Ohio emissions testing rules

A law effective June 30, 2025 extended the new-vehicle exemption from 4 to 6 years, and to 7 years for non-plug-in hybrids.

“New Ohio legislation effective June 30, 2025: New vehicle exemptions have been extended from 4 to 6 years and 7 for non-plug-in hybrid vehicles.”

Seven counties take part: Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage and Summit.

“The seven Ohio counties currently participating in the program include: Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit counties.”

Gasoline and diesel vehicles 6 to 25 years old, and non-plug-in hybrids 7 to 25 years old, at 10,000 pounds GVWR or less are tested every two years; odd model years test in odd years and even in even years.

“Every two years, all gasoline and diesel vehicles 6 - 25 years old and non-plug-in hybrids 7 – 25 years old and are 10,000 lbs. or less GVWR are subject to emissions testing. The testing cycle is every two years where odd model year vehicles are tested in odd years and even model vehicles are tested in even years.”

A passing test is free for established Ohio residents, once per 365 days, with up to three free failing tests; the fourth and later tests cost $18 each.

“For established Ohio residents, there is no cost for a passing test (one free test per 365 days). And in accordance with House Bill (H.B.) 119, a motorist may receive up to three free failing tests within a 365-day period. With the fourth test, and all thereafter, the motorist will be charged a fee of $18”

Permanently exempt: vehicles more than 25 years old, commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVWR, historical and collector's vehicles, parade and exhibition vehicles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles and motor homes. Alternative-fuel vehicles and non-commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVWR can be exempted after a one-time visual inspection by Ohio EPA.

“Vehicles more than 25 years old, as determined by vehicle model year”

• “Commercial vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds GVWR”
• “Historical and collector's vehicles (contact Ohio BMV for details)”
• “Parade and exhibition vehicles (contact Ohio BMV for details)”
• “Motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and motor homes (contact Ohio BMV for details)”
• “Certain vehicles that are eligible for a permanent exemption must make arrangements for the vehicle to have a one-time visual inspection performed by Ohio EPA Mobile Sources field staff.”
• “Vehicles operating on alternative fuel, such as propane, butane, alcohol, or natural gas”
• “Non-commercial vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds GVWR”

A subject vehicle cannot be registered until it has a passing test, a repair waiver or an exemption or extension certificate; certificates are valid for 365 days.

“Vehicles that are subject to the E-Check test cannot receive their registration until they receive a passing test certificate, repair waiver certificate, or qualify for an applicable exemption or extension certificate.”

• “Test certificates are effective for 365 days.”