Big change: Tennessee phased out emissions testing across the state. As of 2022, only Hamilton County (Chattanooga) still tests, and even that is on its way out. No safety inspection statewide. For most of Tennessee, no inspection of any kind.
Rules change. Verify the current Tennessee 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 (Hamilton) | Check engine light, codes, readiness monitors - only in Hamilton County. |
| Gas cap test (Hamilton) | EVAP gas cap pressure check. |
| Nothing elsewhere | No emissions or safety test anywhere else in Tennessee. |
| Diesel exempt | Diesel vehicles exempt even in Hamilton County. |
| New cars exempt | Vehicles 3 model years or newer exempt in Hamilton. |
| Officer enforcement | Police can still cite for broken lights, bald tires, or modified exhaust. |
Active check engine light (Hamilton only) is one of the top reasons cars fail in this state.
Get a Full Diagnosis →Readiness monitors not ready (Hamilton) is one of the top reasons cars fail in this state.
Get a Full Diagnosis →Catalytic converter failure (Hamilton) is one of the top reasons cars fail in this state.
Get a Full Diagnosis →Bad gas cap (Hamilton) is one of the top reasons cars fail in this state.
Get a Full Diagnosis →Driving with broken brake light (ticketable) is one of the top reasons cars fail in this state.
Get a Full Diagnosis →Bald tires (ticketable) is one of the top reasons cars fail in this state.
Get a Full Diagnosis →Tell us your codes, symptoms, and car - our AI tells you the most likely cause and what a fix should cost before you hand the keys to an inspector.
Get My AI Repair Report →$5.99 - much cheaper than the wrong repair guess.
Only in Hamilton County (Chattanooga area). The rest of the state ended emissions testing by 2022.
Memphis ended in early 2022. Davidson, Hamilton, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson counties followed - all except Hamilton are now exempt.
No. Tennessee has never required a statewide annual safety inspection for personal vehicles.
$9 per test. Free if you fail and need to retest within the same testing cycle.
You have 30 days to repair and retest for free at the same station.
You only need a certificate if you register in Hamilton County. Other Tennessee counties no longer require it.