Failed a Rhode Island Inspection? Here Is What to Do

A failed inspection is common and fixable. You have 30 days for a free retest at the same station, and you are free to choose who repairs the vehicle.

Information checked against official sources on October 24, 2026.

Independent guide. This site is not run by any state DMV, state police or environmental agency, and it is not affiliated with any repair shop or inspection station, including any business with a similar name. Rules and fees change, so confirm anything important with the official source linked at the bottom of each page.

Step by step

1. Read the failure report. The vehicle must pass the safety, emissions and gas cap portions. Any one failing means no sticker yet.
2. Repair the problem. Safety failures must be repaired. Emissions failures must be repaired unless you qualify for one of the waivers described on the cost page. A gas cap failure must be corrected too.
3. Return within 30 days to the same station for your free retest. Going to a different station means paying the full $55 again.

Where to get repairs done

Repairs can be made anywhere, and you can even repair the vehicle yourself. If you may want to apply for a cost limit waiver, have emissions repairs done by a state Certified Inspection Repair Technician (CIRT), because only their labor counts toward the waiver amount.

What a CIRT is

A CIRT is a Rhode Island vehicle inspector who either holds ASE L1 (Advanced Engine Performance) certification or has passed the state CIRT exam and must obtain ASE L1 within two years. Each CIRT has a five-star Repair Effectiveness Index based on how often repaired vehicles pass the first retest, how often they fail, waivers issued and motorist complaints. According to the DMV's analysis, 95% of vehicles repaired by CIRTs pass on their first retest. The program is voluntary and is not an endorsement by the DMV or DEM. The official site has a CIRT directory, and you can call 1-866-OBD-TEST (1-866-623-8378). Confirm that a shop currently employs a CIRT before you book.

Common avoidable failures

• Readiness monitors not set after a battery change or after codes were cleared. This is explained in our OBD-II readiness guide.
• Check engine light on with stored codes.
• Burned-out bulbs, worn wipers or a loose gas cap. Cheap fixes you can do before the first visit.

If you think the inspection was wrong

You can ask for a challenge inspection. Contact the DMV at 401-462-5890.

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