Illinois has no statewide safety inspection. But if you live in the Chicago metro area or Metro East (the seven-county St. Louis region), you need an emissions test every two years through the Illinois Air Team program. The test is free at official stations.
Rules change. Verify the current Illinois requirements with the state DMV or environmental agency before you go. This guide reflects the program as of 2026.
| Item | What the Inspector Checks |
|---|---|
| OBD-II scan (1996+ gas) | Check engine light status, codes, readiness monitors. Primary test. |
| Gas cap pressure check | Most vehicles get an evaporative gas cap test. |
| Visual smoke check | Visible smoke from exhaust or crankcase is a fail. |
| Diesel testing | Diesel-powered vehicles 1997 and newer also tested. |
| VIN verification | Inspector confirms VIN matches registration. |
| No safety check | Illinois does not test brakes, tires, lights, or other safety equipment. |
Check engine light on is one of the top reasons cars fail in this state.
Get a Full Diagnosis →Readiness monitors not ready is one of the top reasons cars fail in this state.
Get a Full Diagnosis →EVAP code (P0440/P0455/P0456) is one of the top reasons cars fail in this state.
Get a Full Diagnosis →Failed catalytic converter is one of the top reasons cars fail in this state.
Get a Full Diagnosis →Bad gas cap is one of the top reasons cars fail in this state.
Get a Full Diagnosis →Tampered emissions equipment is one of the top reasons cars fail in this state.
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The Chicago metro area (Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, McHenry, Will, parts of Kendall) and the Metro East/St. Louis area (Madison, Monroe, St. Clair counties).
Free at official Air Team stations. You pay nothing for the test.
Every two years, starting when the vehicle is 4 model years old. Newer cars are exempt.
You have until the end of the next month to repair and retest. Free retests until you pass. A repair waiver may be available if you have spent $450+ trying to fix it.
Yes, battery EVs are exempt. Hybrids with a gas engine are tested like gas cars.
No, there is no statewide safety inspection program for personal vehicles in Illinois.