"That sticker is for new vehicles. All new vehicles are exempt for four years from the biannual emissions inspection required in the Denver metro area. When the vehicle is four years old, from model year on the title, it will be due for its first inspection. It is then required to have an inspection every other year.
Full Answer
What vehicles are exempt from Colorado’s emissions testing?
Additionally, all-electric vehicles and street rods are exempt from emissions testing in Colorado. Other exempt vehicles include model year 1976 or newer that were registered as collector’s items prior to September 1, 2019.
What do I need to bring to an emissions test in Colorado?
Colorado dealers are required to provide a passing emissions test or a voucher good for one emissions test at the time of sale. What do I need to bring to an emissions inspection? You will need to bring the vehicle to be inspected and payment for the inspection (cash, check, VISA, Mastercard, or Discover). Please wear a mask. Thank you.
Are you eligible for co DMV emissions testing waiver?
Car owners are eligible for CO DMV emissions testing waiver in certain cases. Car owners whose vehicle has failed inspection may be waived from the inspection if they have spent more than $715 in professional auto repairs necessary to pass the test.
What year vehicles are exempt from emissions in Colorado?
Vehicles model years 1975 and older Vehicles model years 1975-and-older can be registered as "collector's items" with no emissions inspection requirement or mileage restriction. However, if the vehicle is not specifically registered as a "collector's item," an emissions inspection is required every year.
How do I get emissions exempt in Colorado?
A: Colorado's emissions testing requirements extend to the first eight years of a vehicle's operating life after manufacturing. Currently, model years 2017 to 2022 are exempt from emissions testing, but model years 2016 require emissions testing before a transfer of ownership.
What vehicles are exempt from emissions in Colorado?
Gas and hybrid vehicles are exempt from emissions testing for the first seven (7) model years. (However, if you are buying and registering a vehicle that has reached 7 years, even if the 7th year is not complete, you will need an emissions test.) Vehicles from 1981 or older must be tested every year at a cost of $15.
How do I know if I need an emissions test in Colorado?
Check the registration renewal postcard that your county clerk mails to you about a month before your vehicle's registration renewal is due. If “EMISSIONS TEST REQUIRED” appears on the card, then you'll need to take your vehicle to an Air Care Colorado inspection station.
How do you cheat an emissions test?
Instead of attempting to cheat emissions, use these clever tips to pass your next test.Get an oil change. ... Inflate your tires. ... Get a tune-up. ... Warm your car up. ... Resolve an illuminated check engine light. ... Use a fuel additive. ... Pretest or free retest.
What Colorado counties require emissions?
Emissions testing of gas‑ and diesel‑powered vehicles is required when registering or selling vehicles in Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties, and in portions of Adams, Arapahoe, Larimer, and Weld counties, as shown in the Air Care Colorado program area maps.
How old does a car have to be to be a classic in Colorado?
least 32 years oldA car is considered a classic in Colorado if it's at least 32 years old, was manufactured before 1975 or after 1976, was registered as a collector's item prior to September 1, 2009, and has passed an emissions test.
Do emissions tests expire in Colorado?
There is a 30-day grace period for your annual or biennial emissions test upon expiration. Simply, this means you have a month (30 days) after your tags expire to get an inspection.
Will ABS light fail emissions test in Colorado?
To answer your question in one word - NO, it won't pass. Depending on the state you live, the emissions test will also include a safety inspection that will verify that the electrical system is working correctly.
Can you pass emissions with check engine light?
A vehicle will not pass an emissions test when the check engine light is on.
How much does an emissions test cost in Colorado?
Emissions inspections for gasoline-powered vehicles model year 1982 and newer cost $25. Emissions tests for gasoline-powered vehicles model year 1981 and older cost $15 and are required every year. AirCare Colorado inspection stations accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard or Discover Card for payment.
Can you renew your tags online in Colorado?
Colorado's most comprehensive DMV online service platform, myDMV.Colorado.gov helps you renew your license, registration and much more!
What vehicles are exempt from emissions testing?
Exempt vehicles include: Vehicles for the first 7 model years. Motorcycles.
How long does it take to get an emissions test in Colorado?
