Alternative Fuel and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Emissions Testing Exemption

Vehicles powered exclusively by natural gas, propane, hydrogen, a combination of compressed natural gas and hydrogen, or electricity are exempt from the Virginia emissions inspection program. Qualified HEVs with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy ratings of at least 50 miles per gallon (city), or 48 miles per gallon (city) for model year 2008 or 2009 vehicles, are also exempt from the emissions inspection program unless remote sensing devices indicate the HEV may not meet current emissions standards. HEVs that do not meet exemption criteria are subject to a $2 per year emissions fee when renewing vehicle registration. For more information, including a list of HEVs that qualify, see the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Emissions Inspections website.

(Reference Virginia Code 46.2-1177, 46.2-1178, and 46.2-749.3)