Does Michigan Have Emissions Testing?
Michigan law does not require emissions testing of motor vehicles. According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the state does not mandate vehicle emissions inspections for passenger vehicles. Vehicle registration in Michigan does not require any emissions test certificates or inspection documentation.
This policy applies uniformly across the state:
- No counties require emissions testing
- No cities or municipalities have local emissions requirements
- All vehicle types are exempt from emissions testing requirements
- No testing is required for initial registration or annual renewal
Legislative History
Michigan has a history regarding emissions testing—the state enacted comprehensive legislation establishing testing programs, but repealed those laws before the programs were ever implemented.
1993 Legislation: In response to federal Clean Air Act requirements, Michigan enacted two significant pieces of legislation in 1993:
- Public Act 232 of 1993 - Established a motor vehicle emissions testing program for southeastern Michigan, specifically targeting Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties (the Detroit metropolitan area). The program was scheduled to be implemented by January 1, 1996.
- Public Act 234 of 1993 - Established a mandatory vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program for western Michigan, specifically Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon counties (the Grand Rapids area). The program was scheduled to be implemented by January 1, 1995.
These legislative acts were created to comply with federal requirements for areas designated as nonattainment or maintenance areas under the Clean Air Act. The programs would have required periodic emissions testing for vehicles registered in these counties.
1995-1996 Repeal: Before either emissions testing program could be implemented, the Michigan Legislature repealed the requirements through Senate Bills 241 and 747, which were enacted in 1995 and 1996.
