Exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR)

• Positive crankcase ventilation system (PCV)

• Air injection system (AIS)

• Evaporative emissions control (EVAP)

• Fuel inlet restrictor (FIR)

• Thermostatic air cleaner (TAC)

If a vehicle happens to fail the emissions inspection or test, the owner must commit to repairing the vehicle within 30 days of the original test. Anyone who spends over $150 on emissions-related repairs that again fail a reinspection could be eligible for a one-year waiver. 

These waivers are only issued by authorized Pennsylvania emissions inspection stations.

Where Can I Get My Car Inspected in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania residents may get their vehicle inspected at an official PennDOT inspection station or at your local Mavis, a state-licensed automotive repair facility.

Schedule Your Next Car Inspection in Pennsylvania

At Mavis, we know that getting your annual inspections can be a real hassle. That’s why we have convenient locations throughout the great state of Pennsylvania. 

Call 877- 684-7365 today to schedule an appointment . From full inspection services to discounts and deals on tires, oil changes, tire repair, and much more, Mavis is your shop for all things automotive in the Keystone State.