Backgrounder: Program Facts

Participating Areas

Seven counties in the metropolitan Denver area are participating in vehicle emissions testing: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson.

Convenient Locations

The Denver metropolitan area has 15 stations from Longmont to Castle Rock with a total of 76 testing lanes.

Operating Hours

Stations are open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon Closed Sundays and all state holidays.

Test Fees and Payment

For vehicles 1982 and newer, the test fee is $24.25. For vehicles 1981 and older, the test fee is $15.00. Test fees are payable by cash or check (made out to "Colorado Air Care"). Credit cards are not accepted. The first retest for failed vehicles is free within 10 calendar days (not 10 business days) of the initial test. If the 10th day falls on Sunday or on a holiday when stations are closed, the free test will be honored on the 11th day.

Testing Contractor

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Colorado Department of Revenue have contracted with Envirotest Systems Corp., a division of Environmental Systems Products, to operate 15 Air Care Colorado testing stations. Envirotest, with 20 years of emissions testing experience, inspects over 13 million vehicles annually.

Consumer Support

Consumers are encouraged to call the Air Care Colorado hotline at 303-456-7090 with comments or questions. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, Air Pollution Control Division, operates several vehicle emissions technical centers around the metro area that offer free diagnostic assistance for vehicles that have failed the test, been repaired, and failed again. Call 303-744-2442 (and press 3) for information and a diagnostic appointment.

Waivers

Under certain conditions, vehicle owners can apply for a waiver if the vehicle continues to fail emissions inspections. A waiver is a temporary exemption from additional repairs. Repairs must be performed at a registered repair facility to qualify for a waiver. To apply for a waiver, call the Department of Revenue at 303-205-5603. The following conditions must be met to apply:
 1. The vehicle has failed two or more tests.
 2. Engine parameters are set to manufacturer's specifications.
 3. The repair cost limit has been exceeded in attempting to correct the vehicle's emissions problems. The limit is $75 for 1967 and older vehicles and $450 for 1968 and newer vehicles.
Hardship waivers are also available. Click here for more detailed information about waivers.

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