Everyday, many new drivers moving into Georgia ask, “Do you get your car inspected in Georgia?” Because vehicle inspection laws in Georgia differ from vehicle inspection laws in many states throughout the United States, many drivers are confused about what vehicle inspection laws are in Georgia.
Most states require regular vehicle safety inspections; however, only certain vehicles located within specific counties (metro Atlanta area) must get an emission inspection in Georgia. This article will outline the details of Georgia’s Vehicle Emission Inspection program including what Georgia requires with respect to emissions inspections, how emissions inspections operate, a list of the counties that are required to have emissions inspections and some qualifications for exemption from emissions inspections.
You might also be interested in learning about can you get a car inspected with a cracked windshield. We have made an informative article on this topic as well.
Do You Get Your Car Inspected in Georgia? Updated 2025 Guidelines
If you’re wondering “do you get your car inspected in Georgia?”,you will, though only for emissions testing as opposed to complete safety inspections since Georgia does NOT require annual safety inspections although emission tests must take place for specific vehicle makes/models at designated locations within 13 metro Atlanta Counties.
You live in one of the designated emissions counties
An inquiry regarding if a vehicle driven in Georgia must be inspected reveals that it does. Georgia requires all motor vehicles driven on the road to be inspected. However, there is no requirement for safety inspections for vehicles that have been registered in Georgia. Most states have annual safety inspection requirements however, due to Georgia’s Clean Air Force (GCAF) Program, vehicles that are registered in 13 specific counties located within the metropolitan area of Atlanta are required to undergo emission testing.
The GCAF Program aims to decrease air pollution by requiring emission testing to keep air quality at the proper level.
Emissions Testing will typically be required if:
- Your vehicle is powered by gasoline
- Your vehicle’s model year falls between 1996 and 2021
- You reside in one of the designated emissions counties.
Georgia’s Inspection Requirements Overview
While full safety inspections are not required, Georgia enforces emissions testing to keep air quality under control. Vehicles must pass the test before renewing their registration.
What is not required
- No Annual Safety Inspections
- No Brake or Headlight Inspection
- No General Mechanical Inspection
What is required
- Emissions Testing (Only in Specific Counties)
Do You Have to Get Your Car Inspected in Georgia? Laws & Requirements
Many residents ask, “do you have to get your car inspected in Georgia?”Yes, if your vehicle meets the requirements for emissions testing.
Emissions testing requires meeting the following criteria:
- You have to reside in one of the counties that have emissions testing requirements
- your vehicle has to be powered by gas
- The model year of your vehicle has to fall between 1996 and 2021.
You may not want your vehicle to undergo emissions testing if:
- If you drive a diesel vehicle.
- Your vehicle is 25 years or older.
- Your vehicle is brand new (1st, 2nd, and 3rd model years are exempt).
Car Inspection in Georgia — County List
The secondary keyword car inspection in Georgia relates mainly to emissions counties. Georgia currently requires emissions inspections in the following 13 counties:
| County | Inspection Required |
| Cherokee | Yes |
| Clayton | Yes |
| Cobb | Yes |
| Coweta | Yes |
| Dekalb | Yes |
| Douglas | Yes |
| Fayette | Yes |
| Forsyth | Yes |
| Fulton | Yes |
| Gwinnett | Yes |
| Henry | Yes |
| Paulding | Yes |
| Rockdale | Yes |
If you do not live in these counties, you do not need emissions testing.
Types of Cars That Need Inspection in Georgia
Georgia’s rules apply differently to vehicle types:
Must Get Inspection
- Gasoline vehicles manufactured between 1996 and 2021
- Light-duty trucks (under 8500 pounds)
Not Required
- Diesel vehicles
- Electric vehicles (EV’s)
- Plug-in hybrid vehicles
- All vehicles over 25 years old
- All vehicles less than 3 years old
Cost of Car Inspection in Georgia
Emissions trying out expenses range from $10-$25, depending on the station wherein the testing takes location.
If your car fails the emissions take a look at, you may be required to restore the failure and retest. Retesting can be performed free of fee at some trying out stations inside 30 days of the preliminary test.
When Do You Need Your Georgia Car Inspection?
You need to complete the emissions check once a year before renewing your registration.
Best time to test:
- 4–6 weeks before registration renewal
This avoids delays or late fees.
What Happens If You Don’t Get Your Car Inspected in Georgia?
If you skip the required emissions test:
- You cannot renew your vehicle registration
- Your vehicle may be flagged in the State of Georgia’s records as being driven without a valid registration sticker
- Driving a vehicle that does not possess a valid registration sticker may subject you to fines and other penalties.
Why Georgia Only Requires Emissions Tests
Georgia focuses on emissions inspections because:
- Metro Atlanta has high air pollution levels
- The EPA requires compliance with air quality standards
- The test reduces harmful pollutants from older vehicles
Final Thoughts
Understanding “do you get your car inspected in Georgia” doesn’t have to feel complicated. Georgia’s car inspection process is very straightforward when simplified into a digestible format. While the majority of states mandate a complete safety inspection as a part of obtaining registration for a vehicle, Georgia only mandates emissions testing in select counties to help keep our air healthy and clean.
If you reside within one of Georgia’s 13 metropolitan Atlanta counties, taking your vehicle for an emissions test will be a necessary step in ensuring your vehicle is operating properly before renewing the registration; however, if you reside outside of these counties you will not have to have your vehicle inspected.
Knowing the rules not only helps you avoid unpleasant surprises but also keeps you up-to-date with your compliance and can save you time throughout the year regardless of whether you’ve been driving in Georgia for many years or are new to the state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
1. Do you get your car inspected in Georgia?
Yes, however most effective an emissions inspection, not a safety inspection. It applies to fuel cars in specific counties.
2. When will my vehicle need to go through inspection in Georgia?
All qualified vehicles must be scanned for any harmful air pollution every 12 months.
3. I want to know what areas of Georgia require emissions testing for cars.
There are 13 counties in the Metro Area of Atlanta: Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett and DeKalb Counties.
4.How Much will Emission Inspection Cost in Georgia?
Generally speaking the cost of conducting an emissions test for Georgia will be between $10.00-.$25.00 on average.
5. Are there Any Exceptions to the Emission Inspection Requirement?
Yes, all electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles are NOT subject to getting an emissions inspection.
