Does Rhode Island Have Emissions Testing?

Rhode Island maintains an active statewide vehicle emissions testing program administered jointly by the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM). The program operates under the legal authority of Rhode Island General Laws Title 31, Chapter 47.1, and regulatory provisions contained in 280-RICR-30-15.

The Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Inspection/Maintenance Program combines emissions testing with safety inspections in a single biennial (every two years) inspection process.

Administering Agencies:

Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone: (401) 462-4368
Official Website: RI DMV

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
Phone: (401) 222-2771
Official Website: RI DEM

Which Counties in Rhode Island Require Emissions Testing?

Rhode Island's emissions testing program applies statewide. All motor vehicles registered anywhere in Rhode Island with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 8,500 pounds or less are subject to emissions testing requirements.

Vehicle Requirements in Rhode Island

Gasoline-Powered Vehicles:

Rhode Island requires emissions testing for gasoline-powered vehicles based on model year and weight class. Model year 1996 and newer gasoline vehicles undergo OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) inspection in addition to gas cap inspection. Vehicles from model years 1995 and older are tested using an emissions analyzer that measures tailpipe emissions of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.

All gasoline vehicles must have a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less to be subject to testing. Vehicles exceeding this weight threshold are exempt from emissions testing requirements.

Diesel-Powered Vehicles:

Diesel vehicles from model year 1997 and newer are required to pass an OBD II test, while diesel vehicles from model year 1996 and older must pass a visual emission component inspection and may be subject to an opacity test. Like gasoline vehicles, diesel vehicles must have a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less to be subject to emissions testing.

Hybrid Vehicles:

Hybrid vehicles equipped with gasoline engines are subject to the same emissions testing requirements as conventional gasoline vehicles. The gasoline engine component must undergo OBD testing (for 1996 and newer models) and gas cap inspection.

Vehicle Exemptions

The following vehicle categories are exempt from emissions testing requirements in Rhode Island:

New Vehicles: New vehicles purchased from a dealer are exempt from emissions testing for 2 years from the date of initial purchase or until the vehicle accumulates 24,000 miles, whichever occurs first. This exemption applies only to brand-new vehicles, not used vehicles being registered for the first time.

Motorcycles: All motorcycles are exempt from emissions testing requirements but may be subject to safety inspections.

Vehicles 25 Years or Older: Motor vehicles 25 model years or older must still undergo emissions inspection, but these vehicles will not fail inspection based solely on emissions test results. They must still pass all safety inspection requirements.

Tactical Military Vehicles: Vehicles designated as tactical military vehicles are exempt from both emissions and safety inspections.

Non-Road Vehicles: Vehicles not designed for highway use are exempt from inspection requirements.

Heavy Vehicles: Vehicles with a GVWR exceeding 8,500 pounds are exempt from the light-duty vehicle emissions testing program, though heavy-duty diesel vehicles may be subject to separate inspection requirements under different regulations.

Special Cases

Antique Motor Cars: Vehicles classified as antique motor cars (more than 25 years old) may be maintained solely for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public interest. Unless fully inspected and meeting all inspection requirements, these vehicles may not be used for regular transportation.

Fleet Vehicles: Authorized Fleet Inspection Stations (AFIS) consisting of 10 or more vehicles may be certified by the DMV to conduct emissions and safety inspections on their own fleet vehicles.

Costs and Fees for Emission Test in Rhode Island

Rhode Island uses a standardized fee structure for emissions and safety inspections statewide:

The inspection fee of $55.00 covers both safety and emissions testing components. Of this fee, $19.00 is retained by the inspection station to cover the costs of performing the inspection, while the remaining $36.00 is remitted to the state.

Re-inspection Policy

Vehicles that fail the initial inspection are entitled to one free re-inspection if they return to the same inspection station within 30 days of the original test. This re-inspection must be performed at the station that conducted the initial failing inspection. If repairs are completed at a different facility or if more than 30 days have elapsed, the full $55.00 inspection fee applies for re-testing.

Additional Costs

The inspection fee does not include the cost of any repairs needed to pass inspection. Repair costs for emission-related problems vary depending on the nature of the failure and are not regulated by the state. Vehicle owners should obtain repair estimates before authorizing work.

Emissions Waiver Program

Rhode Island provides a repair cost limit waiver for vehicles that fail emissions testing. If a vehicle owner spends at least $700 on emissions-related repairs and the vehicle still fails its emissions test, the owner may apply for a cost limit waiver. The $700 minimum includes parts and includes repair labor only if the technician who performed the work is a Certified Inspection Repair Technician (CIRT). Vehicle owners can apply for a waiver by calling the DMV at (401) 462-5890.

Where to Get Emissions Testing in Rhode Island

Rhode Island requires all emissions testing to be performed at DMV-authorized inspection stations. The state maintains a comprehensive network of private inspection facilities throughout Rhode Island.

Finding an Inspection Station:

Vehicle owners can locate authorized inspection stations through the official Rhode Island Vehicle Inspection Station Directory, which allows searches by city or zip code. The DMV also provides a list of safety and emissions inspection stations by location.

Station Authorization:

All inspection stations must be authorized by the Rhode Island DMV and employ Certified Inspection Technicians (CITs) who have completed state-approved training. Stations performing emissions inspections use equipment certified and approved by the DMV.

Finding Repair Facilities:

If a vehicle fails emissions testing, repairs must be made before the vehicle can pass inspection. While any qualified repair facility can perform emissions-related repairs, repairs performed by Certified Inspection Repair Technicians (CIRTs) are eligible for inclusion in the $700 cost limit waiver calculation if the vehicle continues to fail after repairs.

Emissions Testing and Vehicle Registration in Rhode Island

New Vehicle Purchases:

Brand-new vehicles purchased from a dealer are exempt from emissions testing for the first 2 years from the date of initial purchase or until the vehicle accumulates 24,000 miles, whichever occurs first. This exemption applies only during the initial ownership period.

Used Vehicle Purchases:

When purchasing a used vehicle that will be registered in Rhode Island, emissions testing requirements depend on whether the vehicle already has a valid Rhode Island inspection sticker. Used vehicles applying for registration must have a valid Rhode Island inspection certificate or pass a Rhode Island safety and emissions inspection within 5 days of registration.

Title Transfers:

When transferring a title, the new owner must ensure the vehicle either has a current, valid Rhode Island inspection sticker or complete an inspection within 5 days of registration. The inspection requirement applies regardless of when the vehicle was last tested in Rhode Island.

Renewal Registration Requirements

Rhode Island's vehicle registration renewal is handled separately from the inspection process. However, maintaining a current emissions inspection is required for registration renewal. The state maintains electronic records of all inspection results.

Out-of-State Vehicle Provisions

New Rhode Island Residents:

Individuals moving to Rhode Island from another state must register their vehicles and complete emissions testing according to specific timelines. New residents must register their vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency in Rhode Island. All vehicles purchased from an out-of-state dealer or brought into Rhode Island from another state must pass a Rhode Island inspection within 5 business days of registration.

Out-of-state inspection stickers from other states are not honored for vehicles registered in Rhode Island. Even if a vehicle has a current inspection from another state, it must still pass a Rhode Island safety and emissions inspection within the 5-day timeframe.

Temporary Out-of-State Exemptions:

Rhode Island residents whose vehicles are temporarily located out of state may apply for an inspection exemption. The DMV provides a form to verify that a vehicle or equipment is out of state and will miss its required vehicle inspection. Vehicle owners must contact the DMV to request this exemption and provide documentation that the vehicle is not being operated in Rhode Island.