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.
