Does Arizona Have Emissions Testing?

Arizona maintains a vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program in specific metropolitan areas to improve air quality and comply with federal clean air standards. The state requires annual or biennial emissions inspections for certain vehicles registered in or commuting to designated emissions control areas in the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan regions.

Understanding Arizona Emissions Testing Requirements

The state's emissions testing program operates under the authority of Arizona Revised Statutes Title 49, Chapter 3, Article 5. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) and the Arizona Department of Transportation jointly administer the comprehensive emissions inspection program.

Which Areas in Arizona Require Emissions Testing?

Unlike many states that designate emissions requirements by county, Arizona uses a township and range system to define two specific vehicle emissions control areas, known as Area A and Area B.

Area A (Metro Phoenix)

Area A encompasses portions of three counties in the greater Phoenix metropolitan region:

• Maricopa County: The majority of the Phoenix metropolitan area (specific townships and ranges defined in A.R.S. § 49-541)
• Pinal County: Northern portions including townships adjacent to the Phoenix area
• Yavapai County: Small southern sections near the Phoenix metropolitan boundary

Area B (Metro Tucson)

Area B covers the Tucson metropolitan area in Pima County, specifically townships 11-16 south, ranges 11-16 east, excluding portions of Coronado National Forest and Saguaro National Park.

Determining if Your Vehicle Needs Testing

Vehicle owners can use the ADEQ VEC Locator to determine whether their registration address falls within an emissions testing area by entering their ZIP code or street address.

Vehicles Subject to Emissions Testing in Arizona

Under current Arizona emissions inspection regulations, most gasoline-powered vehicles model year 1967 and newer registered in Area A or Area B require emissions testing.

Vehicle Age Requirements

According to Arizona Department of Transportation guidelines:

• New vehicles: Exempt for the first five years from initial registration
• Vehicles 6+ years old: Subject to annual or biennial emissions testing (depending on vehicle type, model year, fuel type, and gross vehicle weight rating)
• Vehicles manufactured in or before 1966: Exempt from emissions testing

Commuter Vehicle Requirements

Arizona law requires emissions testing for vehicles registered outside Area A or Area B but used to commute to the driver's principal place of employment located within either emissions control area. Employers in these areas are required to notify employees of this requirement.

Vehicles Exempt From Emissions Testing

The following vehicle categories do not require emissions inspections in Arizona:

• Electric-powered vehicles
• Motorcycles
• Golf carts
• Vehicles with engine displacement less than 90 cubic centimeters
• New vehicles less than five years old (from initial registration)
• Vehicles manufactured in or before the 1966 model year (may extend to 1974 model year if EPA approves)
• Collectible vehicles meeting specific insurance and usage requirements
• Vehicles registered under certain commercial classifications
• Vehicles temporarily located outside Arizona at registration time

Special Testing Requirements for Diesel Vehicles

Diesel-powered vehicles have specific testing requirements:

• Area A (Phoenix): Diesel vehicles model year 1997 and newer require annual emissions testing
• Area B (Tucson): Diesel vehicles are subject to loaded opacity testing
• Diesel vehicles with gross weight exceeding 26,000 pounds face additional restrictions based on model year and engine certification

Emissions Testing Costs and Fees in Arizona

According to myAZcar.com, emissions testing fees vary by test type and geographic area:

Phoenix Area (Area A) Fees

Tucson Area (Area B) Fees

Testing stations accept cash, personal checks from Arizona banks with proper identification, and major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express).

Where to Get Emissions Testing in Arizona

Arizona maintains a network of state-operated emissions testing stations throughout Area A and Area B. Vehicle owners can:

• Find Phoenix area testing locations and real-time wait times
• Find Tucson area testing locations and real-time wait times
• Call the 24-hour toll-free information line: 1-877-myAZcar (1-877-692-9227)

Pro tip: Testing is typically faster on weekdays from 4-5 PM, Saturday afternoons, and mid-month.

Financial Assistance for Repairs

Arizona offers the Voluntary Vehicle Repair Program (VVRP), which provides up to $900 toward emissions-related vehicle repairs for qualifying vehicle owners who fail their emissions test. Participants must:

• Meet program eligibility requirements
• Pay a $100 co-pay toward repairs
• Use a VVRP-approved repair facility
• Have repairs completed before retesting

This program helps low-income residents maintain vehicle compliance while improving air quality.

Inspection Timing and Vehicle Registration in Arizona

Under Arizona's registration-based enforcement system, vehicles must pass the required emissions inspection before registration renewal.

When to Get Tested

Vehicle owners may complete their emissions inspection:

• For registration renewal: Not earlier than 90 days before the registration expiration date
• Voluntary early testing: Allowed with payment of inspection fee, subject to conditions set by ADEQ director
• For used vehicle sales: Dealers must ensure vehicles pass inspection before delivery to buyers

Emissions test results are transmitted electronically to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division for registration processing.

Late Registration Penalty Exception

Vehicles that fail the initial or subsequent emissions test are not subject to late registration penalties if the original testing was completed before the expiration date and registration renewal is received within 30 days after the original test.

Out-of-State Vehicle Provisions

Vehicles temporarily located outside Arizona may qualify for an emissions testing exemption if:

• The vehicle is out of state for at least 90 days prior to registration expiration
• The owner provides proper documentation of the vehicle's location
• In some cases, proof of emissions testing in another state if required there

Certificate of Waiver Program in Arizona

Arizona offers a one-time certificate of waiver for vehicles that fail emissions testing after all reasonable repair efforts have been made. Key provisions include:

Waiver Eligibility Requirements

• Vehicle must fail emissions testing at least twice in the current test cycle
• Owner must complete recommended repairs up to specified cost limits
• Cost limits vary by vehicle age and location:

Area A (Phoenix) Maximum Repair Costs:

• 1974 model year and older: $200
• 1975-1979 model years: $300
• 1980 and newer: $450
• Diesel vehicles over 26,000 lbs: $500

Area B (Tucson) Maximum Repair Costs:

• 1974 model year and older: $50
• 1975-1979 model years: $200
• 1980 and newer: $300
• Diesel vehicles over 26,000 lbs: $300

Important Waiver Limitations

• Only one waiver per vehicle is allowed after January 1, 1997
• Waivers are not available for catalytic converter system failures
• Vehicles with emissions levels exceeding twice the standard must be repaired to below that threshold before waiver eligibility
• Sellers must disclose to buyers if a vehicle has received a certificate of waiver