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- The Emissions (Test Tailpipe and OBDII)
- Test Prices
- Where Do I Get an Emissions Test
- New Mexico Registered Vehicles Out of State
- Non Bernalillo County Residents
- Testing a New Car
- Smoking Vehicles
- Testing Old Cars
- Diesel and Hybrid Vehicles
- Kirtland AFB Requirements
- Time Extensions
- Repairing Failed Vehicles
- Motorhomes
- Ethanol
1. What is the emissions test and which cars are tested?
Emission testing is required for vehicles which are registered in or commute into Bernalillo County, have a gross vehicle weight rating of 1,000 - 10,000 pounds, and are model year 1975 or newer. The vehicle must pass three test components: pollution control equipment (catalytic converter), exhaust gas analysis, and visible emissions or smoke. Effective January 1, 2004, 1975-1985 model year vehicles require a test each year while 1986 and newer vehicles remain on an every other year test cycle. New vehicles are now exempt for two registration cycles (up to 4 years). Vehicles 1996 and newer are now tested using the OBDII test method.
2. How much does an emissions test cost?
The average cost is less than $20. Air Care stations may set their own prices but the test cost must be prominently displayed on their official Air Care Station sign.
3. Where do I get an emissions test?
You can have your vehicle tested at over 120 certified Air Care stations located in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Sandia Park and Los Lunas. Contact our office at (505) 764-1110 for the location nearest you or view Air Care Station information online. Inspection stations display an official Air Care sign.
4. My vehicle is out-of-state for school/military/job and is due for an emissions test. What do I do?
If your vehicle is located in another emission testing area you are required to have it tested in that area and submit the test results to this office. If there is no testing available, you need to complete an application for an out-of-state waiver. Mail the completed affidavit(s) and/or emission test, the registration renewal notice, proof of insurance and the registration fee (check made out to New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division) to our office in Albuquerque, at 1500 Broadway NE, 87102. We will process a certificate acceptable to the Motor Vehicle Division and will forward your renewal packet to them.
5. Do residents of Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, and other communities have to get their cars tested?
Effective January 1, 2004, vehicles which are more than four years old and commute into Bernalillo County 60 or more days per year are required to be tested.
6. Does my new car have to be tested?
If you purchased your vehicle new from the dealer it is now exempt for the first two registrations (up to 4 years). To maximize your new car exemption you should take advantage of the two year registration offered by MVD.
7. How can I report a smoking vehicle? What happens to them?
You can report a smoking vehicle by simply calling our office at (505) 764-1110 or by sending a notification by fax (505) 764-1101, or online notification. Include the date seen, license plate number, major cross streets, a brief vehicle description and your name and telephone number. We are not allowed to take anonymous complaints. We will notify the owner of the smoking vehicle and request that the vehicle be presented to our office for a test.
8. Why aren't cars older than 1975 tested? They seem to be the worst polluters.
There are two reasons pre-1975 vehicles are not tested. First, they make up a small proportion of the Bernalillo County fleet and are typically driven fewer miles than newer vehicles. Second, the major pollution control devices (catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, and air injection) were installed in most 1975 and newer vehicles. If you see any vehicle emitting tailpipe smoke, please notify us by one of the methods noted in the preceding question. The smoking vehicle notifications will help reduce emissions from pre-1975 vehicles.
9. Why do I have to bring my diesel or hybrid vehicle in for an exemption?
New diesel and hybrid electric vehicles are exempt from testing until change of ownership. Diesel vehicles are required to pass a visible emissions or opacity test at the headquarters test station at each change of ownership. Hybrid vehicles must also obtain an exemption at the vehicle emissions headquarters at each change of ownership.
10. I work at Kirtland AFB but don't live in Bernalillo County. Do I have to get my vehicle tested?
Yes. Federal law requires that any vehicle operated on a military installation for 60 days or more per year meet the local vehicle emissions standards. Therefore, non-Bernalillo County residents must provide a passed emissions test to receive a Kirtland Base access sticker.
11. What are time extensions? How can I get one?
Time extensions are granted by Vehicle Pollution Management if the vehicle fails the emissions test and certain conditions are met. Time extensions are issued one-time only per vehicle and are not automatic. In most cases, after a failed test, the vehicle owner must provide proof of a low emissions tune-up and a written estimate of repairs. Time extensions allow motorists facing major repair costs or hard-to-get parts one year to bring the vehicle into compliance. For time extension consideration, bring your vehicle, the failed Vehicle Inspection Report, repair or parts receipts, and a written estimate to the Vehicle Pollution Management Division, 1500 Broadway NE, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30p.m. weekdays.
12. I have spent a lot of money on vehicle repairs and it's still failing the emissions test. Why?
There are a variety of reasons why a vehicle may not pass. Be sure to take your vehicle to a reputable mechanic who has the proper diagnostic equipment. Also, you can bring your vehicle to Vehicle Pollution Management Division, 1500 Broadway NE, for a free retest after having a low emissions tune-up performed and a written estimate prepared by a licensed mechanic. Call our office at (505) 764-1110 for more information about a failed test.
13. Do motorhomes have to be tested?
Motor homes and other vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more are exempt from testing. Vehicles less than 10,001 pounds GVW must be tested or exempted as required.
14. I have heard that ethanol can cause car problems. Why is it required in the wintertime?
The use of oxygenated fuels reduces motor vehicle emissions of carbon monoxide by an average of 20%. Gasoline in Bernalillo County must contain 2.7% oxygen by weight from November 1st through the last day of February. In the case of ethanol, this corresponds to a volume of just under 8%. While ethanol at high concentrations can cause rubber seals to shrink, concentrations of 8-10% have no measurable deleterious effects on engines or fuel systems even in older vehicles with rubber parts. The ethanol adds more oxygen to the gasoline and promotes more complete combustion which can extend engine life and reduce required maintenance. There may be a slight decrease (3%) in mileage due to reduced energy content of the fuel. However, the wintertime oxygenated fuels program is one of the least intrusive and least expensive ways to improve the air quality.