Tennessee Car Inspection

In Tennessee, drivers in six counties must pass a vehicle emissions test before renewing their registration each year. Certain vehicles are exempt.
Written by Georgina Grant
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
background
In
Tennessee
, certain counties require you to get an emissions inspection when you renew your
vehicle registration
, as long as your vehicle is not exempt. Mandatory emissions inspections will end in early 2022 for all counties except Davidson County. 

What are the vehicle inspection requirements in Tennessee?

Certain Tennessee drivers must get an emissions inspection before every registration renewal. These inspections are required in the following counties:
  • Hamilton 
  • Rutherford 
  • Sumner 
  • Williamson 
  • Wilson
  • Davidson
However, starting on January 14, 2022, vehicle emissions inspections will only be required for drivers in Davidson County. 
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Exceptions to the state requirements

Certain vehicles are exempt from Tennessee’s requirements. Emissions inspections are not required for the following vehicles:
  • Motorcycles
  • New vehicles being registered for the first time
  • Vehicles manufactured before 1975
  • Vehicles registered as antiques
  • Vehicles that weigh over 10,500 pounds

Where to get a car inspection in Tennessee

If you live in Hamilton, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, or Wilson County, you can find the nearest test station on the
Envirotest website
.
Drivers in Davidson County or the Nashville metropolitan area can find testing sites on the
Nashville Vehicle Inspection Program website
.

How often do you need a car inspection in Tennessee?

You will need to get a vehicle emissions inspection once a year if you qualify. The inspection must be completed no more than 90 days before your registration renewal date

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FAQs

As long as you are up-to-date on your annual emissions test requirement, you do not need to undergo additional testing before selling your car in Tennessee. 
Even so, you may want to take your car in for a safety inspection before you sell it. This can help you be transparent with your buyer about any mechanical issues with the car. 

In Tennessee, a mandatory emissions inspection costs $9.
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