Nevada Emissions Test
Through the Nevada Emission Control Program, gas, hybrid, and diesel cars are tested in 2 areas of Nevada. For 2026, model years 1968 to 2023 are covered. You need it every year.
What cars have to be tested?
For 2026, the green band marks which model years Nevada tests. Hybrids need no test during their first five model years; brand-new cars need none during their first three registrations. Cars from 1967 or earlier don't need testing.
Use your model year and fuel to check your own car.
Nevada emissions test at a glance
| Program | The Nevada Emission Control Program |
|---|---|
| Where | Testing happens in 2 areas: the Las Vegas urban part of Clark County and the Reno urban part of Washoe County |
| Fuels tested | Gas, hybrid, diesel |
| Model years tested in 2026 | 1968 to 2023 |
| How often | Every year |
| The test | Gas cars from 1996 and newer get an OBD plug-in test; older ones get an idle tailpipe test |
| Fee | Stations set their own gas-car price: at most $75.50 in Clark County, and in Washoe County up to $71.50 |
| New cars | A hybrid needs no test for its first five model years; a brand-new car needs none for its first three registrations |
| Older cars | 1967 and older are exempt |
| Waiver | One-year waiver once emissions repairs reach at least $450 (Clark) or $200 (Washoe) and the retest still fails |
How the test works, and what if the car fails?
With an OBD plug-in test, the inspector connects a reader to the port under the dashboard and reads data saved by the car's computer. Your car's self-checks (readiness monitors) need to be done, and the check engine light can't be on.
A tailpipe test, usually for older cars, uses an exhaust probe to measure what comes out.
If your car fails, the report tells you what failed. Fix the failed item first, then return for the retest.
When a car still fails after repairs, Nevada offers a one-year waiver if emissions work cost at least $450 (Clark) or $200 (Washoe) and the retest failed too.