Illinois Car Inspection Laws

Owning a car in Illinois comes with a variety of routine responsibilities. You’ll need to renew your registration every year, and you’ll have to maintain a current driver’s license if you plan to drive that car. But did you know that you may also have to get your car inspected on a regular basis?

Depending on which county you live in and what sort of vehicle you drive, you may be subject to a routine vehicle inspection. Read on to discover Ilinois’s car inspection laws and learn how to get your car inspected. Contact Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers or call us at (312) 929-2884 if you need further legal assistance. Your first consultation is free.

How Our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Can Help

How Our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help

If you’ve been hurt in an injury with a vehicle that didn’t pass inspection, you could be entitled to compensation. When you hire Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers, we can protect you from blame for the car accident and help you get a full and fair settlement offer.

A Chicago car accident attorney will

  • Review your case to make sure it will be viable in a court of law
  • Gather evidence to support your claim, including police reports, witness statements, medical records, and so on
  • Negotiate with the insurance company out of court to get you a fair offer. This may include sending a demand letter and working to reach an agreement that works for everyone
  • Fight for you in court if the insurance company refuses to settle

Schedule a free consultation with us today to discuss the details of your case.

Who Has to Get Their Vehicles Inspected in Chicago, IL?

In Illinois, only residents of certain counties have to get their vehicles inspected. This inspection is focused on controlling smog levels around major cities – particularly Chicago. Vehicles have to pass an emissions test that ensures they aren’t putting out more than their fair share of pollution.

There are ten counties in Illinois that are subject to vehicle inspection requirements.

  • Cook
  • Dupage
  • Kane
  • Kendall
  • Lake
  • Madison
  • McHenry
  • Monroe
  • St. Clair
  • Will

If you live in one of these counties and own a road-worthy vehicle, you’ll have to get your car inspected.

How Often Do You Have to Get an Inspection in Chicago, IL?

Although inspections can be annoying to deal with, the good news is that you don’t have to get your car inspected every year. Illinois car inspections are valid for two years, so you’ll only have to worry about this every other year. And if you buy a new car, you won’t need to worry about getting your car inspected for the first four years after it’s manufactured.

Where to Get Your Car Inspected in Chicago, IL

There are several locations around the state where you can get your car inspected. You can search for a location near you on the Illinois Air Team’s website. You can also check the wait times on locations near you to help streamline your inspection process.

Exemptions to Inspection Requirements

There are a few vehicles that aren’t subject to the same inspection regulations as most Illinois vehicles. For example, if you have a fully electric car, you obviously don’t have to worry about emissions. Diesel-powered vehicles are also exempt, as are motorcycles and electric bicycles.

If you have an older car, you may not need to get it inspected every two years. If your car was made in 1967 or earlier, or if it’s certified as an antique or custom vehicle, you won’t be subject to the same inspection requirements.

What Happens If You Fail an Inspection in Chicago, IL?

So what happens if your vehicle doesn’t pass one of its emissions checks? In most cases, you’ll need to get your car repaired and then re-inspected. If you don’t have a mechanic already, your inspector may be able to recommend a shop that can perform the needed repairs.

In some cases, your car may be rejected during an inspection, rather than passed or failed. A rejection means either that you’re trying to get a vehicle inspected that isn’t subject to inspection laws or that you’re bringing your vehicle in for inspection too early. Your inspector can let you know if you need to bring your vehicle back for inspection at a later date.

What to Do If You’re Injured by a Dangerous Vehicle in Chicago, IL

Although Illinois inspections focus on emissions, there are larger issues vehicles may have that make them unsafe to operate. Drivers have a responsibility to maintain their car in good working order. If they fail to do so and their car causes a car accident, they could be on the hook for any damage that results from the crash.

If you’ve been injured in a wreck with a dangerous vehicle, you need a good personal injury lawyer on your side. An attorney can gather evidence showing that the other driver’s negligence in maintaining their vehicle caused your accident. This can help you get the maximum settlement you’re entitled to.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today With A Chicago Auto Accident Lawyers

Part of maintaining your vehicle in good working order is making sure it can pass an Illinois emissions test. You’ll need to get your vehicle inspected every two years if you live in one of the relevant counties. There are a few exceptions to this rule, including electric vehicles and cars made before 1967.

If you’ve been injured in a Chicago car accident, Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers are ready to go to bat for you. Our personal injury lawyers have years of experience fighting for the citizens of Illinois. Schedule a free consultation with us today to start getting the representation you deserve in your case.

Our legal team handles all types of car accidents, including:

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