Maine car inspection requirements mean that you must get an annual safety inspection. Those in Cumberland County are required to have an annual emissions test.

Written by Tiffany Leung

Reviewed by Carrie Adkins

Updated on Apr 27, 2022

Table of Contents

ME car inspection requirements
Where to get a car inspection in ME
How often do you need a car inspection?
Finding affordable car insurance
FAQs

Load full table of contents

In Maine, you are required to do safety inspections annually when you renew your vehicle registration. If you live in Cumberland County, you will also be required to have an annual emissions test.

The 1977 amendment to the Clean Air Act was made to ensure good air quality. States were required to implement vehicle emissions inspection programs where the quality of air failed to meet federal standards—most commonly in metropolitan areas. Depending on your vehicle and zip code, these requirements can vary.

To ensure that your vehicle is compliant, the

car insurance

comparison and broker app,

Jerry

, has compiled all the important details you need about car inspections in Maine.

RECOMMENDED

Haven’t shopped for insurance in the last six months? There might be hundreds $$$ in savings waiting for you.

Judith switched to Progressive

Saved $725 annually

Alexander switched to Travelers

Saved $834 annually

Annie switched to Nationwide

Saved $668 annually

What are the vehicle inspection requirements in Maine?

When registering a vehicle in Maine, you’re required to get a safety inspection annually. This ensures that all vehicles are road-safe according to the standards set out by the state.

Residents in Cumberland County are also required to have smog tests annually. For details on what inspections you require to complete your registration renewal, check

emissions.org

If your car doesn’t pass the smog inspection, you cannot renew your vehicle registration. You must then complete any emissions-related repairs listed on the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) and pass the retest within 30 days.

Exceptions to the state requirements

Certain vehicles registered in Cumberland County are exempt from the state of Maine’s emissions inspection. You don’t need a smog inspection if your vehicle fits any of the following criteria:

Vehicles that are driven 1,000 miles or less

Motorcycles and mopeds

Maine-registered antique vehicles

Farm tractors

Fish trucks

Wood trucks

Island vehicles

Low-speed vehicles

Experimental vehicles

1996 Subarus (all models)

1996-98 Mitsubishis (all models)

1996 Volvo 850 Turbo

1996 Chrysler Avenger/Sebring/Talan, Cirrus/Stratus/Breeze, Intrepid/Concord/New Yorker/LHS/Vision, Neon

Ford medium heavy-duty trucks made between the 1996-2003 model years weighing more than 8,600 pounds

Where to get a car inspection in Maine

You’ll need to visit a smog check station authorized by the

Maine

BMV to complete your vehicle inspection. Emissions.org maintains a

list of auto shops

that are authorized to carry out such inspections.

How often do you need a car inspection?

Safety inspections are required annually for all residents. Anytime you register a new vehicle you will also need to get an emissions inspection. If you live in Cumberland County, you are required to get an emissions inspection done annually.

Finding affordable car insurance

Once you’ve completed and passed all your required inspections, it’s a good idea to look over your car insurance policy again. Oftentimes you’ll find that you’re actually overpaying! The car insurance broker app,

Jerry

, can help you find and compare insurance policies from more than 50 top providers to find the best prices. The average Jerry user saves $879 a year!

RECOMMENDED

Compare auto insurance policies

No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms

ZIP Code

Find insurance savings

FAQs

Do I have to get an inspection if I am a new resident?

If your vehicle passed a smog check in your previous state, Maine will recognize that inspection until the sticker expires. If you weren’t required to have your vehicle smog checked, you must have one done immediately after you register your car. To visit an inspection station, ask your municipal office clerk for a permit.

How much do the vehicle inspections cost?

Maine has capped the smog check fees to between $15.50 (vehicles manufactured before 1996) and $18.50 (vehicles manufactured after 1996) plus labor fees. The safety inspection fee is capped at $12.50 outside of Cumberland County.

Are you overpaying for car insurance?

Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.

Try Jerry