Las Vegas Smog Check Services

Emissions testing is required for gasoline and diesel-powered passenger cars, trucks, SUVs, and recreational vehicles. Specifically, vehicles produced in 1968 or later or newer vehicles on their third registration cycle need testing. Hybrid vehicles are exempt for the first five model years. 

Exemptions include new vehicles in their first three registrations, hybrid-electric vehicles for the first five years, vehicles produced before 1967, motorcycles, mopeds, vehicles in remote areas of Nevada, alternative fuel vehicles, and diesel vehicles over 14,000 pounds. Vehicles registered as Classic Rod, Classic Vehicle, or Old Timer with limited mileage, or as a Replica Vehicle are also exempt. 

A test is valid for 90 days. For vehicles purchased from a dealer in Nevada, the test is valid for 180 days from the test date. 

These vehicles undergo an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) test, where a technician connects a device to the vehicle’s OBD computer to analyze the emissions system. If the battery was recently disconnected, it’s advised to drive the vehicle under varying conditions for up to a week to allow the system to reset. 

If you fail an emissions (smog) test in Nevada’s Clark or Washoe Counties, follow these steps to address the issue:

Repairs and Retest: First, have your vehicle repaired as per the issues identified in the emissions test report. After repairs, your vehicle needs to pass a retest. It’s advisable to get the repairs done at a 2G Licensed Emission Station for compliance assurance.

Eligibility for a Waiver: If your vehicle fails the retest, you may be eligible for a one-time waiver. The eligibility for a waiver varies:

• Older vehicles may qualify if they fail due to high levels of carbon monoxide or hydrocarbons.
• Newer vehicles might be eligible if the “Check Engine” light is illuminated.

Note that waivers are not granted for vehicles under warranty, emitting visible smoke, or with tampered emissions systems.

Repair Voucher Program: In Clark County, a repair voucher program is available to help cover the costs of necessary repairs to meet emissions standards. This program can be particularly useful if the cost of repairs is a barrier to compliance.

Movement Permit for Expired Registrations: If your vehicle’s registration has expired or is about to expire, you can obtain a movement permit online through MyDMV or at any DMV office. This permit allows you to move your vehicle legally, for instance, to bring it to a repair shop or retesting facility, without facing penalties for expired registration.

Documentation and Registration: Keep all receipts and documentation of repairs as they may be required for retesting or applying for a waiver. Remember, you cannot renew your vehicle registration until your vehicle passes the emissions test or you obtain a waiver.

Navigating the emissions test process can be straightforward with the right information and support. The Nevada DMV offers resources and assistance to help you every step of the way, ensuring that you can meet the required emissions standards and maintain your vehicle registration.

If the check engine light is steady, the vehicle might still pass the test and should be tested. If the light is flashing, indicating a serious malfunction, stop driving immediately and check common issues like a loose gas cap first. 

A valid passing emissions test is required for transferring vehicle ownership in Clark or Washoe counties, conducted within 90 days (about 3 months) before the transfer or within 180 days (about 6 months) if the vehicle was sold by a Nevada dealer. 

Fees are based on an annual survey of labor rates and must be posted at testing stations. The maximum fees in Clark County are $66.50 for light-duty gasoline vehicles and $123.00 for diesel vehicles. In Washoe County, fees are $63.50 for gasoline and $70.00 for diesel vehicles. 

Obtain a movement permit from MyDMV or a DMV office to legally drive the vehicle. Promptly address the registration renewal to avoid penalties. 

In Nevada, electric vehicles (EVs) are exempt from smog checks because they do not produce emissions from combustion engines. However, hybrid vehicles, which use a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, are still required to undergo smog checks. This is because while hybrids are more efficient and emit less pollution than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, they still have a gasoline engine that can emit pollutants and must be tested to ensure they meet Nevada’s emissions standards.

Diesel vehicles with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating over 14,000 pounds (about 6350.29 kg) are exempt from emission testing in Nevada. 

Vehicles emitting visible smoke in Nevada must undergo mandatory testing regardless of the county. Owners may also be subject to citation if the vehicle is found to be in violation of emission standards.

Yes. Emission test results can be rejected if the onboard diagnostics system in your vehicle has not completed all the necessary tests. This typically happens when the battery was recently changed, or your vehicle was repaired.

Classic vehicles in Nevada, registered with Classic Vehicle, Classic Rod, or Old Timer plates and driven less than 5,000 miles (about 8046.72 km) per year, are exempt from emissions testing. Owners must submit an Odometer Certification for Emissions Exemption annually and provide proof of appropriate insurance coverage at renewal.

All Department Licensed Emission Stations, including 1-G Stations (authorized for emissions tests but not repairs) and 2-G Stations (authorized for both emissions tests and repairs), can be found on the Nevada DMV website at www.dmvnv.com. 

The Smog Free Clark County Voucher program assists with emissions-related repairs by offering up to $975 for qualifying vehicles (1968-1999 models). Eligibility is dependent on the owner’s income, and specific repairs must be made to reduce emissions.

Report smoking vehicles via the Smog Spotter program online at SmogSpotter.com or call the statewide hotline at 844-END-SMOG. For specific areas, call (702) 642-SMOG in Las Vegas or (775) 686-SMOG in Reno. 

Contact Us with your emission questions. 

Las Vegas DMV Emission Lab 
2621 E. Sahara Ave. 
Las Vegas, NV 89104 
(702) 486-4981 
 
Reno DMV Emission Lab 
9155 Double Diamond Pkwy. 
Reno, NV 89521 
(775) 684-3580