Who has to get an emissions test in Utah

Utah requires emissions testing for most vehicles registered in Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, and Utah counties — the four counties in the Wasatch Front air quality nonattainment area. If you register a vehicle in any of these counties, you will need to pass an emissions test before you can renew your registration, with some exceptions.

Vehicles registered outside these four counties do not need emissions testing, regardless of where you drive. The requirement is based on where the vehicle is registered, not where you live or work.

The Utah Division of Air Quality administers the program. You can check whether your county requires testing by looking at your vehicle registration notice or by contacting your county clerk's office.

Key Takeaways

  • Emissions testing is required in Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, and Utah counties only; vehicles registered elsewhere in the state do not need it.
  • You must pass the test before renewing your registration; the test is valid for two years from the date you pass it.
  • Vehicles older than 1975, motorcycles, diesel trucks over 14,000 pounds, and some other vehicle types are exempt from testing.
  • Testing costs between $20 and $30 depending on the testing station, and you can find certified stations through the Utah Division of Air Quality website.
  • If your vehicle fails, you have 60 days to repair it and retest at no additional charge before your registration renewal important date.

Vehicle types exempt from Utah emissions testing

Not all vehicles registered in the four-county area need to be tested. Vehicles manufactured before 1975 are exempt, as are motorcycles, mopeds, and motorized bicycles. Diesel-powered trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating over 14,000 pounds are also exempt, as are vehicles powered entirely by electricity or hydrogen fuel cells.

Vehicles that have been registered in Utah for less than 60 days are exempt from testing during that first registration period. If you move to one of the four counties from outside the state or from a non-testing county, you have 60 days before your first test is due.

Vehicles with a salvage title or a rebuilt title are exempt. If you are unsure whether your vehicle type is exempt, the Utah Division of Air Quality maintains a complete list on its website, or you can call your county clerk's office.

How the testing process works and what happens if you fail

You take your vehicle to a certified emissions testing station. The technician will perform an on-board diagnostic (OBD) test, which reads data from your vehicle's computer. The test takes about 10 minutes and costs between $20 and $30. You do not need an appointment at most stations, though some accept them.

If your vehicle passes, you receive a certificate valid for two years. You present this certificate when you renew your registration with your county clerk. If your vehicle fails, the testing station will give you a report showing which emissions systems did not meet standards.

You then have 60 days to repair the vehicle and retest at no additional charge. The retest must happen at the same testing station where you failed. If you pass the retest within 60 days, you can renew your registration. If the 60 days pass without a retest, you cannot renew until you pass a new test (which will cost the full testing fee again).

Finding a certified testing station and scheduling

The Utah Division of Air Quality publishes a list of all certified emissions testing stations on its website, searchable by county. Each station shows its address, phone number, and hours of operation. Most stations are open during standard business hours, and many are open on Saturdays.

You do not need to schedule in advance at most stations — you can drive in and wait your turn. However, some stations do accept appointments, which can reduce wait time during busy periods. Call ahead if you want to confirm hours or ask about appointment availability.

Testing stations are typically run by repair shops, quick-lube facilities, or dedicated emissions testing centers. You do not have to use the station closest to you; you can go to any certified station in the state.

Timing and registration renewal important date

Your emissions test must be current before you renew your vehicle registration. The test is valid for two years from the date you pass it. Your registration renewal notice will tell you when your registration expires and whether a current emissions test is required.

You can take the emissions test up to 90 days before your registration expires. This means you can test early and have the certificate ready when you go to renew. If you wait until after your registration expires, you cannot legally drive the vehicle until you renew, even if you have a passing emissions test.

If your vehicle fails and you need repairs, start the process as soon as possible. You have 60 days from the date of the failed test to retest, but repairs can take time. If you are close to your registration expiration date when you fail, contact a repair shop when ready.

What to do if your vehicle fails the test

The testing station will provide a detailed report showing which emissions systems failed and why. Common reasons for failure include a faulty oxygen sensor, a malfunctioning catalytic converter, or a check engine light that is on. The report will not tell you how to fix the problem, only what failed.

Take the report to a repair shop. Many shops can diagnose and repair emissions-related issues, though you are not required to use any particular shop. Get a repair estimate before authorizing work. Some repairs are inexpensive (under $100), while others can cost several hundred dollars.

After repairs, return to the same testing station for a retest. The retest is free if you do it within 60 days of the original failed test. Bring your failed test report and your vehicle. If the vehicle passes the retest, you receive a new certificate and can renew your registration.

Costs and what to expect at renewal

The emissions test itself costs between $20 and $30, depending on the testing station. This is a one-time cost per test. If you fail and need a retest within 60 days, the retest is free. If you do not retest within 60 days, you will pay the full testing fee again.

Repair costs vary widely depending on what failed. A straightforward fix like replacing an oxygen sensor might cost $100 to $300. A catalytic converter replacement can cost $400 to $1,000 or more. Some vehicles fail because of a loose gas cap or a minor sensor issue that costs very little to fix.

When you renew your registration at your county clerk's office, bring your passing emissions test certificate along with your renewal notice and payment. The registration renewal fee is separate from the emissions testing cost and varies by county and vehicle type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration without a current emissions test?

No, not if your vehicle is registered in Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, or Utah counties and is not exempt. Your county clerk will not process the renewal without a passing emissions test certificate. If your test is expired or you have not tested yet, you must complete testing before renewal.

What if I move out of the four-county area after I register my vehicle?

You are no longer required to test when you renew your registration in the new county. However, if you are still registered in one of the four counties, you must continue testing until you change your registration address to the new county.

How long does it take to get results from an emissions test?

You receive your results when ready after the test is complete. The testing station will tell you whether you passed or failed on the spot and will give you a certificate or failure report before you leave. There is no waiting period.

Can I test my vehicle before my registration expires?

Yes. You can test up to 90 days before your registration expires. This is useful if you want to get testing done early or if you are concerned your vehicle might fail and need time for repairs.

What if I buy a used vehicle that already has a passing emissions test?

A passing emissions test is tied to the vehicle, not the owner. If the test is still valid (less than two years old), you can use that certificate when you register the vehicle in your name. You will not need a new test until the certificate expires.