Who Needs a Smog Check in Arizona?
If you’re located in the Phoenix or Tucson metro areas, you might be subject to annual or biennial emissions inspections.
Written by Melanie Mergen
Reviewed by Lisa Steuer McArdle
Whether you’ll need a smog check or emissions test on your vehicle depends on where you live in Arizona. If you’re located in the Phoenix or Tucson metro areas, it’s possible you could be subject to annual or biennial emissions inspections.
As more and more vehicles have appeared on the roadways, maintaining air quality standards in the Phoenix and Tucson area has been a challenge—which is where vehicle emissions test requirements come into play. But it can be challenging to figure out those requirements, especially if you’re new to the state, or vehicle ownership in general.
So, who needs an emissions test, and when?
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Is a smog check required in Arizona?
The purpose of vehicle emissions testing is to help reduce emissions so the areas can get closer to meeting federal air quality standards.
If you’re a resident of either metro area, you’ll need to pass a vehicle inspection in order to
register your vehicle
. Emissions testing requirements and exemptions
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) oversees Arizona’s Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP).
If you’re a Phoenix or Tucson metro area resident, or you commute to either area regularly, you’ll likely need an emissions test. You can use the
ADEQ’s map
to determine whether emissions testing is required where you live. You can take care of your emissions test up to 90 days ahead of your vehicle registration renewal deadline.Emissions testing requirements apply to most vehicles that have a model year of 1967 or newer. How often you’ll need to take an emissions test depends on your vehicle type. Light-duty vehicles with a model year of 1981 or newer need emissions tests every two years, while vehicles 1980 and older and most Tucson area vehicles require annual inspections.
However, most vehicles that are six years old or newer are exempt from emissions testing requirements. Your vehicle registration renewal notice will tell you whether or not your vehicle will need to pass a smog check.
Here are some more factors that could make you exempt from an Arizona smog check:
- If you live outside Areas A and B on the ADEQ map (linked above)
- If you’re an out-of-state active-duty military member
- If your vehicle is out of state for at least 90 days ahead of your registration expiration date
You’ll need to apply to receive an exemption from an Arizona emissions test, which might come with a small processing fee if you do it online.
How to get out of your Arizona smog check: emissions waivers
Under some circumstances, you might still be able to register your vehicle after a failed emissions test if you qualify for a waiver.
Those qualifying factors include:
- The vehicle must have failed the smog check two times during the testing cycle
- The reason for the failure must be identified and a low emissions tune-up will need to be performed (which is defined under section “A” of the inspection report you’ll receive)
- You’ll need to take the vehicle to a waiver facility and be able to provide the failed inspection report and repair receipts and/orestimates
- The failed vehicle can’t emit more than twice the required emissions standard
- Emissions system components can’t be removed or altered
If it’s decided that additional repairs won’t address the vehicle’s emissions problem within the appropriate repair costs (listed below), you’ll typically be issued a waiver. Repair cost limits are higher in Phoenix due to its more severe air quality problems.
Vehicle Model Year or Type | Phoenix Maximum Repair Cost | Tucson Maximum Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
1980 and newer | $450 | $300 |
1975-1979 | $300 | $200 |
1974 and older | $200 | $50 |
Heavy-duty diesel vehicles | $500 | $300 |
Once you’ve been granted a waiver for your vehicle once, a $15 fee applies, and it won’t qualify for another waiver again. If your vehicle fails another smog check later on, it will need to have its problem repaired so it can pass the test before you can register it again.
MORE: How to pass emissions testing
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What is an Arizona vehicle emissions test?
Arizona administers four different types of emissions tests. Which inspection(s) you’ll need to pass depends on factors like your vehicle’s:
- Age
- Weight
- Fuel type
Whatever emissions test(s) your vehicle needs to pass, it will additionally be subject to a tampering inspection to verify all the components of your vehicle’s emissions system are functioning and accounted for—including the catalytic converter, operational air pump, positive crankcase ventilation system, and evaporative control system.
These are the four other emissions tests your vehicle could be subject to.
IM 147 emissions test
The IM 147 emissions test applies to light-duty gasoline powered vehicles with model years ranging from 1981 to 1995. “Light duty” here means the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is 8,500 pounds or less.
During the inspection, the vehicle will be driven at varying speeds on a roller device called a dynamometer while the exhaust released is measured. Results of the test are shown in grams per mile.
Steady state loaded/idle emissions test
What vehicles take this test is location-dependent.
In Tucson, it includes most vehicles with model years ranging from 1967 to 1995.
In Phoenix, it applies to heavy-duty vehicles with a model year of 1980 or newer and a GVWR over 8,500 pounds.
During the test, the vehicle will be tested while idling and driving somewhere between 25 and 30 mph. Results from the test are shown in percentages or parts per million.
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) emissions test
This one is newer to Arizona’s mix of emissions tests. The OBD test is administered on 1996 and newer gas-powered vehicles.
In Phoenix, it applies to light-duty gasoline powered vehicles that have a model year of 1997 or newer.
The OBD test will scan for problems that could affect the engine and/or emissions system and lead to damage or worsened emissions.
Diesel emissions test
During the diesel emissions test, 1996 and older light-duty diesel-powered vehicles in Phoenix are subject to an opacity test, which uses an opacity meter to measure the density of the exhaust.
Diesel vehicles with a GVWR over 8,500 pounds are subject to a “snap acceleration test,” which involves placing the vehicle in park or neutral, then pressing the gas and measuring exhaust opacity as RPMs increase.
In Tucson, the test is administered on diesel vehicles up to 26,000 pounds with a dynamometer. Diesel vehicles over that weight are tested via the snap acceleration procedure.
What do I need for a smog check in Arizona?
You don’t need much to take care of a smog check in Arizona. Essentially, you’ll just need to bring your vehicle, yourself and your emissions inspection payment to a testing site. Actually, it’s not technically necessary for you to be there—any licensed driver can do so on your behalf.
You don’t even need to make an appointment, either—testing is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
However, if you’re a new Arizona resident, your vehicle information might not be on file at the testing site yet, so you’ll need to bring your current title and registration and proof of address.
How much is a smog check in Arizona?
Fees associated with your Arizona emissions test depend on which test(s) are required for your vehicle and where you live.
In Tucson, each emissions inspection type has a fee of $12.25 across the board.
In Phoenix, test fees range from $16 to $25.
Got more Arizona emissions test questions? You can visit
myAZcar.com
or call the ADEQ at 1-602-771-3950.How to save on Arizona car insurance costs
Once your vehicle has passed that emissions test, you’re one step closer to renewing your vehicle registration. But remember: you’ll also need to provide proof of
car insurance
.If you need to update your own coverage, the
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