In Arizona, the law requiring vehicle emissions testing is established by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). According to ADEQ, vehicles that are registered in certain areas of the state are required to undergo emissions testing as a condition of registration. This is known as the Arizona Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (AVEIP). The program is intended to help improve air quality in the state by identifying and addressing vehicles that are not meeting emissions standards.
The areas of the state where emissions testing is required are: Maricopa County, Pima County, and Pinal County, which are the areas that are designated as nonattainment for the federal air quality standards for ozone and particulate matter. The vehicles required to be tested include gas-powered vehicles that are between 2 and 24 years old, and diesel-powered vehicles that are between 2 and 34 years old. Exemptions are applied for some vehicles as well as for example electric vehicles, hybrids and vehicles with a GVWR over 14,000 lbs.
The testing process involves a visual inspection of the vehicle’s emission control systems, as well as a tailpipe emissions test. The vehicle must pass the test in order to be registered. If a vehicle fails the emissions test, the owner will be required to have the vehicle repaired and retested before it can be registered.
It is important to check the rules and regulations of ADEQ as they may change over time and also to check the specific county website where you live to check if and when you need to get your vehicle emissions tested.
