In Minnesota, regular safety inspections are only required for commercial vehicles— passenger vehicles are exempt. Minnesota does not require emissions inspections.

In 1977, an amendment to the Clean Air Act mandated that drivers in urban areas with poor air quality undergo regular vehicle emissions inspections. Each state has different requirements for emissions testing and safety inspections, which can vary depending on your zip code and your vehicle.

To keep you informed about the laws in your state,

Jerry

, the

car insurance

comparison and broker app, has gathered everything you need to know about car inspections in Minnesota.

What are the vehicle inspection requirements in Minnesota?

Unlike other states, Minnesota no longer requires regular emissions inspections for registered vehicles. Instead, smog checks are optional for all drivers.

Although passenger vehicles are exempt from all inspections, commercial vehicles must undergo annual safety inspections and display a valid safety inspection decal at all times.

A commercial vehicle is defined as:

Any vehicle that weighs over 26,000 pounds

Any vehicle that transports hazardous materials

Any vehicle that transports at least 16 passengers

This may include trucks, tractor-trailers, limousines, and charter buses, among others.

Exceptions

Certain vehicles are exempt from Minnesota’s annual safety inspection requirement. These include:

Non-commercial passenger vehicles

Covered farm vehicles

School buses

Metropolitan Council buses

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Where to get a car inspection in Minnesota

If you have a commercial vehicle, you can get your annual safety inspection from a certified inspector at a number of dealerships or repair facilities in

Minnesota

Inspections can be performed by:

Trained, certified employees of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) or the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS)

Owners of commercial vehicles that are power units or their employees

Licensed commercial vehicle dealers or their employees

Commercial vehicle repair or service technicians

How often do you need a car inspection?

Commercial vehicle owners need to get a safety inspection performed every year.

Finding affordable car insurance

Whether you need a vehicle inspection or not, every car owner needs a car insurance policy that will keep them fully protected.

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