Key takeaways:
- Used car inspection is also called the Pre-Purchase Inspection and is usually done by certified mechanics.
- 27 states made car inspections compulsory, including California, the District of Columbia, and Idaho
- You can perform a self-car check before purchasing a used car by getting a vehicle history report by VIN.
What is a Used Car Inspection?
A used car inspection, also known as a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI), is a thorough inspection of the car done by a certified mechanic to ensure that the car is in a reliable condition. This step is crucial to be done to see if the car has hidden defects like odometer rollback, in the structure, or even in its mechanical aspect.
In the US, car inspection rules differ in each state, depending on where the vehicle was registered. During the inspection, a certified mechanic examines the engine, transmission, frame, and electronics, while also reviewing the vehicle history report and performing a test drive.
What States Require Vehicle Inspections?
There are roughly 27 states that require inspections before buying a used car. In contrast, 23 states do not have a mandatory requirement to perform a vehicle inspection for a general check and safety inspection.
State | Inspection Requirements |
Arizona | Emissions inspections are required every two years in the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas. |
California | Emissions testing is required every two years for vehicles seven years or older in 41 of 58 counties. Out-of-state vehicles also need testing before registration. |
Colorado | Emissions inspections required every two years in 9 of 64 counties, with exemptions for vehicles up to seven model years old. |
Connecticut | Emissions inspections are required every two years. |
Delaware | Safety and emissions inspections are required every two years. |
District of Columbia | Emissions inspections are required every two years. |
Georgia | Annual emissions testing is required in the Atlanta metro area. |
Hawaii | Annual safety inspections are required for all vehicles. |
Idaho | Emissions inspections are required in specific areas such as Lake and Porter counties. |
Louisiana | Annual emissions testing is required in the Baton Rouge metro area. Brake tag inspections are required for New Orleans vehicles. |
Maine | Annual safety inspections are required statewide, plus emissions testing for vehicles registered in Cumberland County. |
Maryland | Biennial emissions inspections are required in 13 of 23 counties. |
Massachusetts | Annual safety and emissions inspections are required for all vehicles. |
Missouri | Biennial safety inspections are required statewide, with additional emissions testing every two years in the St. Louis metro area. |
Nevada | Annual emissions inspections are required in urban areas of Clark and Washoe counties, with some vehicle exemptions. |
New Hampshire | Annual safety inspections are required for all vehicles, plus annual emissions testing for vehicles less than 20 years old. |
New Jersey | Vehicles are exempt from inspection for the first five years, then must undergo emissions testing every two years. |
New Mexico | Biennial emissions testing is required for vehicles in Bernalillo County. |
North Carolina | Annual safety inspections are required statewide, plus emissions testing every year in 22 of 100 counties. |
Ohio | Emissions inspections follow an odd/even testing schedule for vehicles in the Cleveland metro area. |
Oregon | Emissions testing is required periodically in the Portland and Medford metro areas. |
Pennsylvania | Annual safety inspections are required statewide, with emissions inspections every year in 25 of 67 counties. |
Rhode Island | Safety and emissions inspections are required every two years. |
Texas | Annual safety inspections are required statewide, plus emissions testing every year in major urban areas. (Note: Non-commercial safety inspections will end in 2025.) |
Utah | Emissions testing is required periodically in the four most populous counties. |
Vermont | Annual safety and emissions inspections are required for all vehicles. |
Virginia | Annual safety inspections are required statewide, plus emissions testing every two years in urban areas of northern Virginia. |
West Virginia | Annual safety inspections are required statewide. |
Wisconsin | Biennial emissions testing is required in select counties. |
States Without Vehicle Inspection
As of late 2024, more than ten states in the US have removed the mandatory vehicle inspection. These states do not mandate either safety or emission checks; many of them are low-population states, and the risk of a car accident is low, but never zero.
Although personal vehicles are exempt from the mandatory vehicle inspection, public vehicles like school buses might object to mandatory inspection. As these states did not mandate a vehicle vehicle, VIN inspection, it is sometimes a requirement (e.g. Florida and Alabama) for the vehicle titling process.
