State Inspections

As of 2026, a Maine state inspection costs $12.50. If your vehicle is registered in Cumberland County, the required emissions test brings the total to $18.50. Stop into any VIP location in Maine and our Certified Automotive Professionals will take care of it quickly, seven days a week.

Yes, if a vehicle is registered as an antique and meets state criteria, it is exempt from Maine state inspection requirements.

Maine state inspections are pass/fail, meaning that if even one item doesn’t meet the standard, your vehicle fails. Either way, the inspection fee applies. The good news is that if you bring your vehicle back to VIP within 30 days with the necessary repairs completed, we’ll reinspect for free and get your sticker issued.

If you live in Maine, Massachusetts, or Vermont, then yes, your state requires annual vehicle safety inspections. Connecticut does not require annual or periodic safety inspections, but they do require biennial emissions testing. New Hampshire has repealed their state inspection law and no longer requires passenger vehicles to have an annual safety inspection. However, commercial vehicles are still required to have a safety inspection to operate in New Hamphire.

How often you need to get your car inspected depends on where you’re registered. In New England, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont require annual safety inspections. Connecticut and New Hampshire currently do not. When in doubt, stop into your nearest VIP location and our Certified Automotive Professionals will help you figure out what applies to your vehicle.

Each state has different requirements for what is inspected during an annual safety inspection. Refer to your state government website for more in-depth information.

State inspection costs vary from state to state. In Maine, it can range from $12.50–$18.50. In Vermont, it’s anywhere between $50–$75 (at VIP, we charge $60 for Vermont State Inspections). It varies in Massachusetts, as well, but VIP does not offer MA state inspections. New Hampshire and Connecticut do not require annual inspections and thus do not have a cost, but CT emissions testing is $20.

If your vehicle fails inspection, the technician who performed your inspection will provide you with a list of items that need to be addressed before the vehicle can pass. At VIP, we give you 30 days to address the issues. Return to us in that time, and we’ll reinspect your vehicle for free so you can get your sticker.

Your inspection sticker has a small cut or punch mark along its edge indicating the month your inspection is due. That’s your reminder of when you need to come back in. There are no grace periods. If your vehicle isn’t inspected by the end of that month, you’re in violation of state law and can be ticketed or fined. Don’t wait until the last minute. Stop into any VIP location and our Certified Automotive Professionals will get you taken care of quickly, seven days a week.

Technically you can drive with a expired sticker, but it’s not worth the risk. In Maine, fines generally range from $25–$250 and, in rare cases, can be classified as a Class E crime with fines up to $500 or jail time. In Massachusetts, the first offense is a flat $40 fine, but because it counts as a moving violation, it can raise your insurance rates, and unpaid fines can lead to a suspended license or registration. In Vermont, if you’re cited within 14 days of expiration, the civil penalty is no more than $5. After 14 days, fines can range anywhere from $105–$250.

Yes, Vermont does require annual vehicle safety inspections. Vermont state inspections include a vehicle safety inspection and an emissions test.

Yes, Maine law requires an annual safety inspection for all motor vehicles, conducted at licensed garages, dealerships, or service stations. VIP’s Maine locations are licensed inspection stations, open seven days a week for your convenience.

Federal law requires Vermont to have an emissions testing program that includes on-board diagnostics (OBD), which checks your vehicle’s computer system for emissions-related issues and ensures your car meets current environmental standards.

Yes, Maine law requires an annual safety inspection for all motor vehicles, conducted at licensed garages, dealerships, or service stations. VIP’s Maine locations are licensed inspection stations, open seven days a week for your convenience.

Yes, an active check engine light will cause you to fail your state inspection, particularly in states with emissions testing requirements. Before you bring your vehicle in for inspection, stop by any VIP location and our Certified Automotive Professionals will run a diagnostic to identify and address the issue.

Maine state vehicle inspections cover 14 core systems: brakes, steering and suspension, tires and wheels, lighting systems, glass and mirrors, wipers and visibility systems, exhaust and fuel systems, body, chassis, horn, speedometer and odometer, seat belts and airbags, electrical systems, and on-board diagnostics (OBD). Stop into any VIP location and our Certified Automotive Professionals will walk you through the whole process.

If you’ve registered a vehicle in Vermont — whether you purchased it in-state or recently moved to the state — and it doesn’t have a valid Vermont inspection sticker, you have 15 days to get it inspected.

If your vehicle fails inspection, you won’t receive an inspection sticker until the necessary repairs are made. The Certified Automotive Professionals at VIP will provide a detailed list of exactly what needs to be fixed across the 14 core systems before your vehicle can be reinspected. At VIP, we offer a free reinspection if you return within 30 days of your initial inspection. Keep in mind that driving without a valid inspection sticker can result in a fine, so it’s worth addressing repairs promptly.

As of February 9, 2026, the Vermont DMV no longer issues time extension waivers for vehicle inspections.

Depending on the technician, timing, age of the vehicle, and other factors, it can take up to one hour to perform a thorough Maine state inspection. Some vehicles and technicians may take less time, but it’s good to budget your time for at least one hour.

Annual inspections are still required in Vermont, however, there is active legislation directing the DMV to deliver a proposal for a biennial inspection system in 2027.