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Required in some areasSources checked Oct 6, 2026

Pennsylvania emissions testing rules

Pennsylvania requires an annual emissions inspection, done with the safety inspection at private garages, for gasoline vehicles of 9,000 pounds GVWR or less registered in the counties of its Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, South Central and Northern regions. Vehicles driven less than 5,000 miles in the previous 12 months and current model year vehicles are exempt.

Where testing is required

Philadelphia Region: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia. Pittsburgh Region: Allegheny, Beaver, Washington and Westmoreland. South Central: Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Northampton and York. Northern: Blair, Cambria, Centre, Erie, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming and Mercer.

“Currently, in accordance with § 177.51(d), Chester, Delaware, Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties constitute the Philadelphia Region; Allegheny, Beaver, Washington and Westmoreland Counties constitute the Pittsburgh Region.”

  • “Berks, Dauphin, Cumberland, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Northampton and York Counties shall constitute the South Central Region; Blair, Cambria, Centre, Erie, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming and Mercer Counties shall constitute the Northern Region.”

Which vehicles are tested

Gasoline vehicles of model year 1975 and newer with a GVWR of 9,000 pounds or less, registered in an emissions county or region, must be inspected.

“Subject gasoline-powered motor vehicles with a model year of 1975 and newer with a GVWR of 9,000 pounds or less and registered in an I/M county or region are subject to an emission inspection.”

How often

The emissions inspection is due once a year, at or before the annual safety inspection.

“If required for your vehicle, the emissions inspection is due once a year at the same time or before your annual safety”

Exemptions

Exemptions include vehicles driven less than 5,000 miles in the previous 12 months (owned by one person for at least a year), current model year vehicles never registered before with under 5,000 miles, motorcycles and classic, antique or collectible vehicles.

“Vehicles driven less than 5,000 miles in the previous 12 months as indicated by the mileage noted on their safety inspection certificate or by the mileage recorded on the vehicle inspection data base and which were owned by one individual for at least 1 year.”

  • “Current model year vehicles which are subject vehicles never before registered in this Commonwealth or any other jurisdiction and which have less than 5,000 miles on their odometers.”
  • “Motorcycles.”
  • “Classic, antique or collectible motor vehicles.”

Where to get tested

Private garages do both the tests and repairs, at the same time as the safety inspection.

“Private garages do both tests and repairs annually, just like the safety inspection.”

Pennsylvania emissions testing questions

Does Pennsylvania require emissions testing?

Yes. Required in some areas. Philadelphia Region: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia. Pittsburgh Region: Allegheny, Beaver, Washington and Westmoreland. South Central: Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Northampton and York. Northern: Blair, Cambria, Centre, Erie, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming and Mercer.

Which vehicles need an emissions test in Pennsylvania?

Gasoline vehicles of model year 1975 and newer with a GVWR of 9,000 pounds or less, registered in an emissions county or region, must be inspected.

How often is the emissions test in Pennsylvania?

The emissions inspection is due once a year, at or before the annual safety inspection.

Which vehicles are exempt in Pennsylvania?

Exemptions include vehicles driven less than 5,000 miles in the previous 12 months (owned by one person for at least a year), current model year vehicles never registered before with under 5,000 miles, motorcycles and classic, antique or collectible vehicles.

Sources

Every quotation above is checked word for word against our saved copy of the page, on the date shown. Rules change; if a page has moved or says something different, tell us at the corrections page.