Gas and Alternative Fuel Vehicle Emissions Requirements

Test Locations

Gas-fueled vehicles and some alternative-fueled vehicles can obtain an emissions test from Air Care Colorado.

Testing Information: Air Care Colorado

• Open 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
• Locations and Map
  • Local Testing Locations:
    • Boulder: 5655 Airport Boulevard
    • Longmont: 4040 Rogers Road
    • Broomfield: 11609 Teller Street
    • Dacono: 5222 Silver Peak Avenue
• Phone: 303-456-7090
• Cash, personal checks or credit cards are accepted

Air Care Colorado does not test diesel vehicles. Diesel vehicles have different requirements.

Exemptions

Gas-fueled vehicles are exempt from an emissions test within the first seven years of service. For example:

• In 2016, all 2010-2016 model-year gas-fueled vehicles are exempt from an emissions test.
• In 2017, all 2011-2017 model-year gas-fueled vehicles are exempt from an emissions test.

Hybrid Vehicles

Beginning February 1, 2015, all hybrid vehicles eight years old and older are required to obtain an Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) emission inspection. Eight years is calculated by adding 7 years to the model year of the vehicle, for example a 2009 vehicle plus 7 years would require a test in 2016.

Alternative-Fuel Vehicles

The following single and dual alternative fuel types can be tested at Air Care Colorado:

• Ethanol
• Natural Gas
• Propane
• Methanol
• Bio-diesel
• Propane/gas
• Methanol/gas
• Natural gas/diesel
• Natural gas/gas
• Ethanol/gas

Motorcycles and Electric Vehicles

Motorcycles and electric vehicles are exempt from an emissions test.

Vehicles 1982 and Newer

1982 model-year vehicles and newer require an emissions test, which is valid for two years.

• Visit Air Care Colorado or an independent, test-only station in the Front Range area
• Test is $25

Vehicles 1981 and Older

1981 model-year vehicles and older are required to have an emissions test performed each year.

• Visit Air Care Colorado or an independent, test-only station in the Front Range area
• Test is $15

Vehicles 1975 and Older

Vehicles meeting the following requirements are not required to obtain an emissions test:

• Collector plated vehicles with a model-year of 1975 and older
• Vehicles to be registered with collector plates and are a model-year of 1975 and older

Seller and Dealer Requirements

The seller is required to provide the buyer with a new emissions test if the vehicle is required to obtain an emissions test.

Colorado dealers are also required to provide an emissions test, if applicable.

Renewal Requirements

• There is no grace period for an emissions test
• Obtain an emissions test if the statement “Emissions Test is Required” appears on the vehicle registration renewal notice
• Submit the test results with payment

If payment is made online, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the enhanced emissions test must match the VIN on the registration to post electronically to the motor vehicle record.