Tucson Emissions Test
Cars registered in the Tucson area must get an emissions test. Most vehicles there are checked every year rather than every 2 years. An OBD plug-in check costs $16.15, while a tailpipe test costs $12.25, cheaper than tests in the Phoenix area.
- Every year
- for most vehicles in the Tucson region
- $16.15 / $12.25
- OBD test, plus steady state tailpipe test
- $300
- In Tucson, the waiver repair limit applies to a car from 1980 or newer.
- Stations: 3
- listed for the Tucson area
Tucson emissions test requirements
Under Arizona's program, Tucson is in Area B, the Pima County zone. According to the myAZcar FAQ, people who live in greater Tucson or regularly travel there for work or school must pass the test for 1967 and newer vehicles. A car is exempt during its first 5 years of registration. Under ARS 49-541, state law sets the area by township. A ZIP code at the zone's edge may qualify you for an out-of-area exemption. To see information for all of Arizona, use the Arizona emissions test page.
Tucson emissions test cost and test type
| Test | Tucson fee | Phoenix fee |
|---|---|---|
| OBD plug-in | $16.15 | $16.15 |
| Steady state loaded/idle | $12.25 | $15.20 |
| Snap opacity | $20.45 | $23.75 |
The myAZcar fee page lists the fees. Under ARS 49-542, 1981 and later gas-powered cars in Area B undergo either idle and loaded testing or an OBD check. A curb idle test applies to cars from 1980 and older.
Tucson emissions test locations
Three stations appear on the Tucson area list: Stocker Dr., Business Center Dr., plus Renaissance Dr. For gas cars from 1996 and newer, only Stocker Dr. and Business Center Dr. have an OBD express lane. Renaissance accepts heavy trucks taller than 13 feet. Any station in your area will work, and an OBD test counts at either area in Arizona. You don't need an appointment. For more locations, including Phoenix, see the emissions tests by city list.
Failed the Tucson emissions test
Return within 60 days and your retest is free. A waiver requires two failures, and you must first get a low emissions tune-up. Compared with Phoenix's limit, Tucson's is lower: $300 for 1980 and newer vehicles, $200 for 1975 to 1979 vehicles, and $50 for 1974 and older vehicles. Located on Business Center Dr., the Pima County waiver station charges $15. On weekdays, it opens at 8 in the morning and closes at 4:30 in the afternoon. If the catalytic converter fails, you can't get a waiver. See how waivers work.
Tucson emissions test questions
How often is a Tucson emissions test required?
In Tucson, most vehicles need a test every year. Near Phoenix, light-duty gas cars 1981 and newer need a test every 2 years.
Is the Tucson emissions test cheaper than Phoenix?
Tailpipe testing costs $12.25, compared with $15.20. Both areas charge $16.15 for the OBD test.