Emissions inspections are required for vehicles registered in Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington and Waukesha counties of Wisconsin every other year at the time of license plate renewal. Vehicles more than five model years old require inspection at change of ownership and at time of registration renewal (every two years).
Diesel Vehicles:
All 2007 model year and newer diesel powered vehicles with a GVWR of up to 14,000 lbs are required to undergo emissions inspections.
Exemptions:
1. Vehicles manufactured before 1996
2. The newest 3 model year vehicles
2. Vehicles manufactured after 1996 that are not OBDII-compliant (must be verified at a test station).
3. A motor vehicle of a model year of 2006 or earlier that has a GVWR exceeding 8,500 pounds, and a motor vehicle of a model year of 2007 or later that has a GVWR exceeding 14,000 pounds
4. Vehicles with a registered gross weight over 14,000 lbs.
5. Vehicles registered as special design vehicles, Medal of Honor, and apportioned plates.
6. Electric vehicles
For more information visit:
https://www.wisconsinvip.org
Wisconsin
§ 347.39. Mufflers.
(1) No person shall operate on a highway any motor vehicle subject to registration unless such motor vehicle is equipped with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent any excessive or unusual noise or annoying smoke. This subsection also applies to motor bicycles.
(2) No muffler or exhaust system on any vehicle mentioned in sub. (1) shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device nor shall there be installed in the exhaust system of any such vehicle any device to ignite exhaust gases so as to produce flame within or without the exhaust system. No person shall modify the exhaust system of any such motor vehicle in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the motor of such vehicle above that emitted by the muffler originally installed on the vehicle, and such original muffler shall comply with all the requirements of this section.
(3) In this section, "muffler" means a device consisting of a series of chambers of baffle plates or other mechanical design for receiving exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine and which is effective in reducing noise.
Antique
Available for vehicles manufactured in 1945 or earlier that have not been altered or modified from original manufacturer specifications, and which cannot be used for general transportation.
Collector
Available for vehicles that are at least 20 years old, being preserved because of their historical interest, and have no body alterations. The owner of a collector vehicle must own or lease at least one other vehicle registered in Wisconsin as a regular passenger vehicle to be used for general transportation.
Collector Special
The owners of one or more vehicles registered with collector plates can obtain Collector Special (CLS) license plates for their other vehicles that are used for general transportation.
Historic Military
Available for vehicles manufactured for use in any country’s military forces and maintained to accurately represent their military design and markings with no alterations. Does not include tracked vehicles. Historic military vehicles manufactured for the U.S. may be of any age, imported historic military vehicles must be at least 25 years old. Historic Military vehicle registration allows for operation to and from special occasions, such as parades, display events, club activities, exhibitions and tours.
Hobbyist
Available for vehicles that meet the requirements for "Street Modified," "Replica," "Reconstructed," or "Homemade" vehicles:
Street Modified
- At least 20 years old.
- May have body modifications.
- May still resemble the original year and make of the vehicle.
- Are more commonly known as "hot rods" or "street rods."
Replica
- Are reproductions of vehicles originally made by another manufacturer.
- Must replicate a vehicle model that is at least 20 years old.
Reconstructed
- Must be constructed from a vehicle that is at least 20 years old.
- Must no longer resemble the original vehicle.
- Application materials must include a bill of sale for all major parts used in the construction of the vehicle.
- If the vehicle qualifies, it must pass a safety and equipment inspection with the Wisconsin State Patrol.
Homemade
- The vehicle must have been constructed from new or used parts with a body and frame not originating from or resembling a previously manufactured motor vehicle.
- May need an inspection by a Wisconsin State Patrol inspector. You will receive a letter requesting an inspection, if needed.
YOM
Collector vehicles manufactured before 1979 and vehicles registered as "Antique" may display YOM plates under use limitations with DMV approval. The department-issued plates and registration must be carried within the vehicle at all times.