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Las Vegas Smog Check Services
This guide on Las Vegas Smog Checks and Vehicle Emissions Requirements in Nevada provides all the necessary information about the smog check process in the state. It includes which vehicles require testing, how to prepare for a smog check, and what to do if your vehicle fails. Make a positive impact on the environment by ensuring your vehicle is in compliance with Nevada’s Emission Control Program.
Smog Check Requirements in Nevada: Clark and Washoe Counties
In Nevada, vehicles in Clark County and Washoe County must undergo smog checks for vehicle registration. Finding reliable smog check locations in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin is important to ensure compliance and contribute to cleaner air quality.
Types of Vehicles Requiring Smog Checks
Gasoline-Powered Vehicles:
Vehicles manufactured in the last four years (five years for hybrids) are generally exempt until the fifth (or sixth, for hybrids) registration.
Vehicles older than five years require biennial smog checks.
Diesel-Powered Vehicles:
Diesel vehicles with a GVWR of up to 14,000 pounds and newer than 1968 need annual smog checks.
Hybrid Vehicles:
Subject to biennial inspections similar to gasoline vehicles.
Other Exemptions:
Vehicles with a GVWR over 14,000 pounds.
Motorcycles, mopeds, and alternative fuel vehicles like electric cars.
State Requirements and Pricing
Nevada doesn’t have a fixed price for smog checks. Costs vary by location. They typically range from $20 to $40, so it’s advisable to compare prices.
DMV Requirements
During registration or renewal, the Nevada DMV mandates:
- Proof of passing smog check via an official Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR).
- Vehicle details: Make, model, year, and VIN.
- Compliance with emission standards; failed vehicles require repairs and retesting.
You can renew your vehicle registration at certain emission inspection stations when you get your smog check. They may charge up to $10 extra. Your vehicle record will be updated right away, and you will receive your decal and registration certificate by mail. Please bring your renewal notice, and you can pay with cash, check, or credit card.
Convenient Smog Check Locations
Contact Us Anytime: smoghut@smoghut.com
Open 7 Days A Week
Smog Hut I
Address: 1975 N. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89108 (SW corner of Lake Mead & Decatur by Carl’s JR.)
Phone: (702) 647-1492
Hours: 7 Days a Week: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Services:
- Passenger Cars, Vans, Pick-ups, and other Light-Duty Gas Test
- Heavy-Duty Gas Test
- DMV Registration Renewal Kiosk
- 2G Repair Station
- VIN Inspection
- Safety Inspection
Smog Hut II
Address: 1950 N. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89108 (SE corner of Lake Mead & Decatur by Speedee Mart)
Phone: (702) 210-0194
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Services:
- Diesel Test
- Passenger Cars, Vans, Pick-ups, and other Light-Duty Gas Test
- Heavy-Duty Gas Test
Smog Hut North
Address: 2218 E Cheyenne Ave, North Las Vegas, NV 89030 (Inside Cheyenne Square, just east of Civic Center next to Dotty’s Casino)
Phone: (702) 399-3900
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Services:
- Full-Time AWD and Traction Control Diesel Test
- Diesel Test
- Passenger Cars, Vans, Pick-ups, and other Light-Duty Gas Test
- Heavy-Duty Gas Test
- DMV Registration Renewal Kiosk
- 2G Repair Station
- Diesel SNAP Test
- Fleet Accounts
With 31 smog check stations throughout the valley, you can easily find a Smog Busters location that is convenient for you.
Smog Check Preparation
Make sure to prepare your car by following these pre-smog check essentials:
Maintenance Check:
- Ensure your engine is running smoothly by changing the oil and oil filter.
- Top off coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid.
- Proper inflation and tread depth of your tires are crucial for emissions.
- Help your engine breathe and burn fuel efficiently by using a clean air filter.
Visual Inspection:
- Address any issues causing the check engine light to illuminate.
- Check and ensure that the gas cap seals properly to prevent fuel vapors from escaping.
- Look for any leaks, holes, or damage in the exhaust system.
The Smog Check Process
Know What to Expect before getting your vehicle smog checked.
Before you head to the smog check station, be sure you have your vehicle registration and insurance info handy. During the test, a technician will connect your car to a computer to analyze emissions. They will also conduct a tailpipe test to measure pollutants like hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides. Additionally, the technician will visually inspect your vehicle to check for any tampering with emission control devices.
Maintenance Tips
Here are some good maintenance tips for keeping your car clean and running smoothly.
- Regular maintenance: Follow your manufacturer’s recommended service schedule.
- Use high-quality fuel: This helps your engine run cleaner and more efficiently.
- Drive responsibly: Avoid aggressive acceleration and excessive idling.
- Check tire pressure: Properly inflated tires will improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.
- Get your car inspected regularly: This will help catch potential problems early on.
Top Causes of Smog Check Failure
Avoid these common pitfalls that are causes of smog check test failure.
- Faulty oxygen sensor: Keep an eye on this sensor as it is responsible for monitoring your engine’s air-fuel mixture.
- Damaged catalytic converter: This essential device works to reduce harmful emissions, so make sure to keep it in good condition.
- Worn-out spark plugs: Regularly check and replace old spark plugs to prevent misfires and reduce emissions.
- EVAP system leaks: Look out for leaks in this system to prevent fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere.
- Dirty air filter: Ensure your air filter is clean and unclogged to maintain proper airflow and combustion.”
FAQs about Emissions Testing in Nevada
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
