Electric Vehicle Inspections: What You Need to Know(USA)
By Melanie Nguyen 09/08/2022 8:00am
As the electric vehicle (EV) market grows into the mainstream, many questions remain from people curious about EV ownership and maintenance. Some lingering questions might be about inspections. Are electric vehicle inspections the same as those for gas-powered cars? Do states require EV inspections or additional fees for registration?
Many car owners are familiar with visiting an inspection station annually or every other year. Testing a vehicle’s emissions is a prerequisite to renewing the car’s registration in many regions. But even though a battery-powered car doesn’t generate tailpipe emissions, an EV might still need to pass a safety inspection.
Continue reading to learn about inspections for electric vehicle upkeep, testing required for EV registration in some areas, and additional fees some states impose on EVs.
Use our jump-ahead links below to skip to the requirements for your area.
| Alabama | Montana |
| Alaska | Nebraska |
| Arizona | Nevada |
| Arkansas | New Hampshire |
| California | New Jersey |
| Colorado | New Mexico |
| Connecticut | New York |
| Delaware | North Carolina |
| District of Columbia | North Dakota |
| Florida | Ohio |
| Georgia | Oklahoma |
| Hawaii | Oregon |
| Idaho | Pennsylvania |
| Illinois | Rhode Island |
| Indiana | South Carolina |
| Iowa | South Dakota |
| Kansas | Tennessee |
| Kentucky | Texas |
| Louisiana | Utah |
| Maine | Vermont |
| Maryland | Virginia |
| Massachusetts | Washington |
| Michigan | West Virginia |
| Minnesota | Wisconsin |
| Mississippi | Wyoming |
| Missouri |
Do Electric Cars Need Smog Checks?
The EPA regulates vehicles to reduce air pollutants from their engines. Each state has requirements for which cars need smog inspections. However, automobiles powered exclusively by electricity produce no tailpipe emissions and are exempt from a state’s motor vehicle emissions testing.
Hybrids (HEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) do generate air pollutants from their combustion engines. Therefore, HEVs and PHEVs are subject to emissions inspections in locations that require smog testing.
Recommended Inspections for Electric Cars
Every used car shopper should check for recalls and take advantage of a pre-purchase inspection to check the condition of their potential new ride. No matter what type of propulsion system the vehicle uses, a qualified mechanic from a repair shop or dealership can help evaluate its overall condition, identify any problems, and assess the car’s roadworthiness.
Have the technician test a used EV’s battery pack condition before you take ownership. Batteries degrade over time, so owners should practice good EV battery maintenance to maximize its life. Be sure your pre-purchase inspection looks at the battery capacity and evaluates if the degradation is in the normal range for the age of the vehicle.
Once you own an EV, follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations. A crucial part of car ownership is upkeep. At a minimum, make a quick visual inspection of the car’s safety hardware part of your daily driving routine.
- Ensure that headlights, taillights, and turn signals are operational
- Replace worn windshield wipers and replenish washer fluid
- Inspect EV tires for uneven or excessive tread wear
What’s Included in Electric Vehicle Inspections?
Not every state requires safety inspections for electric cars, and each state may have different requirements for what determines vehicle roadworthiness. A typical safety inspection examines tire wear, wheel lug nuts, headlights, brakes, brake lights, glass and mirrors, windshield wipers, door locks and latches, and seat belts.
HEVs and PHEVs need smog tests in states requiring those inspections.
State inspections may allow owners 10 to 30 days to make repairs or install replacements if any essential safety features don’t meet standards.
State EV Inspections and Registration Fees
Some EV owners boast of saving money on fuel and lower vehicle maintenance costs. However, those owners might be required to pay higher auto registration costs than drivers with gas-powered cars.
Several states assess supplemental fees to register electrified vehicles. The additional registration fee helps the state make up for lost revenue from gasoline taxes collected at the pump. In some states, a portion of EV registration fees helps fund charging infrastructure programs.
See below for a state-by-state listing of electric vehicle inspection requirements and additional EV registration fees.
Alabama
Alabama does not require safety inspections for electric vehicles in the state. Residents with all-electric vehicles pay $200 annually, while owners of plug-in hybrids have a $100 fee. A VIN inspection may be required to confirm ownership before registration.
