Delaware: Is there an annual vehicle safety inspection?
Delaware requires cars to pass a state inspection for safety and equipment before each registration renewal; newer cars can be waived.
The state DMV inspects cars before it registers or renews them, and the inspection is free. The DMV can waive inspection for new cars and for cars up to seven model years old, which may need only a VIN check. Emissions tests are part of the same inspection. An inspection can be done up to 90 days before the registration expires.
Conditions
- Inspection before each registration renewal
- Cars up to 7 model years old may be waived
What the law says
Before the Department registers, renews the registration of or reregisters a motor vehicle required to be registered under this title, such vehicle shall first be inspected by the Department and determined to be safe and fit for operation and found equipped according to law. The Department may waive all inspection requirements with respect to the registration of new motor vehicles and the initial registration or renewal of vehicles no older than 7 model years.
Sources
- 21 Del. C. 2143 Official · delcode.delaware.gov
- Delaware DMV: Vehicle inspections Official · dmv.de.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
- Phone
- (302) 744-2500
- Website
- dmv.de.gov
How bordering states compare
- Maryland Only at sale or first registrationOnly at titling. Maryland requires a safety inspection before a used car is titled and registered, including when sold or brought from another state.
- New Jersey No safety inspectionNew Jersey inspects passenger cars only for emissions, not for safety equipment.
- Pennsylvania Regular safety inspectionPennsylvania requires most vehicles to pass a safety inspection every year.