Most Arizona 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.
Emissions testing has been around for a long time, but that doesn’t mean every driver knows when (or if!) they need to get their vehicle tested. With emissions regulations that vary by state and even by county, it can be hard to keep track.
That’s why Jerry
, your one-stop super app for the best car insurance
rates, put together this guide to walk you through all the ins and outs of emissions testing in Arizona. We'll even show you how to save on your Arizona car insurance costs
along the way! Arizona emissions testing regulations
Arizona’s emissions testing program has been around since the 1970s with the goal of reducing 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 the greater Phoenix
and Tucson
areas 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 renewal notice will clearly indicate if you have to undergo emissions testing, but if you have any questions, you can contact the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) at 602.771.3950.
Which cars need emissions testing in Arizona?
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.
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.
There are several testing locations throughout the Phoenix and Tucson areas. You can find the closest location near you and make an appointment online here
. 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
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:
Locate a testing facility. You can do this online here
. You can also check wait times before you go. 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 (ranging from $12-25).
Types of emissions tests
Typically, emissions tests involve a quick visual inspection of the vehicle to check your 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.
Any 1967 through 1995 vehicles registered in Tucson as well as 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 test. Inspectors will connect directly to the vehicle’s onboard computer to access data from the emission control systems.
Finally, 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.
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.
How to save on car insurance in Arizona
Regulations surrounding emissions testing can seem a little tricky, but finding great car insurance
coverage doesn’t have to be. Jerry
can help you find the best coverage at rates that won’t break your bank faster than you can say “catalytic converter.” Just download our top-rated app, and in less than a minute you’ll be comparing personalized quotes from the top providers in the nation. Once you’re ready to switch, Jerry’s customer support team will handle all the paperwork and phone call hassle so you don’t have to.
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