TIS, it's more of a general pollution thing. I think every state should require it, as well as making sure your car is safe enough to be on the road (wheel alignment, working lights, good brakes, valid papers, etc). We don't pay for inspections, and cannot believe they make you do it -- ours are state run, so it's free, but you most likely need to wait in line for a loooong-ass time when it's busy.