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Check the registration renewal postcard that your county clerk mails to you about a month before your vehicle’s registration renewal is due.
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If “EMISSIONS TEST REQUIRED” appears on the card, then you'll need to take your vehicle to an Air Care Colorado inspection station.
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New vehicles are exempt from inspection for the first seven model years.
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A 2011 vehicle, for example, doesn't need an inspection until 2018.
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Vehicles 8 through 11 years old will be inspected using onboard diagnostics (OBD).
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If the “Check Engine” light is turned on, these vehicles will fail the inspection and need repairs.
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Making repairs improves vehicle performance, extends vehicle life and saves money.
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Learn more at EPA or National OBD Clearinghouse.
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Vehicles manufactured beginning in 1982 that are at least 12 years old will be inspected using the “I/M 240” dynamometer (treadmill) test.
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In 2016, this requirement applies to model year 1982 through 2005 vehicles and so on.
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A check engine light on a vehicle at least 12 years old may still pass if the I/M 240 test can be run and the car can pass the test. An advisory may be issued.
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Vehicles manufactured in 1981 and older will be inspected using a two-speed idle test.
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Hybrid vehicles 8 years and older will be inspected using onboard diagnostics (OBD).
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As with all vehicles inspected, hybrids will also have their gas caps checked, and no visible smoke is allowed.
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Most inspection stations now have at least two lanes dedicated to inspecting all-wheel-drive vehicles to accommodate the large number of these vehicles.
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RapidScreen roadside tests remain an important part of the program,allowing exceptionally clean vehicles to skip a trip to an inspection station.
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Owners of eligible vehicles will see “PASSED ROADSIDE EMISSIONS” on their registration renewal cards, and they won't need to go to an inspection station.
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Current RapidScreen locations are posted on the Air Care Colorado website.
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Air Care Colorado inspection stations accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover.
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Diesel-powered vehicles are inspected through a different program.