In Arizona
, residents must get a smog check for their vehicle when registering their car in the state for the first time. Otherwise, most vehicles—but not all—in the Phoenix
and Tucson metro areas require emissions testing every other year. In 1977, Congress passed an amendment to the Clean Air Act requiring states to implement vehicle emissions inspection programs in cities where federal air quality standards were not being met. Each state has its own requirements that can vary depending on the type of vehicle you drive, and where you live.
To help you understand your state’s emissions rules, the car insurance
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What are the vehicle inspection requirements in Arizona?
When new residents register a vehicle in Arizona for the first time, they are required to get an emissions inspection. This helps the state keep its air clean and ensures all vehicles adhere to Arizona’s emissions regulations.
Besides mandatory emissions tests for new residents, drivers in Phoenix and Tucson are required to get smog checks, but both the type of test and their frequency depend on location as well as on what kind of vehicle you drive.
If you are living, working, or studying and using a motor vehicle in the Phoenix metro area, you’ll need to get a smog check every two years for a motor vehicle that:
Is from the model year 1981 or later
Weighs less than 8,500 lbs
You’ll need to get an emissions test for your vehicle in the Phoenix metro area every year if:
The vehicle is from the model years 1967 to 1980
The diesel-powered vehicle is from the model year 1967 or later
The vehicle weighs more than 8,500 lbs
The vehicle Is a 4 x 4 or traction control model from the model years 1981 to 1985 and weighs less than 8,500 lbs
These tests all cost $16.
If you are living, working, or studying and using a motor vehicle in the Tucson metro area, emissions inspections are required every other year if:
The vehicle is from the model year 1996 or later
You’ll need to get an emissions test for your vehicle in the Tucson metro area every year if:
The vehicle is from the model years 1967 to 1995 and weighs less than 8,500 lbs
The vehicle is a heavy-duty vehicle weighing more than 8,500 lbs
The diesel vehicle is from the model year 1967 or later
These tests all cost $12.25
If your vehicle doesn’t pass its emissions test, bring it to an approved Voluntary Vehicle Repair Program (VVRP)
facility to get it fixed, and then bring it in for a re-test. The repairs before the re-test will be covered by the VVRP facility. Four types of emissions test in the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP)
Arizona utilizes four types of tests to check vehicle emissions. The tests are as follows.
Most vehicles in Arizona are put through this test—the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) must match ownership documents
Vehicle is placed on a dynamometer, and staff drive at various speeds to simulate city conditions
Emissions are measured in grams per mile
Most vehicles from 1981 to 1995 and weighing less than 8,500 lbs in Phoenix take this test
Any out-of-state vehicles without proof of insurance or registration take this test when brought to Arizona
Steady State Loaded/Idle Test
For most vehicles from the model years 1967 to 1995 in Tucson weighing more than 8,500 lbs
For most gasoline-powered vehicles in Phoenix from the model years 1967 to 1980 weighing more than 8,500 lbs
Based on vehicle class, it is tested at higher speeds, ranging from 25 to 30 miles per hour
Test results are measured as a percentage or in parts per million
Onboard Diagnostic (OBDII) Test
For Arizona vehicles from model years 1996 or later weighing less than 8,500 lbs
Diagnostic computer in vehicle reads the engine’s operating data
Vehicle’s emissions control system performance is analyzed
Test uses an opacity meter, which measures the level of opacity in vehicle’s exhaust
Vehicles are placed on dynamometer under load
For all diesel vehicles weighing less than 8,500 lbs in Arizona
For all diesel vehicles in Tucson metro area
All diesel vehicles weighing more than 8,500 lbs take the snap acceleration test
Vehicle is placed in neutral or park
Gas is pressed to increase RPMs to maximum level allowed
Opacity monitor placed on tailpipe measures vehicle’s exhaust opacity
Inspections for Tampering
If tampering of a vehicle is suspected, Arizona Emissions personnel will conduct a visual inspection focusing on the following:
Positive crankcase ventilation system
Evaporative control system
Emissions personnel may conduct an evaporative system integrity (pressure) test if warranted.
Exceptions to the state requirements
Some vehicles are exempt from Arizona’s emissions requirements. You don’t need a smog inspection if:
Your vehicle is from a model within the past five years (this does not include rebuilt vehicles or specially-built vehicles)
Vehicle is registered outside the Arizona control area
Vehicle with a model year of 1966 or earlier
You drive an electric vehicle
You drive a golf cart or small electronically operated vehicle registered in Arizona
Where to get a car inspection in Arizona
To get an emissions test in Arizona, contact the DMV for emissions testing locations
. How often do you need a car inspection?
All new residents registering a vehicle for the first time must get an emissions inspection
All vehicles from model years 1981 or later, weighing less than 8,500 lbs
All vehicles from model years 1967 to 1980
All diesel vehicles from model years 1967 or later
All vehicles weighing more than 8,500 lbs
All 4 x 4 and traction control vehicles from model years 1981 to 1985 and weighing less than 8,500 lbs
All vehicles from model year 1996 or later
All vehicles from model years 1967 to 1995 and weighing less than 8,500 lbs
All heavy-duty vehicles weighing more than 8,500 lbs
All diesel vehicles from model years 1967 or later
Finding affordable car insurance
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