DMV & Emissions Testing Locations In Minnesota

Minnesota

Minnesota Smog Check / Emissions Test

The State of Minnesota does not have any vehicle emissions test requirements at this time. Minnesota’s emissions testing program ended in 1999 after the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul failed the federal government’s air quality standards and the state requested the state’s air quality status to be reclassified.

Since then, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) keeps track of the number of drivers, the number of miles, and the volume of emissions produced every year in the state. The data from these efforts show these numbers are increasing. The MPCA maintains that air pollution is an ongoing health concern and can affect both the air and quality of life for Minnesota residents.

If you know you need an Emissions test done click here to select your county and find the nearest location.

Incentives for Eco – Friendly Driving in Minnesota

Even though there are no vehicle emissions testing requirements in Minnesota, there are many reasons that Minnesota vehicle owners may want to consider maintaining their vehicle’s emissions control systems besides just protecting the environment. The Dakota Electric Association offers a program called ChargeWise. This program gives electric customers who have a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle reduced electricity rates.

Also, Minnesota’s Idle Reduction Technology Incentives and Small Business Environmental Improvement Loan program help residents save money while working to maintain greener driving habits. For more information, contact a local DMV office through one of our links below to learn more about these incentives.

Tax Deductions for Eco-Friendly Drivers in Minnesota

The State of Minnesota does not offer any tax credits or tax deductions for driving “eco-friendly” or “green” vehicles. However, with the recent tax overhaul bill that passed at the end of 2017 in the U.S Congress, the U.S. Federal Government decided to keep its $7500 Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) tax deduction. Vehicle owners can receive federal  tax credits for the following types of AFV vehicles:

  • Hybrids
  • Electric vehicles (EV)
  • Plug-in hybrids (PHEV)
  • Alternative fuel vehicles (AFV)
  • Diesel

Also, some insurance companies provide rate discounts for vehicle owners who drive “green” or “eco-friendly” vehicles and who practice environmentally-friendly driving habits. An insurance carrier may provide as much as a 10% discount. These discounts include:

  • Hybrid vehicle discounts
  • Alternative fuel discounts
  • Economy vehicle discounts
  • Low-mileage discounts
  • Pay as you drive discounts

Contact your insurance provider for further details.

How to Reduce Driving Emissions & Pollution

Pollution kills upwards of 200,000 people every year in the U.S. Vehicle emissions test programs help but are not always enough. The State of Minnesota provides the public with air pollution and ozone warnings. When Minnesota alerts residents of air quality incidents, there are several actions residents can take to protect themselves, their families, and environment:

  • Stay indoors when possible
  • Start a rideshare or carpool for work
  • Work remotely or from home
  • Adjust your thermostat up in the summer; down in the winter
  • Use public transportation
  • Ride a bike or walk more often
  • Refuel your vehicle during cooler times of the day
  • Don’t use lawn mowers and other gas-powered equipment
  • Avoid the use of aerosol products, oil-based paints, and solvents.
  • Do more with fewer trips; combine errands and schedule travel around multiple commitments

Find Smog Check Stations Near Me

Even though Minnesota drivers are not required to pass any smog check requirements, Minnesota-registered drivers can get a voluntary vehicle emissions test done. Check out our DMV & Emissions Testing Locations in Minnesota pages below to find a DMV office or testing location in your area.

Auto Insurance

Getting car insurance is one of the requirements that vehicle owners need to fulfill in order to register and claim the title for their vehicles in the Department of Motor Vehicles. Vehicle insurance companies in the United States offer full auto insurance and liability coverage that protects the drivers in case of a traffic accident.

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