Will Your Car Pass the Safety Inspection and Emissions Test?

Utah vehicle owners must comply with the state’s regular safety inspection and emissions testing standards.

safety and emissions test Utah

The safety inspection and emissions test are required to ensure vehicles operate properly, without posing a threat to other vehicles or damaging the environment.

Is your vehicle prepared?

How Often Are Tests Required?

Testing frequency requirements change based on the age of your vehicle, and for emissions testing, where your car is registered.

A safety inspection is needed when your car is 4, 8 and 10 years old. Vehicles more than 10 years old must pass a safety inspection every year.

If your vehicle is less than 2 years old, it doesn’t have to pass an emissions test, regardless of the county in which you live.

If your vehicle is registered in the following counties and it’s 2 years old or older, it must pass an emissions test every other year:

  • Davis County
  • Salt Lake County
  • Utah County
  • Weber County

In Cache County, vehicles that are 6 years old and older also must pass an emissions test every other year.

To make it easy to keep track of your testing year, remember that even-numbered model cars are tested in even-numbered years, and vice versa for odd numbers.

Maintenance Tips to Guarantee a “Pass”

A vehicle that is in good working order will easily pass both a safety inspection and emissions test. Car owners should keep up with the following preventive maintenance and vehicle repairs:

  1. Regular oil and filter changes: Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for oil and filter changes. Use the right type of oil. Not only will this ensure a successful emissions test, it will keep your car running smoothly and decrease the chances of additional engine trouble.
  2. Immediate repairs for fluid leaks: Don’t ignore fluid leaks — have a mechanic look into the problem right away. Leaking fluid isn’t good for engine performance, and it will mean test failure. Also, purchase a replacement gas cap if yours is lost — it’s required to pass the test.
  3. Resolution of “check engine light” alert: A check engine light will show up in the on-board diagnostics system report that’s used for your emissions test. If your check engine light is interfering with efficient engine performance, it may cause a test failure.
  4. Windshield and light repair: Do you have a crack or chip in your windshield? Are your daytime running lights burned out? Both of these issues directly relate to driver visibility, so make sure these issues are taken care of before you report for a safety inspection.

Get a Professional Assessment Beforehand

Take your car to State Automotive before your safety inspection and emissions test, and we’ll examine it from the inside out, quickly repairing any issues that interfere with a successful outcome. Save time and frustration by getting affordable repairs before your visit to the local motor vehicle office — make an appointment with our team today.