The exemption will allow you to renew your registration, but you will be required to pass an emissions test within 15 days of returning to Colorado. To complete your emissions inspection requirements or apply for a temporary exemption ...
What happens if your emissions equipment is not working properly?
Any of your emissions equipment is not working properly. Your vehicle inspection report will explain what part of the test your vehicle failed. You will need to make repairs to your vehicle and get it retested, and pay any fees charged by the inspection center for the retest.
What year is diesel required to be inspected?
Any diesel vehicle model year 2003 or older is required to undergo emissions testing annually. Large fleets of diesel vehicles (9 vehicles or more) are subject to self-inspection and certification. Small fleets and individual diesel vehicles must be inspected at a diesel inspection station.
How long does it take to get a Colorado driver's license?
Once you become a resident, you have 30 days to get a Colorado driver's license and 90 days to register your vehicle. You may need to get an emissions inspection before you can register your vehicle. Whether or not you need an emissions inspection depends on where you live or what type of vehicle you might have.
Can you get a waiver for a failed vehicle?
You may qualify for an economic hardship waiver if you are getting financial aid from an approved program, and your failed vehicle is your only method of transportation. There are no minimum repairs required to qualify.
Does El Paso County require diesel inspections?
El Paso County requires ONLY diesel inspections and those are limited to certain parts of the county. There are maps available to see if you live or work in an emissions testing area. You may also contact your county Division of Motor Vehicles office to see if your vehicle requires an emissions test.
How long does a new vehicle have to be exempt from emissions testing?
New vehicles are exempt from emissions testing requirements for the first seven model years. In addition, when a newer vehicle is sold with 12 months or more left on the original seven‑year emissions inspection exemption, the vehicle does not require testing at the time of sale.
How often do you need to do an emissions test?
However, if the vehicle is a hybrid, an emissions test is required (see Hybrids). Every year. Every two years.
What is Rapid Screen Colorado?
RapidScreen. RapidScreen is the mobile emissions testing program in Colorado. Instead of testing a vehicle at an emission testing location, owners drive by a mobile testing unit. Vehicles must drive by a testing unit and receive two clean readings at least 60 days prior to a vehicle's registration renewal month.
Do electric vehicles have tailpipe emissions?
All electric vehicles (with no gas tank or tail pipe emission) No. However, if the vehicle is a hybrid, an emissions test is required (see Hybrids). Light‑duty diesel vehicles 2007 and older. Yes.
Is 2015 diesel exempt from emissions testing?
Heavy‑duty diesels (26,000 GVWR or more) model year 2015 and newer are exempt from testing for the first six model years. Waivers. The state Division of Motor Vehicles can issue waivers for the emissions test requirement in three circumstances:
How old does a diesel vehicle need to be to be inspected in Colorado?
The program requires annual inspections for diesel vehicles older than 11 model years. Colorado requires only diesel vehicles located in the Automobile Inspection and Readjustment Program area in the Diesel Opacity Inspection Program. Vehicles taking part in the program must pass a loaded-mode dynamometer-based test.
Where are smog stations in Colorado?
Smog Check Stations in Aurora, Colorado. The city of Aurora is the third largest city in Colorado with a population of 350,000 and second largest city in the state’s emissions testing program area. The city stretches through Arapahoe and Adams Counties and into Douglas County into the South. Checkout our DMV and Emissions Testing Locations in ...
How does Colorado protect its natural wonders?
Colorado works to protect its natural wonders by managing the effects air pollution has on its environment. Checkout our DMV and Emissions Testing Locations in Colorado pages below to find a local smog check station. Get your check today.
How long does it take to get a new car registration in Colorado?
If a vehicle owner has just moved to the Colorado emissions program area (Denver-Boulder or North Front Range) from out of state or from another part of Colorado, then the Colorado DMV requires them to pass a vehicle emissions test and get a new Colorado registration within 90 days.
How often do you have to have an emissions test?
The vehicle may be required to have an emissions test every two years unless it passed a test the year before. This includes the following gasoline vehicles that are more than seven model years old: Light duty, gasoline vehicles weighing 8,500 pounds or less. Heavy-duty, vehicles weighing more than 8,500 pounds.
