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Who needs an emissions test in Arizona

Source: Arizona Car Help (arizonacarhelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 3, 2026.

Vehicle emissions testing is required in the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas. ADEQ says all residents of the greater Phoenix and Tucson areas, and people who regularly commute into them for work or school, must have their 1967 or newer vehicles pass an emissions test. (source: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality) (source: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality)

The testing areas are called Area A (parts of Maricopa County plus parts of Pinal and Yavapai counties, around Phoenix) and Area B (part of Pima County, around Tucson). State law draws them by township and range lines (A.R.S. 49-541), so check your own address with ADEQ's online address locator; some zip codes are only partly inside. (source: Arizona State Legislature) (source: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality) (source: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality)

Light duty, non diesel vehicles from 1981 and newer need a test every 2 years. Vehicles from 1980 and older, and most vehicles in Tucson, need a test every year. Your MVD renewal notice says whether a test is due. (source: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality)

MVD says that in an emissions area you probably need a test unless your vehicle is five years old or less, a 1966 model year or older, or an electric vehicle. (source: Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division)

Hybrids must be tested; only total electric vehicles are exempt. Motorcycles have not needed emissions tests in Arizona since June 21, 2013. (source: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality)

Tampering means removing, defeating or altering an emissions control device installed when the vehicle was made, and that includes failing to repair a malfunctioning emission control system. (source: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality) (source: Arizona State Legislature)

On this site: Who needs an emissions test in Arizona · Arizona emissions test exemptions · Arizona emissions test fees · Arizona emissions waivers and repair cost limits · How to pass and schedule an Arizona emissions test · Arizona vehicle registration renewal · Registering a car when you move to Arizona · Buying or selling a car in Arizona: title, emissions and Sold Notice · Arizona used car implied warranty (15 days or 500 miles) · Arizona new car lemon law · Arizona car dealer financing, trade ins and fees · Arizona auto repair shops, liens and warranty rights · Towed from private property in Arizona · How to file a car complaint in Arizona · Cities · FAQ · Sources

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