You can’t see the gorgeous cacti of the Sonora Desert, the beautiful red rocks of Sonoma,
the whispering pines of Flagstaff, or the timeless views of Grand Canyon National Park
if the air in Arizona is thick with smog. And imagine how hot it would be if the
greenhouse effect were local!

That’s why The State of Arizona has stringent guidelines for vehicle emissions.
But the rules don’t apply to everyone or every vehicle, so here are some things to
know about getting your car’s AZ emissions testing in the State of Arizona.

Click here to dismiss your

AZ traffic ticket
.

State Agency

Arizona Emissions Test Center

Some states, like California, have motor vehicle departments that allow smog checks at
a local repair shop, and verified by electronic and mail-in certification.

Arizona’s emissions testing is operated by a state agency with its own smog check
centers you’ll have to visit. These are operated by the Arizona Department of
Environmental Quality (ADEQ).

You’ll get a notification from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at the time your
motor vehicle registration is due, but the place you’ll go for the smog check will be
a dedicated testing center operated by ADEQ.

Pass/Not Pass

Vehicle smoke emissions

Not every vehicle is required to pass a smog test in Arizona.

Only residents of the greater Phoenix and Tucson areas, and those who regularly commute
into those areas for work or school, are required to have their vehicles pass an
emissions test.

Alternative fuel, flexible fuel (E85) and hybrid vehicles also require emissions testing.

Diesel vehicles are tested for “smoke opacity,” meaning how much visible pollutants are
in the exhaust plume.

All vehicles built before 1967 are exempt, as are most vehicles newer than 6 years old,
and some other vehicles, including motorcycles.

Proof

Proof required for emissions testing

Besides the test fee, which may be paid in cash, check, or credit/debit card, if your
car has been registered in Arizona for some time, you will not need any paperwork.

The test station will already have your car’s information in its computer database.

If you are new to Arizona, bring the fee along with the current title or registration
of the vehicle and your residence address.

Appointments?

No appointment needed for emissions testing

Vehicles are tested on a first-come, first-served basis and no appointments are necessary.

Inspection stations are open until 7 PM weekdays and 8 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays.

To save time, visit stations in the evening (5 PM – 7 PM) or Saturday afternoon,
and avoid the lines that form closer to the end of the month.

Yes, You Must

Emissions testing is required

If your car is licensed in Arizona and you receive a notice for emissions testing,
you must get your car tested.

If you are out of state, you may have a licensed driver take your car in for testing
on your behalf.

If your car is operating in another state with an emissions program, it must be tested
there.

If that state doesn’t have emissions testing, you must still file an affidavit or
out-of-state emissions application with the Arizona DMV.

Safety Check

Arizona does not require safety inspections

Arizona does not require a safety check.

If your Arizona vehicle is tested out of state and fails, it can still be registered
by passing that other state’s emissions test.

A complete set of Frequently Asked Questions, maps of testing sites, full exemption
information, and details about alternative-fuel and fleet vehicles can be found at:

ADEQ Information Site:

www.myAZcar.com

Click here to dismiss a

traffic ticket for most states
.