Pennsylvania requires gasoline powered cars, vans and light-duty trucks (9,000 lbs. or less gross vehicle weight), with a model year 1975 and newer to undergo emissions inspections annually the counties of Allegheny, Beaver, Berks, Blair, Bucks, Cambria, Centre, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Erie, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mercer, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Washington, Westmoreland and York. The emissions inspection is to be completed before or with the annual safety inspection.
Diesel Vehicles:
Diesel vehicles are not tested for emissions.
Exemptions:
1. New vehicles with less than 5,000 miles on the odometer is exempt for one year after the first registration.
2. Any vehicle driven fewer than 5,000 miles during the 12-month period immediately preceding the inspection.
2. Pre-1975 model year vehicles
3. Vehicles with a GVWR of more than 9,000 lbs
4. Vehicles registered as classics, antiques, collectibles, street rods, and specially constructed.
For more information visit: http://www.drivecleanpa.state.pa.us
75 Pennsylvania Statues
§ 157.11. Vehicular noise limits.
(a) Prohibition. No person shall operate either a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles of a type subject to registration at any time or under any condition of grade, load, acceleration or deceleration in such a manner as to exceed the following noise limit for the category of motor vehicle within the speed limits specified in Table 1.
Table 1
Maximum Permissible Sound Level Readings (decibel (A)) Highway operations test
(1) Any motor vehicle with a manufacturers gross vehicle weight rating of 6,000 pounds or more and any combination of vehicles towed by such motor vehicle – Soft Site: 35 mph or less: 86. Above 35 mph: 90. Hard Site: 35 mph or less: 88. Above 35 mph: 92.
(2) Any motorcycle other than a motor-driven cycle – Soft Site: 35 mph or less: 82. Above 35 mph: 86. Hard Site: 35 mph or less: 84. Above 35 mph: 88.
3) Any other motor vehicle and any combination of vehicles towed by such motor vehicles – Soft Site: 35 mph or less: 76. Above 35 mph: 82. Hard Site: 35 mph or less: 78. Above 35 mph: 84.
(b) Measurement distance. The noise limits established by this section shall be based on a distance of 50 feet from the center lane of travel within the speed limit specified in this section. Measurements at distances closer than 50 feet from the center of the lane of travel may be made. In such a case, the measuring device shall be so calibrated as to provide for measurements equivalent to the noise limit established by this section measured at 50 feet.
(c) Trucks. A truck, truck tractor, or bus that is not equipped with an identification plate or marking bearing the name and gross vehicle weight rating of the manufacturer shall be considered as having a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,000 pounds or more if the unladen weight is more than 5,000 pounds.
§ 4523 Exhaust systems, mufflers and noise control.
(a) Compliance with established sound levels. --Every motor vehicle operated on a highway shall be constructed, equipped, maintained and operated so as not to exceed the sound level for the vehicle as prescribed in regulations promulgated by the department. The test procedures and instrumentation to be utilized shall also be established by regulation.
(b) Compliance with exhaust requirements. --In addition to any requirements established under sections 4531 (relating to emission control systems) and 4532 (relating to smoke control for diesel-powered motor vehicles), every motor vehicle shall be constructed, equipped, maintained and operated so as to prevent engine exhaust gases from penetrating and collecting in any part of the vehicle occupied by the driver or passengers.
(c) Mufflers and related equipment. --Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a muffler or other effective noise suppressing system in good working order and in constant operation and no muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device.
(d) Unauthorized modification of equipment. --No person shall modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the motor of the vehicle above the maximum levels permitted under subsection (a) or violate the provisions of subsection (b). Headers and side exhausts are permitted provided the vehicle meets all the requirements of this section.
(e) Fire equipment and racing vehicles. --This section does not apply to fire equipment or to racing vehicles being operated in an organized racing or competitive event conducted under a permit issued by local authorities.
Antique
Available for a motor vehicle, but not a reproduction thereof, manufactured more than 25 years prior to the current year which has been maintained in or restored to a condition which is substantially in conformance with manufacturer specifications.
Classic
Available for a motor vehicle, but not a reproduction thereof, manufactured at least 15 years prior to the current year which has been maintained in or restored to a condition which is substantially in conformity with manufacturer specifications and appearance.
Collectible
Available for a reconstructed or modified motor vehicle substantially modified from the manufacturer’s original specifications and appearances and maintained in a collectible condition as determined by PennDOT.
Historic Military Vehicle
Available for an antique or classic vehicle, including a trailer, that was manufactured for use in any country's military forces and is maintained to represent the vehicle's military design and markings accurately. Permitted use shall be limited to participation in club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, occasional transportation and similar uses. Occasional transportation and similar uses is defined as no more than one day a week.
Street Rod
Available for vehicles manufactured in 1948 or earlier with a gross weight of 9,000 pounds or less, and reproductions of such vehicles, that have been materially altered or modified by the removal, addition or substitution of essential parts.
YOM
Vehicles manufactured in 1906 to 1975 that are registered as "Antique" or "Classic" may display YOM plates with DMV approval.