Alaska
Alaska does not require safety inspections for electric vehicles. The state does not charge additional fees to register EVs.
Arizona
Alaska does not require safety inspections for electric vehicles. EV drivers pay the same vehicle license tax as drivers of other automobiles.
Arkansas
Arkansas does not require safety inspections for electric vehicles. EV and hybrid drivers in the state must pay an annual fee along with other registration costs. All-electric vehicle owners must pay $200. The fee is $100 for plug-in hybrids and $50 for HEVs.
California
California does not require safety inspections for EVs. Zero-emission vehicles model year 2020 and later have an additional registration renewal fee of $102. This Road Improvement Fee is not assessed on the initial registration of a newly purchased fully electric vehicle from a licensed dealer. A VIN inspection may be required to confirm ownership before registration.
Colorado
Colorado does not require safety inspections for electric vehicles. EV owners must pay an additional $50 on top of registration fees. A VIN inspection may be required to confirm ownership before registration.
Connecticut
Connecticut does not require safety inspections for electric vehicles. EVs in the state are eligible for a $55 reduced registration fee. A VIN inspection may be required to confirm ownership before registration.
Delaware
Electric vehicles in Delaware are subject to a safety inspection to ensure equipment is in working condition. The state does not charge additional fees to register EVs.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., does not require safety inspections for electric vehicles. The District does not charge additional fees to register EVs.
Florida
Florida does not require safety inspections for electric vehicles. The state does not charge additional fees to register EVs. A VIN inspection may be required when bringing an out-of-state vehicle to register in Florida.
Georgia
Georgia does not require safety inspections for EVs. Fully electric vehicles have an additional registration fee of $210.96 for non-commercial vehicles.
Hawaii
Electric vehicles in Hawaii are subject to a safety inspection to ensure roadworthiness. EV owners must pay a $50 registration surcharge.
Idaho
Idaho does not require safety inspections for EVs. Fully electric vehicles are subject to an additional annual fee of $140. The fee for plug-in hybrids is $75. A VIN inspection may be required to confirm ownership before registration.
Illinois
Illinois does not require safety inspections for EVs. Fully electric vehicle owners must pay an additional $100 for registration. A VIN inspection may be required to confirm ownership before registration.
Indiana
Indiana does not require safety inspections for EVs. Owners of fully electric vehicles pay a supplemental $150 fee for registration. The fee for hybrids is $50. A VIN inspection may be required to confirm ownership before registration.
Iowa
Iowa does not require safety inspections for EVs. Fully electric vehicles are subject to a $130 supplemental annual registration fee to register. Hybrid owners have an additional $65 registration fee.
Kansas
Kansas does not require safety inspections for EVs. A fully electric vehicle’s total annual registration fee is $100, and $50 for hybrids. A VIN inspection may be required to confirm ownership before registration.
Kentucky
Kentucky does not require safety inspections for electric vehicles. In addition to standard registration fees, EV owners must pay an annual fee of $120. The supplemental fee for hybrids and electric motorcycles is $60. A VIN inspection may be required to confirm ownership before registration.
Louisiana
Electric vehicles in Louisiana are subject to pre-registration safety inspection. The state imposes a $110 additional annual fee for EVs and a $60 fee for hybrid vehicles.
Maine
Electric vehicles in Maine are subject to a safety inspection to ensure roadworthiness. The state does not charge additional fees to register EVs.
Maryland
Maryland requires safety inspections before the sale or transfer of used EVs. The state does not charge additional fees to register EVs.
Massachusetts
Electric vehicles in Massachusetts require pre-registration safety inspections. The state does not charge additional fees to register EVs.
Michigan
Michigan does not require safety inspections for EVs. Fully electric vehicles and hybrids up to 8,000 pounds have additional annual registration fees of $135 and $47.50, respectively.
Minnesota
Minnesota does not require safety inspections for EVs. The state charges an additional $75 fee for registering a fully electric vehicle.
Mississippi
Mississippi does not require safety inspections for EVs. Electric vehicle owners must pay an additional $150 for registration. The additional fee for hybrids is $75.
