Nevada Emission Control Program

Keeping Nevada's air clean through vehicle emission testing

Find Testing Station

Quick Tips

New vehicles are now exempt from testing until their fourth registration!
Emission tests are valid for 90 days (180 days from Nevada dealers)
Use the Online Station Search to find emission testing stations, repair stations and stations that offer registration renewals
Nevada requires emission tests each year for qualifying vehicles

Your Vehicle Needs a Test if it is:

Location Based

Based in the urban areas of Clark or Washoe county.

Model Year

1968 model year or newer.

Vehicle Type

Gasoline powered (regardless of weight or size)
Diesel Powered with GVWR up to 14,000 lbs

Registration Status

A new vehicle at its fourth registration. The first three registrations are exempt.
Hybrids are exempt for five model years. They will require a test in the sixth model year.

Test Validity

Standard: Emission tests are valid for 90 days.
Nevada Dealer Sales: Valid for 180 days from the date of test.

Dealer Requirements

Any used car dealer in Nevada must provide a valid passing emissions test with any vehicle they sell that is going to be registered in Clark or Washoe counties. In private transactions, the test is the buyer's responsibility.

Important Details About Your Check Engine Light

Don’t Skip the Test

If your check engine light is on, get your vehicle tested anyway. A failing test is the first step in the waiver process if repairs turn out to be costly.

Common Cause: Loose Gas Cap

If the light comes on suddenly, check your gas cap. This is one of the most common issues.

Expired Registration?

You can request a Movement Permit to drive legally while your registration is expired.

Flashing Light = Stop Immediately

A flashing check engine light indicates a serious malfunction. Pull over and stop driving right away.

After Repairs or Battery Replacement

Don’t rush to get tested. Even if the light is off, the system may show “Rejected”. A “Rejected” test is not the same as a “Failed” test. It just means the vehicle is not ready to be tested.
Vehicles from 1996 and newer need to be driven under varying conditions for up to one week so the On-Board Diagnostics system can complete all its checks.

Nevada Emissions Rule

Gasoline vehicles in Nevada must not emit visible smoke, regardless of the county. Smoking vehicles can receive citations and/or mandatory testing.

Test Failures and Waivers

Repair and Retest: If your vehicle fails the initial emissions test, you must complete repairs and pass a second test to be eligible for registration. If your vehicle still fails after repairs, you may qualify for a waiver if you meet the requirements listed below.

Movement Permit: If your registration is expired or about to expire, you can request a movement permit online or at a DMV office. Operating a vehicle on public streets with an expired registration may result in late fees and/or citations.

Waiver Requirements

If your vehicle still fails after repairs, it may be eligible for a waiver. To qualify:

Your Vehicle Must Fail For:

Carbon monoxide and/or hydrocarbon levels exceeding standards for 1968-1995 light duty vehicles and all heavy duty vehicles, or
Illuminated "Check Engine" lamp for 1996 and newer light duty vehicles.

Waivers Will Not Be Issued To

Vehicles eligible for warranty coverage
Smoking Vehicles - The vehicle must be repaired with no limit on cost
Emission Device Tampering - The vehicle must be repaired with no limit on cost

Note: A waiver is only valid for one year. The vehicle must be repaired prior to the next registration year.

Repair Requirements

The vehicle must be repaired by a 2G Licensed Authorized Station to be eligible for a waiver.

The waiver application must include receipts from the station showing that at least $450 has been spent on:

For tailpipe-tested vehicles only: Parts other than a catalytic converter, fuel inlet restrictor or an air injection system, or
Repairs to the vehicle that are directly related to emissions.
Labor (other than emission testing) for repairs directly related to a deficiency in emissions noted on the initial test.

Important: If the vehicle is not repaired at an authorized 2G station, it will not be eligible for a waiver, regardless of the cost incurred.

Smog Free Clark County Voucher Program:

The Clark County Division of Air Quality will pay up to $975 for emissions-related repairs on 1968-1999 vehicles. Owner income restrictions apply. See SmogFreeClarkCounty.com

Repair Options

Waiver repairs may be made by a 2G Licensed Authorized Station or the registered owner. Vehicles repaired at a non-2G garage or by someone other than the registered owner are not eligible for a waiver.

If repaired at a station:

Application must include receipts showing at least $200 spent on parts and labor (other than emission testing) at an Authorized 2G station for repairs that were directly related to an emission deficiency noted on the initial test.

If repaired by owner:

Application must include receipts showing at least $200 spent on parts related to an area of failure noted on the initial test. Parts must be purchased within 14 days after the initial emission test.

If You Still Fail After Repairs

If you failed the initial test, did the repairs pursuant to your county's requirements, met the financial limit to obtain a waiver and your vehicle still fails for hydrocarbons/carbon monoxide or a Check Engine light, bring your vehicle, both failed caertificates, and receipts for all repair work to DMV Emission Lab to request a waiver.

List of exempt vehicles

New motor vehicles on their first three registrations
New hybrid-electric vehicles for the first five model years
1967 or older
Vehicles based in remote areas of Clark and Washoe counties and all other Nevada counties (see Testing Areas Maps below or Contact Us)
Electric vehicles and vehicles that run permanently on propane, compressed natural gas, methane, or butane
Diesel vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 14,001 pounds or greater
Transfer of ownership/registration if the last test was conducted within 90 days before the transfer (180 days on a Nevada dealer sale)
Transfer of ownership/registration between husband and wife
Transfer of ownership/registration between companies whose principal business is leasing vehicles if there is no change in the lessee or operator of the vehicle
Vehicles registered as a Classic Rod, Classic Vehicle or Old Timer and driven 5,000 miles or less per year. The owner must file an odometer affidavit each year
Vehicles registered as a Replica Vehicle
Fleet vehicles participating in the Continuous Monitoring Program.

