Does Nevada Have Emissions Testing?
Nevada maintains an annual vehicle emissions testing program in the urban areas of Clark and Washoe counties to improve air quality and meet federal Clean Air Act requirements. The state requires yearly emissions inspections for most vehicles registered in the Las Vegas and Reno metropolitan areas.
Understanding Nevada's Emissions Testing Program
Nevada's emissions testing program operates under the authority of NRS 445B.770 through NRS 445B.845 and Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 445B. The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles administers the program through its Compliance Enforcement Division.
Which Counties in Nevada Require Emissions Testing?
Nevada requires emissions testing only in specific urban areas of two counties:
Clark County
Emissions testing is required in the [Las Vegas Valley hydrographic drainage basin 212 and within a five-mile buffer zone around it. This testing area covers:
- Las Vegas
- Henderson
- North Las Vegas
- Boulder City
- The entire Mount Charleston area (including Kyle Canyon and Lee Canyon Roads)
- Blue Diamond
- Bonnie Springs
Exemptions within Clark County: Vehicles based in the community of Goodsprings (near the buffer zone border) and Jean (outside the buffer zone) do not require emissions testing.
Washoe County
Emissions testing is required in:
- Reno
- Sparks
- Washoe Valley
- Most areas west of Washoe Valley
- Areas north and east of Reno between Interstate 80 and the 40th degree of north latitude (approximately midway through Pyramid Lake)
Important Note: Vehicles registered in all other Nevada counties, including Carson City and rural areas of Clark and Washoe counties outside the designated testing areas, are exempt from emissions testing requirements.
Vehicles Subject to Emissions Testing in Nevada
Nevada's emissions inspection program applies to vehicles based on specific characteristics, including power source, weight, age, and model year.
Basic Requirements
According to the Nevada DMV, passenger cars, trucks, RVs, and motor homes require emissions testing if they are:
- Based in urban areas of Clark or Washoe County
- Gasoline-powered (regardless of weight or size)
- Diesel-powered with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) up to and including 14,000 pounds
- Model year 1968 or newer
- Beyond their third registration (new vehicles are exempt for the first three registrations; hybrids are exempt for five model years)
Annual Testing Schedule
Unlike some states with biennial testing, Nevada requires annual emissions inspections for non-exempt vehicles. The test must be completed before each yearly registration renewal.
Vehicles Exempt From Emissions Testing
The following vehicle categories are exempt from Nevada emissions inspections:
By Vehicle Age and Registration Status:
- New motor vehicles on their first three registrations
- New hybrid-electric vehicles for the first five model years
- Vehicles manufactured in 1967 or earlier
By Vehicle Type:
- Motorcycles, mopeds, and most tri-mobiles
- Diesel vehicles with a GVWR of 14,001 pounds or greater
By Power Source:
- Electric vehicles
- Vehicles that run permanently on propane, compressed natural gas, methane, or butane
By Geographic Location:
- Vehicles based in remote areas of Clark and Washoe counties
- Vehicles based in all other Nevada counties
By Special Registration:
- Vehicles registered as Classic Rod, Classic Vehicle, or Old Timer and driven 5,000 miles or less per year
- Vehicles registered as a Replica Vehicle
- Fleet vehicles participating in the Continuous Monitoring program
Emissions Testing Costs and Fees in Nevada
Nevada establishes maximum fees for emissions testing based on annual surveys of hourly labor rates at stations within each county. According to the Nevada DMV fee schedule, effective July 13, 2025, the maximum fees are:
Clark County
| Vehicle Type | Inspection Fee | Certificate Fee | Total Maximum Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Duty - Gasoline | $67.50 | $7.00 | $74.50 |
| Heavy Duty - Gasoline | $69.00 | $7.00 | $76.00 |
| Diesel | $74.00 | $7.00 | $81.00 |
Washoe County
| Vehicle Type | Inspection Fee | Certificate Fee | Total Maximum Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Duty - Gasoline | $60.00 | $7.00 | $67.00 |
| Heavy Duty - Gasoline | $60.50 | $7.00 | $67.50 |
| Diesel | $63.50 | $7.00 | $70.50 |
Note: Gasoline-powered vehicles up to 8,500 pounds GVWR are classified as light duty. Vehicles 8,501 pounds or greater are considered heavy-duty. Individual stations may charge less than these maximum amounts.
