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If you haven’t kept up with Tennessee state law regarding car inspections, you may wonder whether you still need to find a car inspection near me. On August 17, 2021, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation announced that emissions testing in several Tennessee counties, including Williamson County, ended. While classic cars do not need official inspections in TN, we still suggest inspections by qualified technicians, followed by regular maintenance, to preserve their value. 

Your Car’s Emissions System: An Overview

Emissions problems are one of the primary things identified through a motor vehicle inspection and are still worth checking for even if they’re not mandated. Your car’s emission control system limits the amount of noxious gas released from your vehicle into the environment. Your classic consists of several different components that release various gases into the air, including:

• Carburetor

• Fuel tank

• Crankcase

• Exhaust

These components are essential elements for your classic car to run smoothly and efficiently. Many vehicles have what’s known as an EVAP system, which controls and isolates the gases within a closed system. This system consists of:

• Fuel fill cap

• Fuel tank vapor control valve

• Evaporative canister purge valve

• Fuel tank pressure sensor

Signs of Emission Trouble

There are many signs that a classic car needs emissions work. Symptoms of issues with your car’s emissions system include:

• Emissions control light illuminated

• Performance loss

• Consuming more gasoline than normal

• Smell or fuel inside or outside your car 

For answers to all your classic car questions — buying, selling, maintenance, parts, and more — visit Alexander Automotive. In addition to our carefully curated inventory, we can refer you to trustworthy professionals who will give your classic the care it deserves.

When you visit Alexander Automotive, it's hard not to be swayed by our classic cars for sale near Nashville, TN. Who doesn’t want to own an eye-catching set of wheels? We’re outlining everything you need to know about registering a classic car.

What is Considered a Classic Car? 

Before considering the requirements to register a classic car, you should determine whether your car is a classic. In order to qualify, your vehicle must meet each of the state’s requirements:

• Must be over 25 years old

• Cannot have had its body or engine modified

• Can only be used as a collector’s item for exhibits, clubs, parades, etc.

• Not for general transportation, excepting Saturdays and Sundays

Do You Need to Register a Classic Car? 

Owners of a classic car in Tennessee can apply for antique tags. You’ll have to get an application, which will be reviewed to ensure the vehicle is applicable. If approved, you will receive a license plate with the word “ANTIQUE” in capital letters across the bottom and the traditional uniquely identifying numbers. 

How Often Do You Register a Classic Car? 

Registering a classic car is unlike registering a new vehicle. Once you receive an antique tag for your car, the registration is valid as long as you own the vehicle, so renewal is not required. It’s important to note that if you violate any of the antique tag requirements, you will forfeit your antique motor vehicle registration and will not be able to reapply for five years from the date of the violation. 

Do you still have questions? We’d love to answer any questions you may have. Reach out to our car dealership in Franklin, TN, today – we love talking cars!