Understanding vehicle emissions testing in Arizona can be crucial for hassle-free registration. This guide provides comprehensive information about Arizona’s emissions testing program, focusing on OBD2 testing and how it relates to your vehicle registration, particularly for the 2-year cycle.
Why Arizona Emissions Testing Matters
Arizona’s Emissions Program is a vital initiative to safeguard air quality while supporting economic growth. By reducing pollution from vehicles, the program creates a healthier environment, encourages business development, and prevents stricter federal regulations that could hinder economic progress.
Automobiles are significant contributors to ground-level air pollution. In metropolitan areas like Phoenix and Tucson, emissions testing is essential for reducing volatile organic compounds and maintaining air quality. High pollution levels pose risks to public health, especially for children, and can negatively impact business and job creation. The Emissions Program ensures a healthier future and a stronger economy for Arizona residents and families.
Who Needs Emissions Testing?
If you reside in or regularly commute for work or school to the greater Phoenix or Tucson areas, your vehicle likely requires emissions testing. This applies to vehicles manufactured in 1967 or later. Most vehicles newer than 6 years old are typically exempt. To confirm if your location falls within the emissions control area, use the Vehicle Emissions Control Area Locator.
You will receive a notification from the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) on your renewal notice if your vehicle requires an emissions test. You can also verify by calling (602) 771-3950.
Testing Procedures and Requirements
Scheduling and Timing
No appointments are necessary for emissions testing. Stations operate on a first-come, first-served basis, Monday through Saturday, from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.
For registration purposes, testing can be done up to 90 days before your registration renewal date. You can test at any time if you’re purchasing a vehicle or simply want to assess its emissions performance. Remember, dealers are obligated to ensure a vehicle passes emissions before selling it. Test fees are non-refundable once the test is completed.
Any licensed driver can take your vehicle for testing.
Vehicle Eligibility
Generally, vehicles model year 1967 and newer, and older than 5 years, are subject to emissions testing. This includes gasoline, diesel, alternative fuel, flexible fuel (E85), and hybrid vehicles. Newer vehicles are exempt for the initial 5 years of registration. For specific vehicle testing schedules, contact 1-877-myAZcar (1-877-692-9227).
Testing Frequency: 1-Year vs. 2-Year
The frequency of emissions testing depends on your vehicle’s model year and weight. Light-duty vehicles (non-diesel) from 1981 and newer typically require testing every two years. Vehicles from 1980 and older, and most vehicles in Tucson, usually need annual testing. Your registration renewal notice will indicate if a test is due.
Required Documentation
For returning Arizona residents, usually no documentation is needed as vehicle information is digitally accessible. New Arizona residents should bring their current vehicle title or registration and their local residence address. Payment for the test fee is required, payable by cash, check, or credit/debit card.
Testing Location Restrictions
Vehicles registered in Maricopa County must be tested within the Maricopa County area due to differing test requirements compared to Tucson. However, OBD-tested vehicles can be tested in either area. You can use any inspection station within your designated testing region.
Test Fees and Retests
A test fee is charged for the initial emissions test. A free retest is available if the vehicle fails and is re-tested within 60 days of the original test.
Types of Emissions Tests
The type of test depends on the vehicle. Tailpipe tests measure hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions under various operating conditions. Diesel vehicles (1997 and newer light-duty) in Phoenix undergo On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) tests, while older or heavier diesel vehicles are tested for smoke opacity.
Tampering and Repairs
“Tampering” refers to removing or altering any factory-installed emissions control device or failing to repair a malfunctioning emissions system. Inspection stations do not perform repairs. If your vehicle fails, you must take it to a service facility of your choice for necessary repairs. You can find ratings of repair facilities at Repair Facilities.
Vehicle Testing History
You can access a vehicle’s emissions testing history online using the Vehicle Emissions History tool: Vehicle Emissions History.
Hybrid and Motorcycle Considerations
Hybrid vehicles are not exempt from emissions testing and must be tested. However, as of June 21, 2013, motorcycles in Arizona are exempt from emissions testing.
Drive Cycles and OBD Readiness
Newer vehicles with computer-controlled engine and emissions systems require monitors to be in a “ready” state for proper OBD testing. This often involves completing a “drive cycle,” a specific driving pattern established by the manufacturer to reset these monitors. Drive cycles can vary in complexity and may require professional assistance from a repair facility.
Understanding OBD2 Testing and its Role in 2-Year Registration
OBD, or On-Board Diagnostics, is a computer system in modern vehicles that monitors the performance of emission control systems. OBD2 is the second generation of this system, standardized in the mid-1990s. For vehicles that qualify for OBD2 testing, the process is often quicker and simpler than traditional tailpipe tests.
In Arizona, gasoline vehicles from 1996 and newer, under 8500 lbs. GVWR, and equipped with OBD, are eligible for OBD Express lanes at testing stations. In Phoenix, this also includes diesel vehicles 1997 and newer, under 8500 lbs. GVWR. OBD Express lanes are specifically designed for these vehicles, while other lanes can test OBD vehicles as well. However, OBD lanes cannot test non-OBD-equipped vehicles.
The relevance of OBD2 to the 2-year registration cycle is that newer vehicles, typically those eligible for OBD2 testing, often qualify for the biennial (every two years) emissions testing frequency. This means if you have a newer vehicle that passes the OBD2 test, you likely only need to get it tested every other year for registration renewal in Arizona. Always confirm your vehicle’s specific testing frequency on your registration renewal notice.
Out-of-Area and Out-of-State Exemptions
Out-of-Area Exemption
An “out of the area” exemption applies if you live outside the designated emissions control boundaries for Phoenix or Tucson. Use the online address locator tool to verify your location: Check Address >.
To qualify for this exemption, you must:
- Reside in a partial zip code along the emissions boundary.
- Be located outside the emissions control area according to the locator tool.
- Not regularly commute into the emissions control area for work or school.
Apply for the “out of area” exemption online: Out of Area Exemption Form. Follow the form instructions and submit required documents. You will be notified of approval by email or mail.
Out-of-State Exemption
An “out of state” exemption is for vehicles located outside Arizona when registration renewal is due. It is not for vehicles located within Arizona but the owner is temporarily out of state.
You can apply for an out-of-state exemption online 24/7: Apply and Pay Online. A $9.50 application fee is required. Upon approval, you will receive an email notification, allowing you to renew your registration online, by mail, or phone.
Arizona accepts passing emissions tests from other states. A failed safety check from another state is not relevant to Arizona emissions requirements. Out-of-state exemption applications are only accepted through the online portal.
You can check the status of your out-of-state exemption application using the Vehicle Emissions History link: Vehicle Emissions History >. Online applications typically take one to two business days to process.
Vehicle Registration Process in Arizona
Arizona employs a two-step vehicle registration process:
- Emissions Testing: Your vehicle must pass emissions testing (if required) before registration.
- Registration Renewal: Renew online at azmvdnow.gov or mail the bottom portion of your emissions test certificate with your renewal notice and registration fee.
When purchasing a used vehicle from a private owner with a valid emissions test, that test is transferable. Otherwise, you will need to have the vehicle tested. Dealers are required to provide a passing emissions test for vehicles sold.
New Arizona residents must have their vehicles emissions inspected prior to registration, unless exempt.
If your emissions test is not appearing in the MVD system, it could be due to data mismatch or processing delays. Allow a few hours or call (602) 771-3950 for assistance. Temporary use permits are available through ADOT/MVD at azmvdnow.gov.
By understanding Arizona’s emissions testing requirements, particularly concerning OBD2 and the 2-year registration cycle, you can ensure your vehicle registration process is smooth and compliant.
