adot emissions testing scottsdale

Emissions Testing

Emissions Testing

Emissions Testing

Emissions Testing

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is responsible for the emissions testing program and laws. For additional information, visit myAZcar.com

Testing is required in the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas, including if you commute into these areas. Requirements may vary depending on the vehicle type, model year, fuel type, and vehicle weight. 

To save time, if you need an emissions test, complete it before you visit an MVD office. 

Does My Vehicle Need Emissions Testing?

View Emissions Testing Areas Map

If your vehicle is in one of the emissions areas, you probably need an emissions test, unless your vehicle is:

  • Five years old or less
  • 1966 model year or older
  • An electric vehicle  

If You Need Emissions Testing - Next Steps:

Arizona Emissions Testing Locations

Find a Location

  • For renewals, vehicles should be tested no sooner than 90 days before the registration expires.
  • Emissions test results are sent electronically to MVD.

Before You Go to a Testing Facility

Prepare for the Test
  • Vehicles CANNOT PASS emissions testing when the “Check Engine” light is on.
  • You should test with at least ½ a tank of fresh fuel.
  • If your vehicle will be out of state for an extended period of time, you may qualify for an exemption.
Arizona Vehicle Emissions History

View previous Arizona emissions results.

Tips for your next trip to an emissions testing station

Tips for your next trip to an emissions testing station

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Tips for your next trip to an emissions testing station

Tips for your next trip to an emissions testing station

January 16, 2015

This ADEQ webpage shows where vehicle owners can find the nearest vehicle emissions testing stations.

By Doug Pacey
ADOT Office of Public Information

Officially, the Arizona Department of Transportation does not administer vehicle emissions tests – those are performed and governed by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

But because vehicle emissions tests can be required to register and renew registration with the Motor Vehicle Division, we thought it’d be a good idea to pass along some tips to make your next trip to an emissions testing station a quick one.

First, know if you need a vehicle emissions test to renew your registration. This information will be on the renewal notice.

Next, find the nearest station and pick a time when stations have the fewest customers. Typically, wait times are shortest during the middle of the month; middle of the week and after 5 p.m. on weekdays; and Saturday afternoons. Can’t plan that far ahead? No problem, ADEQ provides up-to-the-minute wait times for its stations here, indicating if waits are less than 10 minutes, between 11 to 20 minutes and more than 20 minutes.

For more detailed information on vehicle emissions tests – what to bring, costs, waivers, etc. – ADEQ has put together an exhaustive resource.

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