How Can I Get a Waiver?

Under certain conditions, vehicle owners may apply to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles for an emissions test waiver. Waivers are issued to vehicles that continue to fail the emissions test even after appropriate repairs have been made. To be eligible, all items on the following checklist must apply:

The vehicle has failed the emissions test two or more times.

Engine parameters are set to manufacturer's specifications.

You have exceeded the repair cost limit. The limit is $715 for 1968 and newer vehicles and $75 for 1967 and older vehicles. Cost limit waivers apply to all vehicles regardless of whether they failed the idle test or the I/M 240 test.

Repairs to vehicle were made at a repair facility listed in the Emissions Repair Guide.

The vehicle did not fail for visible smoke or missing emissions control equipment. The repair spending limits do not apply to vehicles that smoke or are in a tampered condition.

All repair receipts and Vehicle Inspection Reports (VIR) must be presented to the state waiver inspector.

A separate hardship waiver is also available, but is granted only one time per vehicle. The vehicle must be repaired by the time of its next annual or biennial test (depending on the vehicle model year).

No waivers are issued for collector-plated vehicles 1960 or newer.

To apply for a waiver, call the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles Emissions Office at 303-205-5603.