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Which states have their own commercial vehicle inspection programs?

FMCSA lists the states whose periodic inspection programs it accepts in place of the federal annual. If your vehicle is required to be inspected under one of those programs, you must use the state program; a private inspection won't substitute. Among the states we cover in detail, that list includes California, Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Not sure which route applies?

Tell us your registration state and vehicle when you book. We check for a state program before you pay.

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Which states run inspection programs FMCSA accepts?

The rule: FMCSA-accepted state inspection programs in our state guides. Last reviewed: October 13, 2026.
StateOn FMCSA's accepted list? (73 FR 63040, 2008)What it means
CaliforniaYesVehicles covered by California's program follow it, including BIT 90-day inspections
IllinoisYesCertificate of Safety vehicles use official testing stations or approved fleet programs
New JerseyYesVehicles in NJ's state inspection go to NJMVC or licensed private facilities
OhioYes (bus program)Buses are inspected by the Ohio State Highway Patrol
PennsylvaniaYesPA-registered vehicles use official PennDOT inspection stations
TexasYesTexas-registered covered vehicles use DPS-certified stations
Florida, Georgia, Indiana, North CarolinaNoFederal annual by a qualified inspector

What is the full list of accepted state programs?

The 2008 FMCSA notice lists: Alabama (LPG Board), California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin (73 FR 63040).

A state being on the list doesn't mean every vehicle in that state goes through the program. Each program covers certain vehicle classes, usually those registered in the state. Check your state page for what it covers.

What does a state program mean for you?

  1. 01

    Find your registration state.

    Programs usually depend on where the vehicle is registered, not where it is parked.

  2. 02

    Check whether your vehicle is covered.

    If your vehicle must be inspected under the state program, use it. A carrier can't self-inspect a vehicle that is subject to a state program under 396.23.

  3. 03

    If not covered, use a federal annual.

    A qualified inspector completes the federal annual. Who can inspect.

  4. 04

    Let us check before you pay.

    Bright Inspect confirms whether a state program applies to your vehicle before you pay for an inspection.

Frequently asked questions

Only if your vehicle isn't required to be inspected under that program. If it is covered, the state program is the route; a private inspection won't substitute.

A federal annual inspection is valid in every state. Problems come up when your vehicle is registered in a state that requires its own program, such as Pennsylvania.

For the federal rule, an accepted state program inspection counts for 12 months from the last day of the month it was done (396.17(f)). Some state programs require inspections more often. How long it's good for.

Need your annual inspection done?

Book an inspection where your vehicle is parked. Same-day slots, a digital record within 60 minutes, and no shop day.

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