Does Minnesota Have Emissions Testing?

No, Minnesota does not require emissions testing. The state previously operated an emissions testing program in the Twin Cities metropolitan area from 1991 to 1999, but the program was discontinued after achieving federal air quality standards.

Minnesota's Emissions Testing Policy

Minnesota law does not currently require emissions testing of motor vehicles. According to Minnesota legislative records, auto emissions testing is no longer required for motor vehicles in the state. The Driver and Vehicle Services division does not require emissions testing for vehicle registration in Minnesota.

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

Previous Emissions Testing Program

Minnesota operated a vehicle emissions inspection program in the Twin Cities metropolitan area for eight years before discontinuing it in 1999.

Twin Cities Metropolitan Area Program (1991-1999): The Minnesota Vehicle Inspection Program (MVIP) was implemented in response to federal Clean Air Act requirements to address elevated carbon monoxide levels in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region.

• Seven-County Metropolitan Area - The program covered Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties, plus Wright County
• Program operated from 1991 to 1999 (eight years)
• Required annual emissions testing for carbon monoxide and other pollutants
• All vehicles registered in the seven-county metro area were subject to testing before license tab renewal

The program was administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and focused specifically on reducing carbon monoxide emissions, which had caused the Twin Cities area to be designated as a nonattainment area under federal air quality standards.

Program Discontinuation: The Minnesota Legislature repealed the emissions testing requirement through Chapter 178 in 1999, with the program officially ending on March 1, 2000 (though it was terminated earlier in practice).