Colorado Vehicle Emission Inspection

All Colorado car owners must take their vehicles to the DMV for a regular vehicle inspection. Emissions testing is included in some counties' vehicle inspections, and its purpose is to ensure that cars on the road do not emit excessive amounts of smog. Vehicles must pass the smog test before their registration can be renewed. The requirements for these inspections vary depending on the model year and fuel type of the vehicle. Vehicles registered for the first time in an emissions testing area must also be tested. More information on CO car emissions inspections can be found in the sections below.

Overview

Colorado requires emissions tests for some vehicles, but not all. For example, the state mandates emissions testing for many vehicles older than seven model years. If the year is 2019 and you own a vehicle from 2011 or earlier, you may be required to undergo an emissions test. Emissions testing is required for vehicles that meet the following criteria and are more than seven model years old.
  • A vehicle is weighing more than 8,500 pounds.
  • Registration is available in Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties. Some vehicles in Adams, Larimer, Arapahoe, and Weld counties may also undergo emissions tests.
  • A gasoline-powered light-duty vehicle weighs less than 8,500 pounds.
  • A registration renewal card indicated the need for an emissions test.
  • Registration to an address not within the Automobile Inspection and Readjustment program area but frequently travels into the area for work or school.
Every time a vehicle changes hands, the state requires an emissions inspection. In some cases, emissions tests will be required for registration renewal cards. If you owned a vehicle over seven model years old and was manufactured in 1982 or later, you must have an emissions test performed every two years. Vehicles from 1981 and earlier require annual inspections.

Emission Requirements

The emission test requirements in Colorado vary depending on the model year and fuel type of the vehicle. These variables will determine the type of inspection performed, each with slightly different criteria. In Colorado, there are five different types of smog checks available:
  • Onboard Diagnostics
    • If you own a gasoline or hybrid vehicle between the ages of 8 and 11, you will be given this test.
 
  • RapidScreen Roadside Test
    • If you own a low-emissions vehicle, such as a hybrid electric vehicle, you will be given this test. This test does not require you to visit a testing facility.
  • Two-speed Idle Test
    • If you own a gasoline-powered vehicle manufactured before 1982, you will be subjected to this test.
  • I/M 240 Dynamometer Test
    • This emissions test, also known as the treadmill test, will be administered if you own a vehicle at least 12 years old but newer than 1982.
  • Diesel Emissions Test
    • If you drive a diesel-powered vehicle, you must take this test. However, you must seek an independent provider because diesel vehicles are commercial vehicles.

Out-of-State Emission Testing

Regular emissions testing is required for all Colorado residents, even if the car owner is temporarily residing in another state. However, with some extra paperwork, the state allows testing outside Colorado. Colorado residents who require an inspection must first locate a smog test provider in their temporary residence. Any law enforcement officer may complete the inspection if testing is unavailable in this region. Following the completion of the vehicle inspection, the car owner must submit the test results to the Colorado DMV along with a completed Application for an Affidavit of Emissions Extension (Form DR 2376). A Verification of Vehicle Identification Number (Form 2698) must also be included if the test was performed in a state that does not offer emission inspections.

Fees

The cost of a CO smog check varies depending on the vehicle's model year. Most cars will be charged a $25 testing fee, while others may be charged differently. Diesel-powered vehicle owners will be charged the price quoted at the Diesel Emission Testing Center, where they choose to have their vehicles inspected. In Colorado, the cost of inspecting a gasoline-powered car manufactured in 1982 or later for emissions testing is $25. Gasoline-powered vehicles manufactured before 1982 will require a smog check more frequently, costing $15 per inspection. Diesel-powered vehicles must be inspected at a Diesel Emission Testing Center, which charges separate from state government fees. Diesel testing facilities can charge up to one labor hour for their services.

Receiving The Emission Test

To get an emissions test in Colorado, you must go to one of the state's emissions testing facilities. Visit the Air Care Colorado website to find the nearest location to you. You must bring your vehicle and your registration renewal card to your appointment. All emissions inspection locations are open during the hours listed below.
  • Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Saturday: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Closed on Sundays and Colorado state holidays.
The cost of an emissions test for a gasoline-powered vehicle from 1982 or earlier is $25. The fee is $15 for vehicles older than 1982. Emissions testing stations accept various payment methods, including cash, checks, and credit and debit cards.

What If I Fail The Emission And Smog Test?

Colorado emissions testing aims to ensure that no vehicle emits dangerously high smog levels on the road. Not every vehicle that is inspected will pass the test, mainly if the vehicle is older and has never been inspected. The first step in dealing with a failed DMV smog check in Colorado is determining why the vehicle did not pass. The reason for a failed test can be found in the Vehicle Inspection Report, which is handed over to the car owner once the inspection is completed. Common causes of failure include:
  • An illuminated "check engine" light.
  • Excessive carbon dioxide emissions.
  • A malfunctioning gas cap.
  • Smoke from the tailpipe is thicker than the acceptable standard.
The car owner can resolve the safety and emissions issues by taking it to a repair shop. The Vehicle Inspection Report will include a list of well-known repair shops, but the car owner is free to take the vehicle to any licensed auto shop. The specific problems that kept the car from passing inspection should be addressed. Once the issues have been resolved, the car owner can return to the vehicle emissions test provider for a retest.