Car Registration and State Emissions Test (Allentown, Penn: home, transfer, purchase)

[Elder18]

So, I have to register my car with the Penn. DMV since my tags have expired.

Do I need to get an emissions test done before I can do this? If so, what do I need to bring to the DMV proving I've had my emissions checked?

I think it's pretty lame that I have to do this since my wife and I are basically already planning on leaving Pennsylvania in less than a year, but I'm guessing I've got no choice but to fork over money for a silly test to come mechanic who will probably try to rip me off.

[PApisces]

Originally Posted by Elder18

So, I have to register my car with the Penn. DMV since my tags have expired.

Do I need to get an emissions test done before I can do this? If so, what do I need to bring to the DMV proving I've had my emissions checked?

I think it's pretty lame that I have to do this since my wife and I are basically already planning on leaving Pennsylvania in less than a year, but I'm guessing I've got no choice but to fork over money for a silly test to come mechanic who will probably try to rip me off.

Are you living in Allegheny county? I was researching the very same issues for my return home this month. My family and family mechanic are in Venango County which does not require emmissions testing. Sadly, the car will be registered in Allegheny though, so I will have to as well.

There is a list of counties that require emmissions somewhere on the Penndot site. i am too tired to find it for you right now though. lol

[Maaz]

Originally Posted by Elder18

So, I have to register my car with the Penn. DMV since my tags have expired.

Do I need to get an emissions test done before I can do this? If so, what do I need to bring to the DMV proving I've had my emissions checked?

I think it's pretty lame that I have to do this since my wife and I are basically already planning on leaving Pennsylvania in less than a year, but I'm guessing I've got no choice but to fork over money for a silly test to come mechanic who will probably try to rip me off.

You live in Allegheny County so Emissions inspection is required. State (Safety) and Emissions inspections must be done within 10 days after registering the car. However, there is a possibility that they may request a VIN number verification when tranferring a car from out of state. While the rates for each inspection vary a little, there is a maximum rate for each test. I don't remember what they are off hand. I wouldn't expect to spend more than $60 for both tests though.

[wandrew]

Considering an opportunity in the Lehigh Valley region. I have a car with no catalytic converters, no egr, windshield wash reservoir and highly modified. Currently in Kentucky, this is not an issue. From my research on the subject, it is possible to get an exemption if the vehicle is driven less than 5,000 miles a year. This car is a 1995 model and since it's purchase in 2003, has not been driven more than 3,000 miles a year. Anyone with experience in this? The car is a toy. We currently share a commute, so I would purchase another car to drive daily either on or before relocation. This car would be tested and get an emissions sticker. Are the shops mechanics honest? My neighbor lived in Allentown a long time ago and mentioned he was replacing ball joints and control arm bushings all the time in PA. He has never had to do so in any other state. I am an engineer by trade and have automotive experience/knowledge so I would not approve unnecessary repairs. If one shop requires repair, I would get a second opinion and or do the work myself. Any advice, experience and input is appreciated.

[Maaz]

Originally Posted by wandrew

Considering an opportunity in the Lehigh Valley region. I have a car with no catalytic converters, no egr, windshield wash reservoir and highly modified. Currently in Kentucky, this is not an issue. From my research on the subject, it is possible to get an exemption if the vehicle is driven less than 5,000 miles a year. This car is a 1995 model and since it's purchase in 2003, has not been driven more than 3,000 miles a year. Anyone with experience in this? The car is a toy. We currently share a commute, so I would purchase another car to drive daily either on or before relocation. This car would be tested and get an emissions sticker. Are the shops mechanics honest? My neighbor lived in Allentown a long time ago and mentioned he was replacing ball joints and control arm bushings all the time in PA. He has never had to do so in any other state. I am an engineer by trade and have automotive experience/knowledge so I would not approve unnecessary repairs. If one shop requires repair, I would get a second opinion and or do the work myself. Any advice, experience and input is appreciated.

When you register a car in Pennsylvania that was previously registered in another state, you need to get both the state and emissions inspection, regardless of how many miles were driven in the past (There might be an exemption for brand new cars). If you drive less than 5,000 miles when your next inspection is due (After you've been here a year), the emission will be exempt.

A mechanic has to follow the law and only give you the reasons for failing an inspection and offer you a price to fix the problems. If he is dishonest, he may say you need some unnecessary repairs, but this would generally not be for inspection purposes.

[pghquest]

Originally Posted by Elder18

So, I have to register my car with the Penn. DMV since my tags have expired.

Do I need to get an emissions test done before I can do this? If so, what do I need to bring to the DMV proving I've had my emissions checked?

I think it's pretty lame that I have to do this since my wife and I are basically already planning on leaving Pennsylvania in less than a year, but I'm guessing I've got no choice but to fork over money for a silly test to come mechanic who will probably try to rip me off.

You can file your registration online.. Do it now because you get a receipt now, and if you drive without it.. its a $107.50 fine, trust me on this one (as I write the check now to the state)

[Maaz]

Originally Posted by pghquest

You can file your registration online.. Do it now because you get a receipt now, and if you drive without it.. its a $107.50 fine, trust me on this one (as I write the check now to the state)

I think he is transferring his car from out of state. As far as I know, you can only renew an existing Pennsylvania registration online.