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Emissions Testing & DEQ Requirements
Who Needs Emissions Testing?
There is no statewide testing requirement, however, most vehicles in the Portland metropolitan and/or Medford areas must pass a Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) emmissions test as part of the registration tag renewal process. Also, most vehicles new to Oregon must pass the test prior to being registered here. Emissions testing is required as follows:
  • In the Portland area, 1975 and newer model years must be tested (view detailed information).
  • In the Medford (Rogue Valley ) area, vehicles 20 model years old and newer must be tested (view detailed information).
  • In these areas, cars, trucks, vans, motor homes and buses powered by gasoline, alternative fuels (such as propane), and hybrids are tested.
  • In these areas, diesel-powered vehicles with a manufacturer's gross weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less are tested.
If your vehicle meets the above criteria and is new to Oregon, you must have a certificate that the vehicle passed an emissions test before you bring it in to DMV to be registered.

Locations and Fees
Use the links provided below to access information about testing locations and fees:
Please refer to the DEQ web site for more information.

Exemptions
Refer to the DEQ web site for information about exemptions from vehicle emissions testing. If you have further questions about whether you are exempt from DEQ testing, or you wish to obtain an Exemption Form, call DEQ at (971) 673-1630 or toll free in Oregon at (877) 476-0583.

Registration Renewal At DEQ
You may be able to complete your registration renewal at a DEQ testing station:
  • Bring your completed renewal reminder (do not separate the pieces);
  • Your vehicle must pass the emissions test; and
  • Be prepared to pay the registration fee (DEQ accepts cash and credit/debit cards containing the VISA or MasterCard logo). 
You cannot complete your renewal at the DEQ testing station if:
  • You need to make changes to the vehicle’s registration (other than an address change);
  • The car is new to Oregon and is not yet registered in Oregon;
  • Your vehicle does not pass the emissions test; or
  • The vehicle does not need to be tested (if so, you can mail your registration renewal to DMV).

Registration Renewal Online
You may renew using the DMV Online Registration Renewal System after passing the DEQ emissions test.

Vehicle ID & LEV Check
Vehicle Identification Number Inspection:
 
DEQ testing locations may be able to perform a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection in certain cases. New-to-Oregon vehicles that are subject to DEQ emissions testing may have the VIN inspection performed at any DEQ Testing Station. DMV will collect the $7 VIN inspection fee.
 
A VIN inspection cannot be conducted by DEQ if a vehicle is not required to be tested for emissions (for example, motorcycles, trailers, or diesel-powered vehicles over 8,500 pounds GVWR). A vehicle is not required to be tested if it is located outside the DEQ boundaries.
 
For more information about vehicle identification number inspections, see VIN Inspections.
 
Low Emissions Vehicles (LEV) Check:
 
Beginning with model year 2009, Oregon requires passenger vehicles with 7,500 miles or less to prove compliance with Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) requirement before they can obtain registration, unless they are otherwise exempt.  This is in addition to DEQ emissions testing and other vehicle compliance requirements.
 
DEQ testing locations may be able to check the vehicle for compliance with the LEV requirement in certain cases.  Vehicles that are subject to DEQ emissions testing may have the LEV check performed at any DEQ Testing Station.
 
The LEV compliance check cannot be conducted by DEQ if a vehicle is not required to be tested for emissions.
 
There is no additional fee for an LEV check.
 
For more information, see Low Emissions Vehicles (LEV).

Why Emissions Testing?
The DEQ Vehicle Inspection Program (DEQ/VIP) was implemented as part of the Air Quality maintenance program for the Portland and Medford metropolitan areas.
 
Vehicles are the number one source of air pollution in Oregon. Emissions lead to high smog and carbon monoxide levels, which can have a variety of effects on Oregonians. The DEQ/VIP is a successful, cost-effective way to reduce air pollution and maintain the quality of Oregon's air.
 
Use the links below to access more information on air quality and emissions testing requirements in Oregon:

Repair Assistance Through DEQ
If a 1996 or newer vehicle cannot pass the DEQ emissions test and the owner qualifies for low-income status, the owner of the vehicle may apply for DEQ's Clean Air Partners Program (CAP) and possible repair assistance.
 
CAP collects donations from other drivers and uses the funds to help those in need repair their vehicles, pass the vehicle inspection test and drive cleaner, less polluting vehicles. For more information call 971-673-1630 ext. 0 or visit DEQ on the web at: www.deq.state.or.us/aq/vip/cleanairpartners.htm.
 
Oregon DEQ no longer offers an Enhanced Test waiver for low-income people.

 
Page updated: September 17, 2008

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