Where to Get Emissions Testing in Nevada
Nevada maintains a network of privately-owned, authorized emission inspection stations throughout Clark and Washoe counties.
Finding Inspection Stations
The Nevada DMV Online Station Search provides a searchable directory to find:
- Authorized emissions testing stations
- 2G Licensed stations that can perform repairs
- Stations that offer registration renewal services
Many inspection stations offer the convenience of completing both your emissions test and registration renewal at the same location.
Finding Repair Facilities
If your vehicle fails its emissions inspection, you must have repairs performed at a 2G Licensed Authorized Station to be eligible for a waiver. These specialized facilities:
- Diagnose emissions-related problems
- Perform emissions-specific repairs
- Document repair costs for waiver applications
- Conduct retest inspections
Inspection Timing Requirements in Nevada
Emissions test validity periods are:
- Standard tests: Valid for 90 days from the date of testing
- Nevada dealer sales: Valid for 180 days from the date of testing
All licensed car dealers in Nevada that sell a motor vehicle to be registered in Clark or Washoe County must provide a valid passing emission test unless the vehicle is exempt. For private party sales, obtaining the emissions test is the buyer's responsibility.
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Testing
For vehicles manufactured in 1996 or newer, Nevada uses OBD II testing rather than traditional tailpipe testing. This system:
- Connects to your vehicle's computer system
- Checks emission control system performance
- Verifies readiness monitors are set
- Detects check engine light issues
Out-of-State Vehicles
New Nevada Residents:
When moving to Nevada and registering an out-of-state vehicle in Clark or Washoe County, you must obtain a Nevada emissions test. According to the Nevada DMV New Resident Guide:
- Nevada does not accept out-of-state smog test results
- New vehicles are exempt for their first three registrations (five for hybrids)
- Diesel vehicles over 14,000 pounds GVWR are exempt
- Emissions inspection is required even if your vehicle was recently tested in another state
Vehicles Temporarily Out of State:
If your Nevada-registered vehicle is temporarily located outside the state at registration renewal time, you may apply for a temporary exemption using Form EC-008.
Test Failures and Waivers
If your vehicle fails the initial emission test, you must have it repaired and pass a second test to be eligible for registration. If it still fails after repairs, you may be eligible for a waiver if you meet specific requirements.
Waiver Requirements
Waivers are available only for vehicles that fail:
- Carbon monoxide and/or hydrocarbon levels exceeding standards (1968-1995 light duty vehicles and all heavy duty vehicles)
- Illuminated check engine lamp (1996 and newer light-duty vehicles)
Waivers Will NOT Be Issued For:
- Vehicles eligible for warranty coverage (emission components may be covered for up to 8 years or 80,000 miles
- Smoking vehicles (must be repaired with no cost limit)
- Emission device tampering (must be repaired with no cost limit)
Important: A waiver is only valid for one year. The vehicle must be repaired before the next registration year.
Smoking Vehicles and Smog Spotter Program
Nevada law prohibits vehicles from emitting visible smoke.
- Vehicles emitting visible smoke will not pass emissions inspection
- Smoking vehicles do not qualify for any waiver
- Gasoline vehicles in Nevada must not emit visible smoke, regardless of the county of registration
- Law enforcement may issue citations for visible smoke
Smog Spotter Reporting Program
The Nevada DMV operates the Smog Spotter program to encourage public reporting of smoking vehicles. Citizens can report smoking vehicles:
The DMV investigates reports on any vehicle with Nevada registration, including heavy-duty diesel trucks and vehicles based in rural areas.
Contact Information
Nevada DMV Compliance Enforcement Division - Emission Control Program
Las Vegas Office:
2621 East Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Phone: (702) 486-4981
Official Website: Nevada DMV Emission Control
Reno/Sparks Office:
9155 Double Diamond Parkway, Reno, NV 89521
Phone: (775) 684-3580
Official Website: Nevada DMV Emission Control
Carson City Office:
555 Wright Way, Carson City, NV 89711-0100
Phone: (775) 684-4389
Official Website: Nevada DMV
