Yes, but only in specific counties. Tennessee requires annual emissions inspections for gasoline-powered vehicles in six counties: Hamilton, Davidson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson. Vehicles registered in these areas must pass an emissions test to renew their registration. However, the state eliminated its statewide safety inspection program in 2015. This means the vast majority of Tennessee counties have no mandatory vehicle inspections at all.
The requirement applies to most gasoline-powered cars, trucks, and SUVs that are model year 1975 and newer and are registered in the affected counties. Diesel-powered vehicles, motorcycles, electric vehicles, and vehicles older than the 1975 model year are typically exempt from the emissions testing requirement.
The inspection process involves connecting to the vehicle's onboard computer to check for emissions-related fault codes and, for older models, potentially a tailpipe test. If your vehicle fails, you'll need to make the necessary repairs and have it retested. The cost is usually around $9 to $10. It's crucial to check with your local County Clerk's office for the most current information, as requirements can change.
| Inspection Aspect | Details for Tennessee (2024) |
|---|
| Statewide Safety Inspection | No, abolished in 2015. |
| Emissions Inspection | Yes, required in 6 specific counties. |
| Annual Fee | Approximately $9 - $10. |
| Test Type | OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) scan for most modern vehicles. |
| Primary Goal | To ensure compliance with federal air quality standards. |
| Counties Requiring It | Davidson, Hamilton, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, Wilson. |
| Vehicle Age Exemption | Model year 1975 and older are exempt. |
| Diesel Vehicle Requirement | Generally exempt from emissions testing. |
| Electric Vehicle Requirement | Exempt from emissions testing. |
| Motorcycle Requirement | Exempt from emissions testing. |
| Consequence of Failure | Cannot renew vehicle registration until it passes. |
