Vehicles that fail the initial emissions inspection (or On-Road Emissions Confirmation Test) are eligible for one free retest at the original station within 14 calendar days of the initial inspection (or initial On-Road Emissions Confirmation Test).

A vehicle that fails the emissions inspection (or On-Road Emissions Confirmation Test) must be repaired and reinspected until it passes or a waiver is obtained. If your vehicle fails, the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Report, which indicates the failed item(s) and a second page, the Emissions Repair Data Form will be given to you by the inspector.

Emissions-related repair and diagnostic work performed and/or approved by a Certified Emissions Repair Technician (CRT) employed at a Certified Emissions Repair Facility (CRF) can be applied toward an emissions inspection waiver. If repairs are done by someone other than a CRT at a CRF, the cost of the repairs will not apply towards an emissions inspection waiver. In order to qualify for an emissions inspection waiver, the emissions-related diagnostic and repair charges must meet or exceed the cost of the waiver ($1030 on or before January 5, 2025 OR $1060 on or after January 6, 2025), and the vehicle must have failed an initial emissions inspection and completed a retest indicating continued failure.

An emissions inspection waiver will not be granted for:

• An emissions inspection failure for any vehicle with less than 24,000 miles and is less than two years old and is covered by an emissions warranty
• An emissions control systems visual inspection failure (1973 or newer)
• A visible smoke failure for any vehicle
• Any situation in which the vehicle is not able to complete the full emissions inspection procedure, i.e. any “rejection from testing”

If the vehicle is taken to a CRF, the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Report and the Emissions Repair Data Form must be given to that repair facility. Once the repairs have been performed, the CRT will indicate on the Emissions Repair Data Form what types of repairs were performed and any item(s) that were suggested to be repaired and/or serviced. The Vehicle Emissions Inspection Report, Emissions Repair Data Form and business receipts from the Certified Emissions Repair Facility must then be taken back to the inspection station for data entry during the retest of the vehicle.

Although DEQ suggests that the vehicle be taken to a CRF for repairs, anyone can work on the vehicle. It is acceptable if someone other than a CRT works on the vehicle and it then passes the reinspection. However, if money is paid for emission related repairs to a facility or person who is not a CRT, and the vehicle fails the reinspection, the money CANNOT be applied towards an emissions inspection waiver.

Types of emissions inspection failures

There are many different ways for a vehicle to fail an emissions test. Here are the most common that you may see on your Vehicle Inspection Report.