{"id":352640,"date":"2016-04-04T10:42:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:42:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/consumer\/lemon-law\/car-inspection-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-03-28T09:21:55","modified_gmt":"2024-03-28T14:21:55","slug":"car-inspection-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/car-inspection-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Vehicle Safety Inspection Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Vehicle Safety Inspection Laws<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/natalie-moritz\/\">Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            March 28, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>Most states have car inspection requirements to check carbon emission levels, general safety standards, or both,&nbsp;either at regular intervals or for first-time registered vehicles only.<\/p>\r\n<p>Vehicle inspections are important because they promote driver and roadway safety and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/drivers-license-vehicle-info\/state-emissions-standards-and-testing.html\">protect the environment from excessive pollutants<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>The following is an overview of laws and requirements for safety and emissions standards that vehicle owners should know. Check with your local&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/drivers-license-vehicle-info\/state-dmv-offices\/\">Department of Motor Vehicles<\/a>&nbsp;(DMV) for specific requirements in your state.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Vehicle Inspection Laws: State Law Examples<\/h2>\r\n<p>Safety and emissions testing rules vary by state. Many states that use emissions testing,&nbsp;also called a&nbsp;smog&nbsp;test,&nbsp;limit it to densely populated metropolitan areas and exclude&nbsp;newer&nbsp;vehicles from these requirements.<\/p>\r\n<p>Most states offer several categories of exemptions. For example:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>California <\/b>requires biennial smog testing&nbsp;for vehicles&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-registration\/smog-inspections\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">older than eight model years<\/a>. Motorcycles are exempt as well.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Maryland <\/b>doesn&#8217;t require emissions testing for vehicles registered to senior citizens&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/mva.maryland.gov\/about-mva\/Pages\/info\/58000VEI\/58000-07T.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">over 70 years old<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li>Only the most populous counties in <b>Missouri<\/b>, <b>Texas<\/b>, and <b>Illinois <\/b>require inspections for carbon emissions.<\/li>\r\n<li>Certain counties in <b>Texas&nbsp;<\/b>require annual emissions testing for gasoline-powered vehicles&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dps.texas.gov\/section\/vehicle-inspection\/vehicle-inspection-program-overview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">between two and 24 years old.<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><b>Minnesota&nbsp;<\/b>requires safety and emissions testing for&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dps.mn.gov\/divisions\/msp\/commercial-vehicles\/Pages\/mandatory-inspection-program-mip.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">certain commercial vehicles<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The Illinois Air Team Vehicle Emissions Testing Program offers a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/illinoisairteam.net\/vehicle-eligibility-check-tool\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vehicle Eligibility Check Tool<\/a>&nbsp;on its website. Illinois owners can use their vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number to see if and when their vehicle is due for an emissions test.<\/p>\r\n<p>FindLaw&#8217;s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/drivers-license-vehicle-info\/state-emissions-standards-and-testing.html\">Smog Laws by State<\/a>&nbsp;page links to each state&#8217;s vehicle emission testing requirements, where applicable.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Vehicle Inspection Laws: Emissions<\/h2>\r\n<p>While car manufacturers must adhere to&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.epa.gov\/otaq\/standards\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">federal emission standards<\/a>, cars already on the road are subject to periodic smog testing.<\/p>\r\n<p>Your vehicle&#8217;s On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system provides real-time diagnostics of its emissions-related components, including:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Catalytic converters<\/li>\r\n<li>Oxygen sensors<\/li>\r\n<li>Exhaust systems<\/li>\r\n<li>Evaporative emissions systems<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The OBD system also checks for malfunctions that could lead to increased emissions.<\/p>\r\n<p>If your vehicle fails its emissions test, some states allow you to retake it after getting serviced.<\/p>\r\n<p>Some vehicles can be classified as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.smogtips.com\/gross_polluter.cfm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">gross polluters<\/a>&nbsp;if they produce twice the emissions limit. Gross polluters are subject to a different testing procedure or must be taken out of use permanently.<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/drivers-license-vehicle-info\/state-emissions-standards-and-testing.html\">Some states<\/a>&nbsp;have no car inspection mandate for carbon emissions, including:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Florida<\/li>\r\n<li>Kansas<\/li>\r\n<li>Michigan<\/li>\r\n<li>South Carolina<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Most states with emissions testing requirements&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/drivers-license-vehicle-info\/state-emissions-standards-and-testing.html\">vary by county or city<\/a>, such as:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Oklahoma<\/li>\r\n<li>New Mexico<\/li>\r\n<li>Nevada<\/li>\r\n<li>Missouri<\/li>\r\n<li>Indiana<\/li>\r\n<li>Illinois<\/li>\r\n<li>Texas<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Other states,&nbsp;including New Jersey and Connecticut,&nbsp;require emissions testing for all vehicles.<\/p>\r\n<p>Most states also have different standards for cars over a certain age. Examples include&nbsp;older&nbsp;vehicles&nbsp;like classic cars or antiques, as well as certain types of vehicles:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Motorcycles<\/li>\r\n<li>Electric cars<\/li>\r\n<li>Motorhomes<\/li>\r\n<li>Diesel-powered vehicles<\/li>\r\n<li>Light trucks<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Emission testing fees often&nbsp;range from $15 to $50.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Vehicle Inspection Laws: Safety<\/h2>\r\n<p>Some states have specific safety inspection requirements, either for first registrations or on a regular basis. An annual safety inspection is the most common requirement, with more frequent safety inspections for school buses, motor coaches, and transit buses.