How many people live in the metro area of Colorado?
The metro area has a population of over 3 million residents and is where 60% of the state’s residents live and makes up a good portion of Colorado’s vehicle emissions program area – a nine county area where Colorado has implemented special emissions testing requirements.
How many days a year do you have to drive into the air program in Colorado?
Vehicles driven at least 90 days a year into the AIR program area for employment or school and registered to mailing addresses outside the AIR program area. The state of Colorado only requires emissions checks of the following gasoline vehicles at different time interviews than the typical bi – annual time frame.
What is emissions testing?
Emissions testing is a part of the vehicle inspections done in some counties, and its purpose is to ensure that cars on the road are not emitting a high level of smog. Passing the smog check is mandatory for vehicles before a registration renewal. The requirements for these inspections differ depending on the vehicle’s model year and fuel type.
What is the smog test for a low emission vehicle?
Gasoline-fueled cars manufactured before 1982 will undergo the two-speed idle test. The DMV smog test for low-emissions vehicles is the RapidScreen Roadside test. The test for these types of vehicles does not require the car to be taken in for a physical inspection. Independent smog certification providers must be sought for diesel vehicle owners, ...
How much does a 1982 gas car need to be smog checked?
Gasoline-fueled cars with a model year prior to 1982 will need a smog check more frequently at $15 each inspection. Diesel-powered cars must go to a special Diesel Emission Testing Center for a vehicle inspection, which charge prices independent of state government fees.
Can you get smog test outside of Colorado?
However, the state allows for testing to be done outside of CO, with a little extra paperwork. Colorado residents who need to take have an inspection completed must first find a smog test provider in their temporary place of residence.
Is a waiver for emissions testing valid in Colorado?
The waiver is valid for one inspection. A waiver for Colorado emissions testing may also be given to those experiencing economic hardship. The waiver may be awarded to car owners who are enrolled in a financial aid program to pay for car repairs and do not have any other means of transportation.
Is emissions testing required in Colorado?
Emissions testing in Colorado is not required for all vehicles. Vehicle testing is only mandatory in certain counties in the state, particularly those that are at risk for high smog levels. Even within these counties, the vehicle inspections are not mandatory for all vehicles. Vehicle inspections are only compulsory for certain Colorado counties.
How long is a diesel vehicle exempt from emissions testing?
Light-duty vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 14,000 pounds or less are exempt from an emissions test for four years if they are purchased brand new, and then tested after that.
How many days a year do you have to drive to get an emissions inspection?
If your vehicle is registered to an address outside the Emissions Testing Program Area but is driven at least 90 days a year to the program area for employment or school, then it falls under the requirements for emissions inspection outlined above.
Why did my car fail the emissions inspection?
Your vehicle may have failed the emissions inspection for a variety of reasons. Here are the most common: Emissions exceeded allowable limits for: Hydrocarbons ( HC). Carbon monoxide (CO). and/or. Oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Emissions control equipment are either missing or not functioning properly, e.g.:
How long does it take to get a vehicle back after it fails emissions test?
If the vehicle fails emissions testing, you have three business days beginning the day after you take possession of the vehicle to bring it back to the dealer for repairs/repurchase. "Business days" are defined as Monday through Saturday, with the exception of state holidays. The dealer is required by law to repair, pay a third party to repair, or repurchase the failed vehicle. The dealer will tell you which of these options it has chosen within three business days after the vehicle has been returned to the dealer.
What is the VIN number for a temporary residence?
If emissions testing isn’t performed in the county of temporary residence, then you must include a Verification of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN: Form 2698) with the extension form. Any law enforcement officer can complete the VIN verification form.
What is a gas cap?
Gas cap. A properly functioning gas cap is an essential part of the vehicle's emissions control system. A missing or leaking gas cap will cause the vehicle to fail the emissions test. We require a full retest when the vehicle fails initially for a missing or defective gas cap.
What does it mean when you receive a vehicle unable to test?
If you received a “Vehicle Unable to Test” form during your inspection, it was for any of the reasons checked by the inspector. Unsafe, inaccessible, or malfunctioning equipment must be repaired before the vehicle can be inspected.