What You Need to Know About Emissions Testing in Arizona
Most Arizona drivers don’t need to get regular emissions testing, but Phoenix and Tucson area residents and commuters do for vehicles over five years old.
drivers don’t need to get regular emissions testing. However, residents of the greater Phoenix and Tucson areas are required to get emissions tests done if their vehicles are more than five years old.
Not all Arizona residents are required to get regular vehicle emissions testing
Emissions testing requirements apply to the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas as part of efforts to improve air quality
Regular commuters to the Phoenix and Tucson areas may also need to pass emissions inspections
Where required, vehicles older than five model years need to pass routine vehicle emissions inspections in order to renew their registrations
Arizona emissions testing regulations
Arizona’s emissions testing program has been around since the 1970s with the goal of reducing air pollution from motor vehicles throughout the state. However, not every Arizona vehicle is required to undergo emissions inspections.
To find out if your vehicle needs testing, let’s look at the state regulations.
Which counties in Arizona require emissions testing?
Not every county in Arizona is subject to emissions testing. In fact, only residents of
in Pima County have to get emissions tests done to register their vehicles.
Keep in mind, though, that anyone who commutes to Phoenix or Tucson regularly for school or work will also have to get emissions tests done.
Emissions testing is based on the zip code of the registered owner of the vehicle. If your zip code is outside the Tucson or Phoenix areas, you don’t have to get regular emissions inspections (except for the aforementioned commuters).
Your vehicle’s registration renewal notice will clearly indicate if you have to undergo emissions testing, but if you have any questions, you can contact the
Arizona emissions testing requirements come down to two main factors:
Where you live: Emissions testing requirements apply to residents of and commuters to the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas. Keep in mind that even if you happen to live in an area where emissions testing is required, you’ll still have to check and see if your vehicle is the right age or type that needs to be tested.
What type of vehicle you drive: All vehicles from model year 1967 and newer that are more than five years old have to get an emissions test every one to two years.
Your model year determines frequency: Non-diesel, light-duty vehicles that are 1981 models and newer need to get tested every two years. Vehicles that are older than 1980, plus most vehicles in the Tucson area, will need to be tested every year.
How to arrange a smog check: There are several testing station locations throughout the Phoenix and Tucson areas. You can find the closest location near you and
via myazcar.com. Testing fees in Phoenix range from $16 to $25, while fees in Tucson are $12.25.
Key Takeaway Residents or commuters in the Phoenix and Tucson areas must have emissions tests performed every 1-2 years on all vehicles that are more than five years old from the model year 1967 on.
Exemptions from Arizona emissions testing
Several types of vehicles are exempt from emissions testing in the Grand Canyon State, including:
Vehicles less than five years old
Vehicles registered to an owner outside the Phoenix or Tucson area
Vehicles older than model year 1966
Motorcycles
All-electric vehicles
Golf carts or other small electric carts
How does Arizona emissions testing work?
If you need to have your vehicle tested, here’s how to get it done:
Bring your car in for inspection. There are some different testing options (more on that later) depending on your type of vehicle and other factors.
Pay the testing center fees. Costs range from $12-25.
What happens if you fail emissions testing in Arizona?
If your vehicle doesn’t pass the emissions test, then here’s what you need to do:
Inspection personnel will provide you with the specific failure codes for why your vehicle failed the test.
Get online to find a sponsored repair facility and bring your vehicle in within 60 days.
The repair facility will tell you what repairs you need and provide you with an estimate.
Pay a $100 copay and the state of Arizona will pay up to $900 towards your repair bill.
Have your vehicle retested.
If you have repairs done at a sponsored repair facility, then they’re guaranteed to provide you with a passing emissions test for the original cause of emissions test failure. The repair facility is not liable if your vehicle fails again for a different reason.
Once your vehicle passes inspection, you’ll be able to proceed with your registration renewal with the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).
Types of emissions tests in Arizona
Typically, emissions tests involve a quick visual inspection of the vehicle to examine your check engine light and other dashboard lights, gas cap, and any emissions control components like catalytic converters.
Whether you need further testing will depend on the type of vehicle you drive:
Vehicles model years 1981 through 1995: Will undergo IM 147 testing. Basically, your vehicle will be put on a giant treadmill to simulate urban driving. The exhaust from your car will be measured during the test.
1967 through 1995 vehicles registered in Tucson and 1967 through 1980 model vehicles in Phoenix: Will have to do a Steady Speed/Idle test. This test also applies to newer model heavy-duty gasoline vehicles. The vehicle is tested when it’s idling as well as when it's going around 25 to 30 miles per hour.
1996 model year and newer vehicles, including light-duty diesel vehicles: Will undergo an on-board diagnostic (OBD) test. Inspectors will connect directly to the vehicle’s onboard computer to access data from the emission control systems.
Any diesel vehicle except 1997 and newer light-duty diesel vehicles: Takes an Opacity test. A meter is used to measure the opacity of the vehicle’s exhaust and smoke density. Usually, your vehicle will be tested while carrying a load.
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FAQs
Do you need an emissions test every year in Arizona?
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Non-diesel, light-duty vehicles that are 1981 models and newer need to get tested every two years. Vehicles that are older than 1980, plus most vehicles in the Tucson area, will need to be tested every year.
How do I avoid emissions testing in Arizona?
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If you drive a vehicle that is eligible for an emissions waiver, you can still get your registration renewed without an emissions test. However, if your vehicle requires testing, you won’t be able to renew your vehicle’s registration without proof of a passed emissions test.
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