State | Inspection |
Alabama | No regular inspections. Inspection is required only for rebuilt, salvaged, or transferred vehicles. |
Alaska | No regular inspections; only if the officer suspects the vehicle is unsafe or not equipped. |
Arkansas | No inspections unless law enforcement suspects safety defects. |
Florida | No safety or emissions inspections required. |
Georgia | No statewide inspections; some counties have local requirements. |
Idaho | No periodic safety inspections; only emissions in Ada and Canyon counties. |
Indiana | No statewide inspections; VIN checks for new-to-state vehicles only. |
Iowa | No safety or emissions inspections required. |
Kansas | No regular inspections; VIN inspection for out-of-state or reconstructed vehicles. |
Kentucky | No safety inspections; VIN/odometer verification only for out-of-state vehicles. |
Michigan | No inspections except for salvage vehicles or if police suspect unsafe conditions. |
Minnesota | No passenger car inspections; limited checks for commercial or salvage vehicles. |
Mississippi | No safety or emissions inspections required. |
Montana | No regular inspections unless VIN mismatch or the officer suspects an unsafe vehicle. |
Nebraska | No inspections; VIN check required for out-of-state vehicles before titling. |
New Mexico | No regular inspections; only emissions testing in Bernalillo County. |
North Dakota | No inspections required. |
Ohio | No periodic inspections; only at the time of registration. |
Oklahoma | No regular inspections; VIN check for first-time registrations. |
South Carolina | No regular inspections. |
South Dakota | No inspections for passenger cars; officers may inspect if unsafe. |
Tennessee | Only certain counties require emissions testing; most of the state has none. |
Washington | No inspections; program ended in 2020 (except for rare exceptions). |
Wyoming | No inspections; but a VIN check may be required for out-of-state registration. |
Read also: Boost your car performance in 5 proven steps
Car Inspection Laws by State
Some states require safety inspections, some require emissions tests, and others require both. A few states don’t have any inspection laws at all.
- Safety inspections check if a car is safe to drive. This includes things like brakes, tires, lights, and seatbelts.
- Emissions tests make sure a car’s exhaust system meets air quality standards.
For example:
- Hawaii: An Annual safety inspection for all vehicles is required for all vehicles.
- California: Only needs an emissions (smog) test in some areas.
- New York: Safety and emission tests are required to be done every year.
Each state follows its own rules, so it’s always best to visit the state DMV or transportation website for the most up-to-date inspection laws.
How to Inspect a Used Car Before Buying
Before buying a used car, it’s important to inspect the vehicle before you decide to buy it. A used car inspection helps you avoid accidentally buying a used vehicle that had its odometer rolled back or was flooded.
To make it easier, here are the steps you need to take to perform a pre-purchase inspection:
Pre-Inspection Checks
Vehicle History Report
Use the VIN check and run a vehicle history report to see accidents, title problems (like salvage or flood), recalls, and past owners.- Service Records: Ask for maintenance or repair records. A well-documented service history shows the car has been cared for.
- Tires: Check for even tread wear. Be sure to run a Lincoln penny check to ensure the tires do not have much wear and tear.
Exterior & Body Inspection
- Body Panels: Check dents, scratches, rust, or uneven paint, as it might be a previous repainting.
- Glass: Check the windshield and windows for cracks or chips.
- Lights: Make sure all headlights, taillights, and turn signals work properly.
- Undercarriage: Look underneath the car for rust, damage, or any sign of leaking fluids.
Engine & Fluids
- Fluids: Check the oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Fluids should be clean and at the right level.
- Engine Bay: Look for leaks, loose wires, or worn belts.
- Cold Start: Start the engine while it’s cold and listen for strange noises like knocking or squealing.
Interior & Electronics
- Seats and Carpets: Check for stains, tears, or signs of water damage under the mats.
- Dashboard: Make sure warning lights appear briefly and then go off.
- Electronics: Test all functions, including air conditioning, heater, radio, power windows, wipers, and locks.
Test Drive
- Start-Up: Listen if the car made unusual noises.