Classic Vehicle Exemption

Vehicles registered with Classic Vehicle, Classic Rod, or Old Timer license plates and driven 5,000 miles or less per year are eligible for an emission testing exemption.

Insurance Requirements

Owners of vehicles with these plates must carry classic or antique vehicle insurance.

You must provide the Declarations page from your insurance policy showing:
Nevada coverage specifically designated for classic or antique vehicles
Minimum liability coverage
Submit this at your next renewal or when you first obtain plates.

Important Restrictions:

Vehicle cannot be used for general transportation, driven more than 5,000 miles/year, or used commercially
Vehicle may be driven for:
Club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, or maintenance

To claim the exception each year:

Complete the Mileage Certification

Submit your insurance declarations page
Renew online, in person or by mail (fax available at (775)-684-4797)
Your renewal notice will list "Smog Check Required", but you will be able to use alternate renewal methods

If you exceed mileage or do not meet requirements:

You must obtain an emissions inspection
Renew in person and switch to a different plate style

If you have received a failing emission test within the last 90 days, you will not be able to obtain the license plates for the emission exemption.

To obtain the plates and exemption, you must complete one of the following applications:

Classic Vehicle License Plate Application (SP 34) (PDF)

Classic Rod License Plate Application (SP 20) (PDF)

Old Timer License Plate Application (SP 12) (PDF)

You must also complete aOdometer Certification for Emission Exemption (EC 018) and your insurance policy Declaration page.

Additional Fees:

36$ Specialty Plate Fee and Prison Industry Fee
36$ Personalized Plate Fee if ordering personalized plates
7$ Pollution Control Fee for vehicles registered in Clark and Washoe counties

2026 Maximum Testing fees

The DMV sets maximum emission testing fees based on an annual survey of hourly labor rates at stations within each county. See Industry Bulletin 2026

Vehicle Type	Inspection Fee	Certificate Fee	Total Fee
Light Duty - Gasoline	$68.50	$7	$75.50
Heavy Duty - Gasoline	$68	$7	$75
Diesel	$83	$7	$90

Vehicle Type	Inspection Fee	Certificate Fee	Total Fee
Light Duty - Gasoline	$64.50	$7	$71.50
Heavy Duty - Gasoline	$66	$7	$73
Diesel	$67	$7	$74

Fee Discounts & Promotions

Discounts and promotions are not mandated by State law and are offered at the discretion of individual stations.

Posting Fees

Stations must post their fees.
A station cannot implement a new fee until a written request to list the new fee is submitted and acknowledged by the DMV.

Registration Renewal Service

Stations that offer registration renewals may charge a maximum of $10 for this service in addition to the emission testing fee.

Vehicle Classifications:

Light Duty : Gasoline-powered vehicles up to 8,500 lbs
Heavy Duty : Vehicles 8,501 lbs or greater
Diesel Vehicles : Up to 14,000 lbs must undergo emission testing (single fee applies)

Testing Area Maps

Emission testing is required in the Las Vegas Valley (hydrographic drainage basin 212) and within a five-mile buffer zone surrounding it.

Click on image to see full size

This area includes:

Mount Charleston, including Kyle Canyon and Lee Canyon Roads
Blue Diamond
Bonnie Springs

Exceptions

Vehicles based in Goodsprings (near the buffer zone border) are exempt.
The community of Jean is outside the buffer zone and not subject to testing.
Vehicles based in Cold Creek are exempt

Emission Testing Area - Reno & Surrounding Regions

Click on image to see full size

Testing Required:

Reno
Sparks
Washoe Valley
Most of the area west of Washoe Valley
All of Washoe County south of the 40th degree of north latitude (about midway through Pyramid Lake)
Exempt areas include:
- Incline Village
- Crystal Bay
- Sutcliffe
- Nixon
- Wadsworth

If you are not sure whether or not you need an emissions test, please contact the Reno Emissions Lab at (775)684-3580

The Emission Program

Diesel Testing and Enforcement

Nevada has annual testing for light-duty diesel vehicles and roadside enforcement for heavy-duty vehicles.

Diesel Emissions

Fleet Continuous Monitoring

Businesses with fleets of vehicles can avoid annual emission tests with this new program.

Fleet Monitoring Program

On Board Diagnostics

Your yearly smog check on 1996 and newer vehicles is done through OBD II, rather than the older "tail pipe" test.

OBD Emissions Testing

Business and Inspector Licensing

Stations are licensed through Vehicle Industry Licensing.

Emission Station Licensing

Emission Advisory Committee

The Nevada Advisory Committee on Control of Emissions from Motor Vehicles meets quarterly to discuss the program's status and upcoming legislation.

Public Meeting Information

Proof of Identity & Residency

The Emission Program is operated by the DMV Compliance Enforcement Division (CED), the law enforcement arm of the DMV.

Compliance & Enforcement Details

Smoking Vehicles

Smog Spotter Program

The Nevada DMV operates the Smog Spotter program to encourage the public to report smoking vehicles online or by telephone.

The DMV will investigate reports on any vehicle with a Nevada registration, including heavy-duty diesel trucks and vehicles based in rural areas.

Report a smoking vehicle:

Online reporting available in English and Spanish
Call 844-END-SMOG

Important: A gasoline-powered vehicle which emits visible smoke will not pass an emission inspection and does not qualify for any waiver. Law enforcement may issue citations for visible smoke.