Best states for registration (no emissions + low fees)

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by montrose818, Feb 5, 2026.

  1. Feb 5, 2026 #1
    montrose818

    montrose818 Light Load Member

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    What states do not have emission testing similar to the CARB nonsense and have low registration fees? 32k gvwr truck, 11k gvw, and driving no more than 15k total weight with fuel driver etc.

    I know AZ has emission testing in a couple counties but not others.

    Income tax etc not an issue, asking specifically for emissions and registration. Montana is probably out of question because of how widely used it is and probably triggers a red flag anywhere in the country. I know Wyoming comes up on the list, south dakota?

    Thanks
     
    montrose818, Feb 5, 2026
    montrose818, Feb 5, 2026
    #1
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  3. Feb 5, 2026 #2
    Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    You’ll pay sales tax in South Dakota. If your vehicles haven’t had taxes collected on them SD will charge 3% of the book value when you transfer.
     
    Long FLD, Feb 5, 2026
    Long FLD, Feb 5, 2026
    #2
    Opendeckin and montrose818 Thank this.
  4. Feb 5, 2026 #3
    montrose818

    montrose818 Light Load Member

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    How are the reg fees? is there big diesel smog checks?
     
    montrose818, Feb 5, 2026
    montrose818, Feb 5, 2026
    #3
  5. Feb 5, 2026 #4
    KDHCryo

    KDHCryo Medium Load Member

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    I think Indiana is the lowest base plate fee per GVW..maybe. My tractor is base plated there, but I live in NC and my business is there.

    My base plate fee is 13$/month.

    Asking WhistlinDiesel on Youtube is a bad idea, he just got arrested again for tax evasion on this very issue.
     
    KDHCryo, Feb 5, 2026
    KDHCryo, Feb 5, 2026
    #4
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  7. Feb 5, 2026 #5
    montrose818

    montrose818 Light Load Member

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    I think his was a ferarri in Montana? But I think Montana definitely triggers red flags anywhere
     
    montrose818, Feb 5, 2026
    montrose818, Feb 5, 2026
    #5
  8. Feb 5, 2026 #6
    Opendeckin

    Opendeckin Medium Load Member

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    South Dakota doesn’t want out of staters setting up there anymore. They passed a bunch of laws starting this year specifically to kick all those types off their books.
     
    Opendeckin, Feb 5, 2026
    Opendeckin, Feb 5, 2026
    #6
    montrose818, Concorde, RushmoreTrucker and 1 other person Thank this.
  9. Feb 7, 2026 #7
    RushmoreTrucker

    RushmoreTrucker Light Load Member

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    they made it so annoying that even living in SD, my truck is titled in MN. I'll retitle it when I get the lien taken off.
     
    RushmoreTrucker, Feb 7, 2026
    RushmoreTrucker, Feb 7, 2026
    #7
    Opendeckin Thanks this.
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