- Driving: Notice if the car pulls to one side or vibrates.
- Braking: Test the brakes in a safe area. The car should stop smoothly without pulling.
- Transmission: Shift through all gears and check for smooth transitions.
To get the best result from the used car inspection, we recommend you combine a manual check done by a certified and getting a vehicle history report
Read also: 3 questions to ask before buying a used car
Common Issues Found During Inspections
Used car inspections often reveal several problems that can affect how safe, reliable, and valuable a car really is. Here are the common issues found during a vehicle inspection:
- Mechanical Problems: Mechanical problems can include engine troubles, worn-out brakes, suspension faults, or transmission slips..
- Electrical System Failures: Problems might come from old wires, loose or rusty connections, or damaged components such as the alternator, starter, or battery.
- Odometer Tampering: To check if the odometer was rolledback is easy; you just need to compare the last recorded mileage and the history of recorded mileage.
- Body and Frame Damage: The mechanic will check for uneven panel gaps, mismatched paint, or signs of welding, which can show that the car was in an accident.
- Emission Test: The mechanic will run out a test on the car’s exhaust system to make sure it passes the required limits. If the car failed the emission test, it might not be bought.
- Hidden Problems: Inspections can help you see hidden issues such as rust underneath the car, leaks from the engine or transmission, or overdue maintenance.
Costs and Types of Used Car Inspection
The cost and type of inspection can vary depending on several factors, like the type of inspection and more. Here’s the explanation why:
Inspection Costs
A basic pre-purchase inspection costs between $100 and $300, depending on how detailed it is and the kind of car being checked. Basic inspections often cost around $150–$250, while high-end cars like sports or vintage models may cost more than $300.
Types of Inspections
Mobile inspections, where the mechanic comes to the seller’s location, usually start around $150. Those that include test drives and undercarriage checks can reach $300 or more.
What are the Benefits of Getting a Used Car Inspection?
Buying a used car can save a lot of money, but it also comes with risks. A proper inspection helps reduce these risks by showing the car’s real condition. Running a car inspection helps you to see if the car is safe and worth buying.
- Make the Vehicle Reliable and Safe: A used car inspection helps a potential buyer a detailed look at how safe and reliable a car truly is. Just imagine if you accidentally bought a vehicle that has been in an accident and not properly fixed, it could lead to another dangerous accident.
- Check the Hidden Issues: Not every problem in a used car is easy to spot. An inspection helps you examine hidden areas like the engine, undercarriage, and transmission. It is better to find out if the car has hidden damage before you buy it.
- Helps to Negotiate Better: Having an inspection report can also give buyers a strong advantage when negotiating the price. For example, if small defects are found, buyers can ask the seller to fix them or lower the price.
- Prevents Future Unnecessary Expenses: While a used car inspection may seem like an extra cost at first, it can save much more in the long term. Regular inspections and preventive care also help extend the car’s lifespan and keep it in good shape for years to come.
Conclusion: Why a Used Car Inspection is Important?
Buying a used car can be dangerous if you do not run a thorough check, as some sellers might not be honest enough to disclose the real condition of the car. If you do not have enough knowledge, it’s better to hire a certified mechanic to do the physical inspection and secure the vehicle report.
Before you proceed to buy the car, get a window sticker to make sure you know the car’s initial specifications, colours, MSRP, and safety rating.
Used Car Inspection FAQs
Is it worth getting a used car inspection?
Yes, it’s definitely worth getting a used car inspection because a professional report tells you exactly what’s right (and wrong) with the vehicle. A car inspection helps a buyer to see if there’s something wrong with the vehicle, so they do not accidentally buy a stolen or damaged vehicle.
Can I skip the pre-purchase inspection?
You should never skip a pre-purchase car inspection. A car inspection will help you see if it has hidden problems that need to be avoided, or you may accidentally buy the car and suffer the consequences.
Does Alabama require a vehicle inspection?
No, Alabama generally does not require annual vehicle inspections for most cars. However, Alabama mandates a VIN inspection when registering an out-of-state or salvaged vehicle, and an inspection is also necessary when selling or transferring ownership.
