Category: Georgia

Last updated on April 26th, 2018

The state of Georgia requires its residents to have their vehicles emissions tested.  There are many commonly asked questions concerning the Georgia emissions program.  In this section we will review some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers.

If I buy a new vehicle do I need to have my emissions tested?

If you are buying a new vehicle which was manufactured within the past three years you do not currently need to have its emissions tested.

Does everyone in Georgia need to have their emissions tested on their vehicle?

If you are a resident in one of the following counties you are required to participate in the Georgia emissions program: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding or Rockdale County.

What if I am buying a used car?

If you are purchasing a used car and you live within one of the counties that is required to participate in the emissions program, the seller is required to have vehicle pass an emissions test at the time of the sale.  The seller is not required to give you a copy of the Vehicle Emissions Inspection report.  The report is on record in electronic format at the tag office.

What I purchased a vehicle from out of state?

If you purchased a vehicle from out of state you must have the emissions tested within thirty days before you will be allowed to register your vehicle in the state of Georgia.  This applies to residents who live in one of the aforementioned counties.

Are there any exemptions?

If you are a senior citizen who is sixty five years old or older and you meet certain requirements concerning how many miles you drive annually and the vehicle you may qualify for an exemption.

If your vehicle is twenty five years old or older it is exempt from emissions testing.

What if I have moved to one of the counties that require emissions testing?

If you moved to one of the counties that requires emissions testing you must have it done within thirty days and you must get your vehicle registered within thirty days also.

 How much does it cost to have an emissions inspection for my vehicle?

The cost for an emissions inspection is between $10 to $25.  When you pull into a station there will be an emissions inspection sign which will have the fee posted on it.

Can I do anything to prepare my vehicle for the emissions inspection?

If your ‘check engine’ light is on it is recommended you have a service center/mechanic take a look at it to determine and fix the cause.

Last updated on April 26th, 2018

The Georgia emissions inspection testing program hours and schedule is dependent upon which testing location you are planning on attending.  You can see a list of the different locations HERE and call the location you are going to bring your vehicle to for emissions testing to see what their hours are.  Most emissions testing locations are closed on holidays.

There are some tips for you in order to avoid having a long waiting for your emissions inspection.  You should try to come at an offpeak time.  Peak times are before and after work and during the lunch hour.  Other times would have significantly less wait time.  You should also try to avoid coming the first few or the last few days of the month.  These days tend to have higher traffic and emission inspection wait times can increase.  The middle of the week has less traffic.

You can call the emissions testing inspection station you plan on attending and ask them to recommend the best time to come in.  Some stations may also allow you to schedule an appointment so you can ask them if that option is available.   You can find a large list of emissions inspection areas in Georgia on this page.

Last updated on April 26th, 2018

In Georgia there are full time emissions testing centers.  These centers will test your emissions and provide you with a passing grade or if your vehicle fails provide you with paperwork telling you why your vehicle failed the inspection.  The following are the full time emissions centers:

There are also part time testing centers located in the metro Atlanta area.  To find out where these centers are please call 1-800-449-2471.

Last updated on April 26th, 2018

In Georgia, residents are required to have their vehicles pass an emissions test before they can be registered. There are a few tips you can use to help prepare your vehicle before the test day arrives.

One of the most common reasons why vehicles don’t pass the emissions test is because of vehicle malfunctions. Such things as a malfunction in the components in your vehicle that regulate air/fuel ratio, dirty air filters, misfiring spark plugs, leaks in the vehicles vacuum system, or an ill-fitting fuel cap.

• Have your oil changed on a regular basis
• When replacing your fuel cap, do so tightly
• Make sure the sealing parts of your fuel cap are clean and in good repair
• Keep your vehicles tires inflated properly
• Transmission problems are directly related to the emissions control system, have your vehicle inspected anytime the check engine light comes on
• Make sure to search for recalls, technical service bulletins, and manufacturer warranties regarding your emissions control system

Note: Federal law requires emissions control systems on 1995 and newer model year vehicles to be warranted by the manufacturer for two years or 24,000 miles. Federal law also requires the OBD computer and catalytic converter on 1995 and newer vehicles to be warranted by the manufacturer for eight years or 80,000 miles. Many vehicle manufacturers provide extended warranty coverage beyond what is required by federal law. Consult your vehicle owner’s warranty manual for coverage information.

Source: cleanairforce.com

Last updated on April 26th, 2018

If your vehicle fails the Georgia emissions testing inspection you will be required to get your vehicle repaired and retested.  The state of Georgia takes into consideration how old your vehicle is as well as the emissions components that were available when your vehicle was manufactured when they set their emissions testing standards.

You will have a period of thirty days from the date you failed the inspection to get your vehicle repaired and retested if you want the retest to be free.  If you take longer than thirty days to get your vehicle retested you will be required to pay the emissions testing fee again.

You may be eligible for a vehicle repair waiver if you meet the following requirements:

REPAIR WAIVER REQUIREMENTS
• The vehicle does not pass the initial inspection. The initial inspection cannot be
more than one year old (12 months) or associated with a previous Repair Waiver or
registration renewal.
• Emission-related repairs must meet or exceed the Repair Waiver limit amount of
$819.
• The retested vehicle must show improvement in all the areas it failed on the first
test as well as pass the areas it passed on the first.
• Emission-related repairs can be performed up to 60 days prior to the initial
inspection.
• Repair receipts from each emission-related repair attempt can be considered toward
a Repair Waiver as long as each receipt is dated 60 days before or after the
corresponding failed emission test.
• Repair receipts must be from a repair facility possessing a valid business license.
– All emission-related repairs, including a diagnostic analysis, parts, and labor
can be used toward the Repair Waiver limit amount.
– Labor costs from a company not possessing a business license will not count
toward the Repair Waiver limit amount.
– If required, the repair facility’s business license must be obtainable.
– If repairs are performed by the owner, only the cost of parts will be
considered toward the Repair Waiver limit amount.
• Repairs and parts must be itemized and identifiable for consideration.
• Receipts must identify the vehicle (VIN, year, make and model OR tag number,
make and model).

If you have questions concerning the waiver process you can reach customer service at 1-800.449.2471