Each state in the U.S. has the ability to enact its own requirements for vehicle safety and emissions.
Unlike most of the country, Michigan is rather lenient when it comes to its requirements. Michigan isn’t among the seven states that require no vehicle inspections at all. However, it only requires them for very rare scenarios.
You only need to get a vehicle inspected in Michigan if it’s deemed a salvage vehicle. Unless your vehicle is built from scrapped or salvaged parts, you won’t need to get it inspected.
There could be changes to this in the future, though, depending on the air quality in certain parts of the state.
Emissions Standards
Michigan doesn’t require emissions testing for any vehicles, under state law. However, this hasn’t always been the case.
Emissions from all vehicles except for trucks were actually tested throughout the Detroit region up until 1995.
The Clean Air Act requires certain regions to have inspection and maintenance programs. These are required in metropolitan areas that don’t to meet air quality standards. The federal government sets these standards, and they update them every so often.
That is why Detroit was subjected to auto emissions testing on and off until roughly 25 years ago. Parts of western Michigan were also set to start emissions testing in the late 1990s. That never came to fruition, though
The state even built emissions testing facilities to complete the test. The program never began, though. The state came to an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency.
The federal government requires emissions testing on vehicles if pollution rises too high. This is often a concern in the Detroit region. The area has been implementing pollution-reducing measures for years now.
In the meantime, the state posts air quality reports on its website.
Inspection Exemptions
Michigan exempts alternative fuel vehicles from the inspection requirements. To qualify for this exemption, the vehicle must use alternative fuel as the main fuel source.
This includes electric vehicles and those powered by compressed natural gas, propane and diesel fuel.
This is a nice benefit of owning an alternative fuel vehicle. Unfortunately, Michigan doesn’t offer tax incentives for people who own an eco-friendly vehicle.
There are federal tax incentives available, though, for Michigan drivers of eco-friendly vehicles. There are federal tax credit for plug-in hybrids, hybrids and electric cars.
Auto Insurance Discounts
You can qualify for auto insurance discounts for eco-friendly or green vehicles. While not all auto insurance companies offer this discount, some do. So, check with your current auto insurance company to see if they offer any discounts.
As always, the policies from one auto insurance company to the next can vary greatly. Some companies offer as much as a 10% discount on policies for eco-friendly vehicles. Higher discounts could be available if you keep your annual driving mileage on the lower end.
Charging Incentives
The list of benefits for electric vehicles doesn’t stop there. Consumers Energy and Indiana Michigan Power offer incentives for plug-in electric vehicles.
Both companies offer a reduced rate for charging during off-peak hours.
You can also qualify for a rebate of up to $2,500 if you install a charging station at your home. This makes charging your plug-in vehicle more convenient. It makes it safer, too, when compared to plugging it in a normal electrical outlet.
Vehicle Registration
All vehicles have to be registered with the Michigan Secretary of State. When you get a vehicle from a dealership, that dealership will handle the paperwork for you.
If you obtained the car in another fashion, you will need to register it on your own. To do so, you will need to provide some documentation about the vehicle.
You’ll need a copy of the vehicle title and a driver’s license. You also have to have proof of auto insurance as well as payment for the registration. The Secretary of State’s office provides the registration requirements on its website.
Work with a Trusted Auto Insurance Company
You won’t need to get your vehicle inspected in Michigan. But, state law requires all vehicles to be insured before they can be registered. There are many auto insurance companies to choose from in Michigan. Sometimes, it can be confusing to wade through all the noise.
Drivers now have more choices for personal injury protection coverages, too. It’s more important than ever, now, to work with a trusted auto insurance company that has your best outcomes in mind.
Signature Insurance has been serving auto insurance customers in Michigan for years. Our experienced agents have the expertise necessary to guide you through all the nuances of the state’s auto insurance laws. We also provide quality coverage at a great price, with outstanding customer service.
Call Signature Insurance today to get the great auto insurance plan you need.