Oregon Car Inspection

Vehicles in the Portland and Medford-Ashland areas are required to get vehicle emissions tests every other year.
Written by Tom Hindle
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
Every vehicle in the Portland and Medford-Ashland areas of
Oregon
must get a biennial vehicle emissions test. 
Emissions tests are also mandated when out-of-state owners register their vehicles in the area for the first time. This is a one-time check—they can revert to the standard testing schedule after the initial inspection. 
If you fail to meet inspection mandates, you could face fines or points on your license—although specific penalties aren’t specified. To help you avoid that,
Jerry
has compiled a comprehensive guide on vehicle inspection requirements in Oregon. 

What are the vehicle inspection requirements in Oregon?

Emissions tests are mandated every other year in the Portland and Medford-Ashland areas. New residents moving into these areas are required to get an emissions check when they register their car in the state for the first time. 
Although emissions checks aren’t required in other counties, it might still be a good idea to get one every other year. They’re important for the health of your vehicle—not to mention the environment! 
Unlike some other states, Oregon doesn’t have any safety check requirements. However, you should get them done regularly to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly.
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Exceptions to the state requirements

While vehicle emission mandates are fairly rigorous in Oregon, some vehicles are exempt from requirements. If you own any of the following vehicles, emissions check laws don’t apply: 
  • Motorcycles 
  • Moped
  • ATVs
  • Golf carts
  • Tractors
  • Diesel-powered vehicles weighing over 8,500 pounds
  • Vehicles manufactured before 1975 (in Portland)
  • Vehicles more than 20 years old (in Medford-Ashland)

Where to get a car inspection in Oregon

There are several DMV-licensed vehicle inspection sites in every county—even in the ones where there aren’t smog check mandates.

How often do you need a car inspection in Oregon?

Oregon requires that you get your car checked for emissions every other year in the Portland and Medford-Ashland areas. If you live in any other area in the state, it might be a good idea to get one done every other year, too.
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FAQs

No, you don’t have to get an emissions check before you sell your car. However, it might be a good idea to ensure that everything is in working order. If you sell a slightly broken car, you’ll have to deal with a disgruntled buyer—which might lead to some legal trouble.
Car inspections in Oregon recently increased by $5 in each area where they’re mandated. They cost $25 in Portland and $15 in Medford-Ashland. VIN inspections—which are required when you register your car—are $7.
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