Emissions Testing in Metro Phoenix, Arizona

If you live in metro Phoenix, Arizona, you know that emissions testing is required for all vehicles. But what if you don’t know where to go to get your emissions tested? Or what if you’re not sure what kind of emissions test your vehicle needs?

Don’t worry, I’m here to help! In this article, I’ll provide you with a list of emissions test locations in metro Phoenix, as well as information on the different types of emissions tests that are available.

Where to Get Your Emissions Tested

There are many ADEQ locations where you can get your emissions tested in Phoenix. Here’s the official list of locations.

  • Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ): ADEQ operates a number of emissions testing stations throughout the Phoenix area.

Types of Emissions Tests

There are two types of emissions tests that are required in metro Phoenix: the OBD II test and the IM147 test.

The OBD II test is a computer-based test that checks for emissions-related problems with your vehicle. The IM147 test is a drive-cycle test that measures the emissions of your vehicle while it is being driven.

If your vehicle is newer than 1996, you will only need to take the OBD II test. If your vehicle is older than 1996, you will need to take both the OBD II test and the IM147 test.

How to Prepare for Your Emissions Test

There are a few things you can do to prepare for your emissions test:

  • Make sure that your vehicle is in good working order. This includes having a clean air filter, properly inflated tires, and a properly tuned engine.
  • Make sure that your vehicle has enough fuel. You will need to have at least one-quarter of a tank of gas in your vehicle in order to take the emissions test.
  • Make sure that you have your vehicle’s registration and insurance information with you.

What to Expect at the Emissions Testing Station

When you arrive at the emissions testing station, you will need to provide your vehicle’s registration and insurance information. You will also need to pay the emissions testing fee.

The emissions test will take a few minutes to complete. Once the test is complete, you will be given a pass or fail sticker. If your vehicle passes the test, you will be able to renew your vehicle registration. If your vehicle fails the test, you will need to have the emissions-related problems fixed before you can renew your vehicle registration.

In Arizona, what law requires me to get my vehicle emissions tested?

In Arizona, the law requiring vehicle emissions testing is determined by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). Emissions testing is required in certain areas of the state where air quality is a concern, and it is typically required for vehicles that are registered in those areas.

Currently, emissions testing is required for vehicles registered in the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas, as well as in Pinal County. The testing requirements apply to gasoline-powered vehicles that are model year 1996 or newer, and diesel-powered vehicles that are model year 1998 or newer. These vehicles are required to pass an emissions test every two years in order to renew their registration. Exceptions are some hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and vehicles older than 25 years.

The emissions test is conducted at an emissions testing location and typically involves checking the emissions from the vehicle’s tailpipe using a dynamometer (a machine that simulates driving conditions). The vehicle is also inspected for tampered or missing emissions control equipment. If your vehicle passes the test, you will receive a certificate that must be presented when renewing your registration. If the vehicle fails the test, you will need to make the necessary repairs and have the vehicle retested before it can pass.

It is important to check the requirements on the ADEQ website for the most up-to-date information on emissions testing requirements, however they rarly change.

Motorcycle Emissions Testing in Phoenix

Emissions testing of motorcycles is not required in Arizona. This is fantastic news for motorcycle riders! As of June 21, 2013 motorcycles are no longer required to receive emissions testing (in Metro Phoenix). Tucson residents haven’t needed to get emissions testing since 2007. That means motorcycles statewide are exempt from emissions tests. Hooray!

If you want to verify this yourself, or want further information you can contact the motor vehicle division at 602-255-0072 or ADEQ at 602-771-3954 or read it here yourself.

Motorcycle Exemption Law: Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 49-542(J)(2)(l) exempts motorcycles from the emissions test. The law became effective in Tucson in 2007 and in Phoenix on June 21, 2013.

Did you know that you can see any vehicles test history? To do so, you’ll need the VIN for any car that has previously been tested. Enter that code on this web page and you’ll be shown the test history. Did you know, the state also has a web site where you can enter a VIN to see if that car is reported stolen.

Find out wait times: Lastly, if you are still needing to get a vehicle emissions tested. You can find the wait times at emissions testing locations online. You can even see webcams from each location to get an idea of the number of cars ahead of you.

Phoenix Emissions Testing Locations

Metro Phoenix Area Emissions Testing Locations

(click on an address for map)

1520 E. Riverview Dr.
Phoenix, AZ 85036

5850 W. Beverly Ln.
Glendale, AZ 85306

4949 E. Madison
Phoenix, AZ 85034

7140 N. 110th Ave.
Glendale, AZ 85307

1851 W. 1st Ave.
Mesa, AZ 85202

10210 N. 23rd Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85021

4442 E. Ivy St.
Mesa, AZ 85205

5302 W. Roosevelt
Phoenix, AZ 85043

20 N. Beck Ave.
Chandler, AZ 85226

8448 E. Evans
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

13425 W. Westgate Dr.
Surprise, AZ 85374

2360 S. Airport Blvd.
Chandler, AZ 85286

501 W Deer Valley Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85027

16140 W Eddie Albert Way
Goodyear, AZ 85338

565 E 38th Ave
Apache Junction, AZ 85119