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Vehicle Emissions Program

Motor vehicles are responsible for more than 70% of the air pollution that affects our health. When a vehicle is operating properly, its emissions levels are very low. However, a malfunctioning vehicle can emit one hundred times the amount of pollution that it would if it were working properly. Properly tuned and well-maintained vehicles also provide better performance and fuel economy for the owner.

Every day, the program keeps tons of pollutants out of the Salt Lake Valley’s air:

  • 82 tons of carbon monoxide (CO)
  • 4 tons of hydrocarbons (HC)
  • 4 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOx)

Links

A row of cars.

Vehicle Replacement Assistance

If your vehicle fails its emissions inspection, you may qualify for our Vehicle Replacement Assistance Program (VRAP).

Learn More

Vehicle Testing

V p SALT LAKE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT Vehicle Emissions Inspection Station STATION # AIR QUALITY BUREAU SaltLakeHealth.org/air

Vehicles registered in Salt Lake County with model years less than six years old are required to have an emission test once every two years. Vehicles in this category that have even-numbered model years must have an emission test in even-numbered years, and vehicles that have odd-numbered model years must have an emission test in odd-numbered years.

Independent testing facilities located throughout Salt Lake County perform the emissions testing. The Vehicle Emissions Program licenses and regulates the facilities.

Vehicle Model Year Emission Inspection
2026 Not required
2025 Not required
2024 Required
2023 Not required
2022 Required
2021 Not required
2020 to 1968 Required
1967 and older Not required

Exemptions

  • New vehicles with a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO)
  • Any vehicle of model year 1967 or older
  • Any diesel vehicle of model year 2013 and older with a GVWR 14,001 lbs. and greater
  • Any diesel vehicle of model year 1997 and older with a GVWR less than 14,000 lbs.
  • All implements of husbandry
  • Off highway vehicles
  • Electric vehicles
  • Motorcycles or motor driven cycles
  • Farm vehicles
  • Vintage vehicles* model year 1982 and older
  • Custom vehicles
  • Maintenance or construction vehicles not designed or licensed to operate on a highway

*Vintage vehicles model year 1983 or newer are required to provide proof of an emissions inspection or proof of vehicle insurance that is a type specific to a collector vehicle. See form TC-745, Vintage Vehicle Insurance Affidavit for more information.

Emissions Stations in SLCo
Emissions Stations that Perform Two-Speed Idle Tests
C-745, Vintage Vehicle Insurance Affidavit

Failing Vehicles

RPMx1000 5 CHECK

If your vehicle fails the emissions test:

  • Use a repair facility and technician who is familiar with your vehicle and its emissions system.
  • Secure a written estimate that includes diagnosis and recommended repairs.
  • If you are not satisfied with the estimate or diagnosis, get a second technician's opinion or contact the Air Quality Bureau.
  • Check your vehicle owner's manual for information specific to your vehicle. Many emissions systems are covered by warranties, if still applicable.

You cannot register a failing vehicle in Salt Lake County until it is properly repaired, retested, and passes the test.

Air Quality Bureau

Environmental Health Division

(385) 468-3837

In very rare cases, vehicle owners have made repairs toward the major cause of a failed emissions inspection and those repairs have failed to reduce pollution levels to below the standard.

In some of those cases, SLCoHD may issue a repair waiver to allow a failing vehicle to be registered for that year.

A waiver is a last resort. 

A vehicle may qualify for a waiver if it has:

  1. failed an emissions inspection with 2 or more trouble codes
  2. received a diagnostic test by a licensed automotive repair facility
  3. received recommended emissions-related repairs, totaling at least $450, from a licensed automotive repair facility
  4. failed a second emissions inspection with at least 1 of the original trouble codes removed (showing that the repairs did provide some improvement)

Waivers are handled on a case-by-case basis and may or may not be granted.

The vehicle must be inspected by a SLCoHD vehicle emissions technician to review all test data and repair records, and to verify the attempted repairs.

Tampered or smoking vehicles are not eligible for waivers.

Submit completed waiver applications with paperwork from both emissions inspections, the diagnostic test, and receipt(s) showing the attempted repairs and cost(s).

Vehicle Emissions Waiver Application

Use only the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to complete and submit your application. Web browser PDF viewers may not properly submit your application or form.

Out of State Deferrals

This information is for Salt Lake County residents only; residents of other Utah counties should refer to the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles.

If your vehicle resides in another state for a legitimate reason such as work, school, military, etc., you may qualify for an out-of-state emissions deferral.

If the vehicle is located within a jurisdiction that conducts emission tests, you must have an emissions test performed. If no emissions test is available, a law enforcement entity must verify your vehicle’s location.

Please download and complete in full the deferral request form below, and return it with the required documentation to the Air Quality Bureau.

We generally process out-of-state deferral requests within 3 business days; you will be notified via email when you may register your vehicle.

Out-of-State Deferral Request Form

Use only the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to complete and submit your application. Web browser PDF viewers may not properly display or submit the form.
Utah Division of Motor Vehicles - Out of State Residents

Air Quality Bureau

Stations / Technicians

Permits are not transferable; when a change of ownership occurs at a permitted facility, the new owner must apply for a new permit and pay all applicable fees.

Station Permit Application

Use only the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to complete and submit your application. Web browser PDF viewers may not properly submit your application or form.

Vehicle dealerships may apply to be a VRAP dealership using the Request for Applications below.

Air Quality Bureau

Environmental Health Division

(385) 468-3837

788 East Woodoak Lane (5380 South)
Murray, Utah 84107

Monday through Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

VRAP Dealership RFA

Apply to become a VRAP dealership.