Pennsylvania requires annual vehicle inspections for most registered vehicles.
Who Needs Inspection?
Vehicles REQUIRING Annual Inspection
- All passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, minivans, pickup trucks)
- Motorcycles
- Trailers over 3,000 lbs GVWR
- Commercial vehicles
- Buses including school buses
- RVs and campers
Vehicles EXEMPT from Inspection
- Antique vehicles with official antique plates (25+ years)
- Light trailers (3,000 lbs GVWR or less)
- Farm equipment exclusively for agricultural use
When Is Inspection Due?
Your inspection is due by the last day of your birth month each year.
Two Types of Inspection
Safety Inspection (Statewide)
Required for all vehicles in all 67 counties: brakes, lights, steering, suspension, tires, windshield, wipers, mirrors, horn, seat belts, exhaust.
Emissions Inspection (Specific Counties)
Required in Philadelphia, Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and portions of surrounding counties.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- No inspection: $25 fine + court costs (~$150 total)
- Fraudulent sticker: Misdemeanor, $1,000+ fines