Safety & Emissions

The State of Rhode Island requires safety and emissions checks on registered vehicles. Cars and light trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 8,500 lbs or less registered in Rhode Island require a biennial emissions and safety inspection. Vehicles registered as antiques are exempt.

• All used vehicles under 8,500 lbs purchased from a licensed dealer must have a new sticker at the time of sale.
• All used vehicles under 8,500 lbs, whether a private sale, owner transfer or coming from out of state, must be inspected within five business days.
• You have two years or 24,000 miles whichever comes first, to obtain an inspection sticker on a vehicle if purchased new from a dealer, less than two years old or with less than 24,000 miles on the odometer.
• The state's Official Manual for Motor Vehicle Inspection.

Vehicles passing inspection receive a two year sticker and a vehicle inspection report.

More information about Rhode Island's vehicle inspection program is available at the Rhode Island Emissions and Safety Testing web site.