Emissions Testing

Emissions Testing - Gasoline Powered Vehicles

Weld County residents are required to obtain a Certificate of Emissions within certain areas of Weld County.

Emissions test is required if:

  • Newly purchased vehicle that is more than seven (7) years old located in emissions area.

  • Transfer of ownership of a vehicle that is seven (7) years and older located in emissions area.

  • Vehicles currently registered in Weld County upon renewal (See below)

Check the registration renewal postcard that your county clerk mails to you about a month before your vehicle's registration renewal is due.

If "EMISSIONS TEST REQUIRED" appears on the card, then you will need to take your vehicle to an Air Care Colorado inspection station.

Owners of eligible vehicles will see "PASSED ROADSIDE EMISSIONS" on their registration renewal cards, and they will not need to go to an inspection station.

NO EMISSIONS TEST REQUIRED

Some vehicles don't require an emissions inspection, including:

  • Gasoline vehicles that are seven (7) model years old and newer.

Note: A 2009 gasoline vehicle, for example, won't need an inspection until 2016.

  • Vehicles in their "off" year cycle - vehicles require an inspection every other year.

  • All-electric vehicles (hybrid-electric vehicles are inspected after 7 years).

  • Collector plated vehicles (model year 1975 and older).

  • Horseless carriages, street rods, farm vehicles, kit cars and motorcycles.

Types of tests done:

Vehicles that are eight (8) through eleven (11) years old will need their "On-Board Diagnostic (OBD)" computer systems checked.

Instead of a driving test on the dynamometer (the "treadmill" test), vehicles will be "plugged in" to read the codes in their on-board computers.

If the "Check Engine" light is turned on, then these vehicles will fail the inspection and need repairs.
Starting in 2015, this will apply to vehicles from model years 2005 through 2008.

Vehicles that are twelve (12) years and older will continue to get the "I/M 240" dynamometer (treadmill) test.
Starting in 2015, this will apply to vehicles from model years 1982 through 2004. I/M 240 is the best way to test vehicle emissions under real-world conditions.

Vehicles that are model year 1981 and older will continue to get the (stationary) Two-Speed Idle test.

Hybrid vehicles that are eight (8) years and older will now require inspections.

  • Starting in 2015, model year 2008 and older hybrid vehicles will be inspected to make sure they are running clean.

  • Hybrid vehicles will only need an OBD check, and will not be run on the dynamometer.

For further details visit: www.aircarecolorado.com

Gas emissions map

Emissions Testing - Diesel Powered Vehicles

Weld County residents are required to obtain a Certificate of Emissions within certain areas of Weld County.

Emissions test is required if:

  • Newly purchased vehicle that is more than four (4) years old located in emissions area.

  • Transfer of ownership of a vehicle that is four (4) years and older located in emissions area.

  • Vehicles currently registered in Weld County upon renewal (See below)

  • Tax class A heavy duty vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of at least 26,000 pounds do not require an emissions for six model years or older.

Check the registration renewal postcard that your county clerk mails to you about a month before your vehicle's registration renewal is due.

If "EMISSIONS TEST REQUIRED" appears on the card, then you will need to take your vehicle to a private diesel inspection station.

NO EMISSIONS TEST REQUIRED

  • Diesel vehicles that are four (4) model years old or newer.

Note: A 2012 diesel vehicle, for example, won't need an inspection until 2016.

  • Vehicles in their "off" year cycle - vehicles require an inspection every other year.

  • Tax class A heavy duty vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of at least 26,000 pounds do not require an emissions for six model years or newer.

Some vehicles don't require an emissions inspection, including:

  • The Diesel Opacity Inspection Program requires eligible vehicles (ten model years old or newer) to be inspected every two years.

  • Diesel powered vehicles that are eleven model years old or older must be inspected annually.

Click here for the Diesel Emissions map

Emissions Extension Program

Emissions Extension Program

(VEHICLE IS TEMPORARILY LOCATED OUT OF STATE)

If an emissions test is required for a vehicle that is temporarily out of state, provide the following to your Colorado County Motor Vehicle Division:

  1. Completed emissions extension form. (DR 2376) (PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY)
  2. Proof of a passing emissions test%2c in the county where the vehicle is currently located.
  3. *lf emissions testing is not performed in the county where the vehicle is located, a VIN verification form (DR 2698) must be completed by a law enforcement officer and submitted. The vehicle must also be emissions tested within 15 days of returning to Colorado.
  4. Provide a copy of current insurance.
  5. Renewal reminder postcard, if available.
  6. Registration payment.
  7. Registrant's contact information including a phone number and email address.

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