Is An Emissions Test Required In Georgia?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Vehicle emissions testing is

required annually

in the 13 metro Atlanta counties in Georgia (Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding and Rockdale County) in order for motorists to complete their vehicle registration.

How long is GA emissions test good for?

An emission inspection is valid for

12 months or for one registration renewal by the same

owner. Providing Proof of Emission Inspection: The emission inspection station that completes testing is required to electronically submit the test results to the Georgia Department of Revenue motor vehicle database.

Do you have to get an emissions test every year in Georgia?


Your vehicle must be tested every year prior to its registration date (the vehicle owner’s birthday)

. For registration in 2021, the three most recent model years are exempt from emissions testing, which includes 2019 or newer model year vehicles. Vehicles 25 model years old or older are exempt.

Do you need an emissions test every year?

Vehicles driven in California are required to have an emissions test

every two years

. Drivers who fail to have their car, truck, or SUV smog-checked will not be allowed to register their vehicle.

How do I get an emissions waiver in Georgia?

Applications may be submitted via this website or by

email at

[email protected]


. For waiver information, please utilize this website or call 800.449. 2471 (press option 1, then option 4) for assistance.

How do you pass an emissions test trick?

  1. Test a very warm car on a cool day. …
  2. Use a specialized fuel additive. …
  3. Inflate tires to the proper (high) level. …
  4. Perform an oil change. …
  5. Turn off your “Check Engine” light (if needed). …
  6. Find a shop that offers a free retest.

Can you pass emissions with check engine light on Georgia?

If you have a “Check Engine” light on,

your car will not pass an emissions test

.

What counties in Georgia don’t require emissions?

  • Cherokee County.
  • Clayton County.
  • Cobb County.
  • Coweta County.
  • DeKalb County.
  • Douglas County.
  • Fayette County.
  • Forsyth County.

What do you do after emissions testing?

To make sure the check engine light does not reappear, it’s recommended that you drive your car

30 to 100 miles

. This enables the vehicle’s “Drive Cycle” to reset, as the various sensors need time to recalibrate.

What vehicles are exempt from emissions in GA?

Vehicles

25 model years old or older

are exempt from the emissions inspection. For vehicle registrations in 2021, this includes model years 1996 and older. Motorcycles, recreational vehicles (RVs) and motor homes. Diesel vehicles.

How old does a car have to be to be exempt from emissions in Georgia?

Your vehicle must be tested every year prior to its registration date (the vehicle owner’s birthday). For registration in 2021, the three most recent model years are exempt from emissions testing, which includes 2019 or newer model year vehicles. Vehicles

25 model years old or older

are exempt.

What happens if you fail emissions test in GA?

A failure of your emissions test means

you won’t legally be able to drive your car in 13 metro Atlanta counties in Georgia

, so passing is non-negotiable for registered vehicles in the Atlanta area.

Can you sell a car without emissions in Georgia?

Georgia law requires that “

No person shall sell any responsible motor vehicle

, as defined by the Act, intended for highway use without a currently valid passing Certificate of Emission Inspection, as required under this Chapter, if the purchaser is required to register the vehicle in any covered county.” The 13 covered …

How do I get my truck to pass emissions?

  1. Check the “Check Engine” light. …
  2. Make sure the battery hasn’t been recently disconnected. …
  3. Get an oil change. …
  4. Get a tune-up—but not right before the test. …
  5. Fill up the coolant and gas tanks. …
  6. Drive fast two weeks before the test. …
  7. Get a pre-inspection.

How long does it take for the EVAP system to be ready?

Start the engine and idle for

four minutes

, then drive in stop-and-go traffic for five minutes using smooth accelerations and decelerations. Stop and idle for 4 minutes. The EVAP monitor should be complete.

What can I put in my gas tank to pass emissions?

So if you’re looking for help passing an emissions test, or you just want a better running car or truck, try this: Add

two cans of Sea Foam Motor Treatment or Sea Foam High Mileage

(for cars and trucks with over 75,000 miles) to a low tank of fuel and drive normally for about 20 miles.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.