Bi-annual emissions testing is required for every Connecticut-registered vehicle built between the 1996 and 2018 model years unless said vehicle meets one or more of the exemption requirements.
Even though it’s not mandated by the federal government, most states subject at least some of their residents—usually those who live in major metropolitan areas—to annual or bi-annual emissions testing in order to decrease harmful air pollution.
If you live in an area where smog testing is required, you'll need to determine whether your car meets the requirements and, if it does, schedule regular smog checks.
If you’ve never undergone emissions testing before, navigating the process can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why licensed car insurance
comparison app and broker Jerry
has put together this guide detailing everything you need to know about Connecticut emissions testing—plus helpful tips for finding cheap Connecticut car insurance
. 
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers Connecticut emissions testing regulations
As we’ve previously stated, not every state chooses to enforce or require routine emissions testing, but Connecticut does—and to a higher degree than most.
This is in large part done to reduce the amount of harmful emissions entering the atmosphere and to improve the local air quality, especially in urban centers with denser populations.
And while no city, county, or municipality is exempt from emissions testing in Connecticut, there are certain vehicles that are—so keep reading to find out whether this testing is a requirement for you.
Which counties in Connecticut require emissions testing?
While most states only impose emissions testing for vehicles registered in densely-populated urban areas, Connecticut requires every vehicle registered within its borders to undergo emissions testing once every two years, regardless of the city or county it’s registered in.
To cover all of our bases, that includes:
Which cars need emissions testing in Connecticut?
As stated, pretty much every vehicle in Connecticut is required to undergo emissions testing, unless it meets one or more of the exemption requirements.
Testing is generally required for every vehicle built between 1993 and the last seven model years. The state guidelines are a little confusing, so let’s go into more detail:
If your car was built prior to 1993 or is fewer than seven model years old, it is exempt from emissions testing.
If your vehicle is exactly seven model years old, you’ll need to have it tested only upon transfer of ownership.
If your vehicle is older than seven model years but newer than 1992, it needs to undergo testing once every two years.
Exemptions from Connecticut emissions testing
Certain types of vehicles are exempt from Connecticut emissions testing, some of which have already been mentioned. Here’s the complete list.
Non-hybrid electric vehicles (which could also qualify for Connecticut electric vehicle incentives)
Motorcycles, mopeds, and motorized bicycles
Vehicles weighing more than 10,001 lbs
Type II diesel school buses
Vehicles manufactured within the last 4 model years
Vehicles built in the 1996 model year or older
Vehicles with a composite title
MORE: Is my license plate frame legal in Connecticut?
How does emissions testing work in Connecticut?
Wondering how to pass emissions testing? If your vehicle meets the above requirements for emissions testing in Connecticut, you’ll need to follow the steps below to schedule and complete an inspection.
Locate a testing center. To find a nearby testing center, visit the Connecticut Emissions Program’s website here
and enter your zip code. Schedule an inspection. Once you’ve located a verified testing center, schedule an inspection for a date prior to your vehicle registration’s expiration date.
Bring your vehicle in for testing. Drive to your testing location on the date of your smog check appointment and follow any instructions you are given.
Pay the testing center’s fee. Once the inspection is over, pay the $20 testing fee.
If you passed your Connecticut emissions testing, you won’t need to return for another two years—but if you failed, you’ll need to address the issue and schedule a retest.
Types of emissions tests
Connecticut administers several different types of emissions tests depending on the age, weight, and fuel type of your vehicle. They include:
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) test: if your vehicle was manufactured in 1996 or later (gasoline or diesel) or built in 1997 or later and weighs between 8,501 lbs and 10,000 lbs (diesel), a technician will scan your engine computer for any emissions-related error and maintenance codes that may require attention. To understand car OBD codes, the mechanic will use a scanner.
Acceleration Systems Mode test: if your vehicle is older than the 1996 model year and weighs less than 8,500 lbs, a technician will drive it on a giant treadmill of sorts at 25 mph under a 25% weight load.
Pre-Conditioned Two-Speed Idle test: if your vehicle is older than the 1996 model year, has traction control, all-wheel drive, or weighs over 8,500 lbs, test personnel will measure its emissions while in Park or Neutral at two different RPMs.
Gas Cap Pressure test: if you drive a gasoline-fueled vehicle that was made in the 1995 model year or earlier, a technician will test whether your gas cap seals properly.
What happens if you fail emissions testing in Connecticut?
If your vehicle fails emissions testing in Connecticut for any reason, you will have 60 days to remedy the mechanical issue and retest your vehicle.
Keep in mind that you are only allotted one free retest per testing cycle—each additional one will cost $20.
In order to diagnose the cause of your emissions testing failure, it is recommended you visit one of Connecticut’s Certified Emissions Repair Facilities (CERT), but you can ultimately choose any repair facility you like.
If your vehicle still does not pass the retest, you can call the state DMV Emissions Division at (860)-263-5611 to apply for one of Connecticut’s three emissions testing waivers:
Functional Diagnosis waiver
If your application is accepted, you will not have to meet the emissions test requirements for the duration of that test cycle.
How to save on car insurance in Connecticut
While you’re waiting for your vehicle to pass emissions testing, put that extra time to good use and find out whether you could be paying less for your car insurance
with Jerry
. As the nation’s #1 licensed car insurance comparison app and broker, Jerry makes comparing affordable rates easier than ever, saving the average user $800+ a year on their car insurance payments.
Just download the app, complete a 45-second questionnaire, and Jerry will start comparing dozens of competitive quotes from 50+ trusted insurance providers to find you affordable options without sacrificing coverage. You'll review the top picks and tap to sign up.
If you have any questions or need help switching over to a new plan, Jerry agents are only a text or call away!
“Jerry
blew my mind, honestly. From start to finish, using the app took me 10 minutes and I ended up with $100 of savings a month. Best of all, customer service answered all my questions about rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance.” —Savanna R.