Missouri
EVs in Missouri require pre-registration safety inspections. Fully electric vehicles have a $75 annual fuel decal fee in addition to registration costs. The decal fee for plug-in hybrids is $37.50. A VIN inspection may be required to confirm ownership before registration.
Montana
Montana does not require safety inspections for electric vehicles. The state does not charge additional fees to register EVs.
Nebraska
Nebraska does not require safety inspections for EVs. Electric vehicles and hybrids have an additional $75 fee on top of annual registration costs. A VIN inspection may be required to confirm ownership before registration.
Nevada
Nevada does not require safety inspections for electric vehicles. The state does not impose additional fees for registering EVs. A VIN inspection may be required to confirm ownership before registration.
New Hampshire
EVs in New Hampshire require pre-registration safety inspections. Registering an EV or hybrid in the state does not require additional fees.
New Jersey
Safety inspections are not required for electric vehicles in New Jersey. The state does not charge additional fees to register EVs.
New Mexico
Safety inspections are not required for electric vehicles in New Mexico. The state does not charge additional fees to register EVs. A VIN inspection may be required to confirm ownership before registration.
New York
EVs in New York require pre-registration safety inspections. The state does not charge additional fees to register EVs.
North Carolina
Electric vehicles in North Carolina are subject to pre-registration safety inspections. EV owners pay an additional $140.25 vehicle registration fee.
North Dakota
North Dakota does not require safety inspections for EVs. Electric vehicle owners pay an additional $120 vehicle registration fee. A VIN inspection may be required to confirm ownership before registration.
Ohio
Ohio does not require safety inspections for EVs. In addition to other registration fees, fully electric car owners must pay $200 more to register their car. Hybrid vehicles must pay an additional $100 registration fee. A VIN inspection may be required to confirm ownership before registration.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma does not require safety inspections for EVs. There is an additional registration fee for EV owners based on the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). EVs that weigh 6,000 pounds and less pay $100. The additional fee for EVs up to 10,000 pounds is $158. A VIN inspection may be required to confirm ownership before registration.
Oregon
Oregon does not require safety inspections for EVs. The total annual registration fee for a fully electric vehicle is $316. A VIN inspection may be required to confirm ownership before registration.
Pennsylvania
Electric vehicles in Pennsylvania are subject to pre-registration safety inspections. The state does not charge additional fees to register EVs. A VIN inspection may be required to confirm ownership before registration.
Rhode Island
Electric vehicles in Rhode Island are subject to pre-registration safety inspections. The state does not have any additional fees for EV car registration. A VIN inspection may be required to confirm ownership before registration.
South Carolina
South Carolina does not require safety inspections for EVs. The state requires electric vehicle owners to pay $120 on top of registration fees. Hybrid vehicles incur an additional $60 for registration. A VIN inspection may be required to confirm ownership before registration.
South Dakota
South Dakota does not require safety inspections for EVs. Electric vehicle owners must pay an additional $50 for registration.
Tennessee
Tennessee does not require safety inspections for electric vehicles. The state requires owners to pay an additional $100 annually to register an EV.
Texas
Electric vehicles in Texas are subject to pre-registration safety inspections. There is no additional fee for EV registration in the state.
Utah
Utah does not require safety inspections for electric vehicles. The state requires owners of alternative fuel vehicles to pay an additional fee during annual vehicle registration. The supplemental fee for EVs is $123. Plug-in hybrids incur an additional $53.25, while standard hybrid owners have a $20.50 fee.
Vermont
Electric vehicles in Vermont are subject to pre-registration safety inspections. There is no additional fee for EV registration in the state. A VIN inspection may be required to confirm ownership before registration.
Virginia
EVs in Virginia are subject to pre-registration safety inspections. The fee to register an electric vehicle in the state is $116.49.
Washington
Washington does not require safety inspections for electric vehicles. The state assesses an additional $150 fee when registering an EV.
West Virginia
Electric vehicles in West Virginia are subject to pre-registration safety inspections. The state requires an additional $200 registration fee for EVs and $100 for hybrids.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin does not require safety inspections for electric vehicles. The state assesses an additional $100 fee when registering an EV and $75 for hybrids.
Wyoming
Wyoming does not require safety inspections for electric vehicles. The state has an annual EV decal fee of $200. A VIN inspection may be required to confirm ownership before registration.