Rhode Island Revs Up: EPA Approves Snazzier Smog Tests for Drivers
Published Date: 11/18/2025
Rule
Summary
Rhode Island’s updated car inspection rules just got the EPA’s thumbs-up! Starting December 18, 2025, drivers will follow clearer, modernized testing that focuses on onboard diagnostics to keep air cleaner. This means smoother inspections with no extra costs, helping everyone breathe easier and stay on the road hassle-free.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Rhode Island switches to OBD-focused inspections
If you drive in Rhode Island, beginning December 18, 2025 your vehicle inspection will follow the State's amended Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance program that focuses primarily on Onboard Diagnostics (OBD) testing and clarifies testing requirements. The rule removes obsolete references and modernizes test procedures; the EPA approval states these changes result in smoother inspections with no extra costs.
EPA finds no significant small-business cost
EPA certified that approving Rhode Island's amended I/M program does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and does not impose additional requirements beyond those in state law. The SIP revision (submitted December 20, 2023) is incorporated into the SIP and is federally enforceable as of December 18, 2025.
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