Colorado emissions testing rules

The current program, in place since 1995, covers most vehicles and places in the Denver metropolitan area and the North Front Range.

“The current emissions inspection program began in 1995 and applies to most vehicles and locales in the Denver-metropolitan area and the North Front Range of the state.”

Vehicles are exempt for the first seven model years and are then inspected every two years.

“Vehicles are currently exempt from the emission inspection for the first seven (7) model years after which, vehicles are inspected on a biennial basis.”

Gasoline vehicles skip testing for their first seven model years and diesels for their first four, but a test is required when ownership changes in the last year of that exemption.

“Gasoline vehicles are exempt from an emissions test for the first seven model years. Diesel vehicles are exempt from an emissions test for first four model years. However, there is an exception.”

At a sale, the seller must give the buyer a passing emissions test that has not already been used for a registration.

“At the time of sale the seller is required to provide the buyer with a passing emissions test that has not been used previously to register a vehicle or renew a vehicle registration.”

An emissions waiver lets you register without meeting the standards for one cycle. There are repair, diagnostic and economic hardship waivers; none is given for smoking or tampered vehicles or a gas cap failure.

“If an emissions waiver is granted, it is valid for one emissions cycle. There are three types of waivers; repair, diagnostic and economic hardship.”