Georgia § 12-9-51 - Emission inspection required for motor vehicle registration; operation without registration; improper reuse.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 12-9-51 — Emission inspection required for motor vehicle registration; operation without registration; improper reuse., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-9-51. Emission inspection required for motor vehicle registration; operation without registration; improper reuse.
Beginning July 1, 1992, it shall be unlawful for any county to and no county shall register any responsible motor vehicle subject to any requirement under Code Section 12-9-45 pursuant to or subject to the requirements of Chapter 2 of Title 40 without proof of a valid certificate of emission inspection issued pursuant to Code Section 12-9-48 indicating that such responsible motor vehicle satisfied all applicable requirements of Code Section 12-9-45 and Code Section 12-9-48. In applying for a motor vehicle registration for a responsible motor vehicle subject to any requirement under Code Section 12-9-45, the application shall be accompanied by proof of the issuance of a certificate of emission inspection issued pursuant to Code Section 12-9-48. Any county which registers any responsible motor vehicle without proof of a certificate of emission inspection shall be in violation of this article. It shall be unlawful to and no person shall operate a responsible motor vehicle subject to any requirement under Code Section 12-9-45 on the roadways of this state without a valid registration issued in compliance with this article. Any person who operates a responsible motor vehicle subject to any requirement under Code Section 12-9-45 on the roadways of this state without a valid registration issued in compliance with this article shall be considered to be operating an unregistered motor vehicle. The board may provide for a procedure to be implemented by each county to ensure that certificates of emission inspection are not improperly reused. (Code 1981, § 12-9-51 , enacted by Ga. L. 1992, p. 918, § 2; Ga. L. 1996, p. 336, § 10.)
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 12-9-51
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 12-9-51 cover?
Section 12-9-51 ("Emission inspection required for motor vehicle registration; operation without registration; improper reuse.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 12-9-51?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 12-9-51" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 12-9-51 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.