<\/p>\r\n<p>As with emissions testing, many states allow exemptions for newer cars or require safety testing for out-of-state vehicles. Some require testing for the first year of registration only.<\/p>\r\n<p>Check with&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/drivers-license-vehicle-info\/state-dmv-offices\/\">your local DMV<\/a>&nbsp;for specifics. In general, car inspections related to safety standards check the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Lights<\/li>\r\n<li>Brakes<\/li>\r\n<li>Horn<\/li>\r\n<li>Windshield wipers<\/li>\r\n<li>Seat belts<\/li>\r\n<li>Tires<\/li>\r\n<li>Suspension and shocks<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>If you fail a safety inspection, it&#8217;s typical to be&nbsp;required to fix your vehicle, such as&nbsp;getting new brakes or replacing a burned-out headlight. You must fix the vehicle issue before the state will renew your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/driving-without-valid-vehicle-registration.html\">vehicle registration<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>Some states, like Hawaii,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/fines.html\">fine car owners<\/a>&nbsp;who fail a safety inspection.<\/p>\r\n<p>Most states allow state police officers to inspect vehicles during roadside stops if they&nbsp;believe&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/mechanical-violations.html\">the automobile is unsafe<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>Expect to pay around $50 for your vehicle&#8217;s safety inspection.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Where To Complete Safety and Emissions Inspections<\/h2>\r\n<p>Some states maintain government-operated inspection sites, while others&nbsp;like Massachusetts&nbsp;outsource inspections to private mechanics.<\/p>\r\n<p>Motorists in Washington, D.C. can use&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dmv.dc.gov\/page\/self-service-vehicle-emissions-inspection-kiosk-takoma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">self-service stations<\/a>&nbsp;to complete their emissions testing.<\/p>\r\n<p>Some states also use recognized emissions repair facilities that&nbsp;vehicles can use to fix emissions issues. States that use these often have a facilities locator on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/drivers-license-vehicle-info\/state-dmv-offices.html\">their DMV website<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>Your vehicle registration renewal notice may also include information about where to complete safety and emissions testing. It may list licensed inspection stations or provide instructions for scheduling an inspection.<\/p>\r\n<p>Some states issue an inspection sticker you adhere to your vehicle after it passes inspection.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Safety and Emissions Testing Before Buying a Car<\/h2>\r\n<p>For the most part,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/buying-or-leasing-a-car-general-tips.html\">new cars<\/a>&nbsp;will far exceed any state&#8217;s safety emissions standards. When&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/tips-for-buying-a-used-car.html\">buying used cars<\/a>, it&#8217;s a good idea to have a third party inspect the vehicle before purchasing. In some states, the buyer can&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/how-to-get-out-of-a-car-purchase.html\">cancel the sale of an automobile<\/a>, even&nbsp;for&nbsp;new vehicles, if&nbsp;it fails a required car inspection.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Questions About Vehicle Safety Laws? Talk to an Attorney<\/h2>\r\n<p>Vehicle inspection laws are&nbsp;transparent and&nbsp;don&#8217;t often&nbsp;require legal action. Some situations are complicated, and you may want expert advice about state inspections. Contact a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/traffic-violations\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">traffic law attorney<\/a>&nbsp;in your area for more information. An attorney knowledgeable about your state&#8217;s safety and emissions inspection program can help.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Consumer legal issues typically need an attorney&#8217;s support\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    You can hire an attorney to enforce your rights for safe products, fair transactions, and legal credit, banking and related financial matters\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Legal cases for identity theft, scams, or the Equal Credit Opportunity Act can be complicated and slow. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/consumer-protection\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:0803\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law.html\">\n                        Lemon Law\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/online-scams.html\">\n                        Online Scams\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/travel-rules-and-rights.html\">\n                        Rights to Travel\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/lemon-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lemon Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/professional-malpractice-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Professional Malpractice Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/personal-injury-plaintiff\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Personal Injury Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/products-liability-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Products Liability Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/credit-repair\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Credit Repair Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/debtor-creditor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Debtor and Creditor Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/consumer-protection\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Consumer Protection Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Most states have car inspection requirements to check carbon emission levels, general safety standards, or both\u2014either at regular intervals or for first-time registrants only. Learn about smog laws, federal emissions standards, vehicle registrations, and much more at FindLaw.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":352630,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2732],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-352640","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-consumer"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352640","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=352640"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352640\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352630"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=352640"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=352640"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=352640"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=352640"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=352640"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}