A Connecticut car inspection is required before you register certain vehicles. Some of these vehicles include ambulances, homemade trailers, street rods, taxis, grey market vans and trucks, Kit cars and vehicles used for school transportation. The complete list can be found at the Department Of Motor Vehicles website.
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Inspection Fees
Ambulance and taxi inspection fees in Connecticut are only $20. Fire apparatus fees would increase to $25, service buses would be $40 and service buses more than 13 tons would cost $80. Payments are accepted at license locations, AAA offices and branch/satellite offices.
Typically, you can pay fees by money orders, cash, checks, most credit cards and most debit cards. Some locations may not accept credit cards or cash so it’s best to call in advance.
Inspection Requirements
As indicated above, many cars and trucks are required to have inspections. Depending on the type of vehicle, a qualified dealer or repairer in Connecticut may be able to be used. However, often, the initial inspection may have to be done at the Department Of Motor Vehicles.
School buses must arrange their inspections by appointment and an out-of-state vehicle has two months to register. Meanwhile, if the serial number of the vehicle must be verified, many offices may handle that task including locations at Norwich, Danbury, Bridgeport, Hamden, Waterbury and Enfield. More specific details can be found at the DMV website.
Failed Safety Inspections
If your vehicle does not pass the safety inspection, you must pass a second inspection at an approved location. If the failed inspection occurs at a repairer or car dealer, then the second inspection can take place at that location. However, serial number and windows that are tinted must take place at an authorized location by the DMV here in Connecticut.
Connecticut Emissions Testing
Every two years, your vehicle must be tested and typically you receive a notice in the mail. The cost of the test is only $20 and it must be completed in order for you to legally drive your car. Testing dates and times are very flexible and appointments can be set in advance. There are hundreds of sites located throughout the state, so it’s unlikely you’ll have to drive very far for the procedure.
We urge all Virginia drivers to get the test done at least a few months before the due date. You are allowed to schedule an exam up to three months in advance. If you fail the exam, you have two months to correct the issue and re-test. Although you can repair the vehicle yourself, we highly recommend you go to a facility that has the proper certification. You will not have to pay for the re-test. However, if you fail a second time, you will be charged a fee.
What About Motorcycles In Connecticut?
Yes, motorcycles must also be inspected and the VIN number must be easily readable by the inspector. Braked must be working (front and back) along with working tail lights and stop lights. A drive chain and odometer is required and the license plate must be shown at the back of the bike.
Additional information is available here.
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