Air Care Colorado is the site to look at for complete information on vehicle emissions testing in Metropolitan Denver. Aimed to improve air quality throughout the state, Air Care Colorado Testing Centers are located in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver, Douglas, Broomfield and Jefferson Counties. The fourteen testing centers work in conjunction with one another following the same general guidelines and tests at each station, regardless of where in the state that station is located.
What Needs Emissions Testing in Colorado?
Although there are specific exemptions that can be found on Colorado’s emissions homepage, here are the general rules for what needs testing.
For 1982 and newer vehicles: An I/M 240, or enhanced emissions test, is mandatory for gasoline-powered passenger vehicles and light trucks every two years at an approved Air Care Colorado center. Your vehicle registration renewal postcard will indicate if a test is needed or not.
For 1981 and older vehicles: A two-speed idle test, for gasoline-powered passenger vehicles and light trucks, is required every year at an approved Air Care Colorado center.
For specific information on emissions testing for heavy duty vehicles, vehicles that have recently changed ownership, vehicles that are not registered in the region but regularly driven in the area, and other special cases you can visit Air Care’s Testing Requirements page. There are also additional requirements for new residents.
If, after reading the provided information online, you still have any questions about needing an emissions test, given your particular circumstances, you can call the Air Care Colorado Hotline (303-456-7090) or your county motor vehicle office.
How Much Does it Cost to Have an Emissions Test in Colorado?
The inspection fee for an I/M 240 (enhanced emissions test) is $25. The inspection fee for a two-speed idle test is $15. If upon completing the first emissions test your vehicle fails, one retest performed within ten calendar days of your first test will be given for free.
If after failing a first test, your vehicle gets repaired and still fails a second test, Air Care Colorado will offer, for free, some help in diagnosing the problem. (For more information or for setting up an appointment, call 303-744-2442 and press 3.)
What Should I do Before Getting my Vehicle Tested?
Air Care Colorado lists ten Top Testing Tips for preparing to bring your vehicle in for emissions testing. Tips include to fully warm up your car before testing, to make sure the gas cap is in place and the gas tank is not overfull. Air Care Colorado recommends making sure your tires are properly inflated, your brakes are in good condition, no part of the vehicle smokes, and the integrity of the exhaust system is intact. For more tips and specific instructions, you can visit the site.
Where Can I Go to Get Emissions Testing in Colorado?
You can find a detailed map of Air Care Colorado Station Locations linked from the home page, but here is a list of addresses containing information for each emissions testing center. Centers are usually open Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and closed Sunday as well as state holidays.
Specific testing centers can be contacted by phone using the Air Care Colorado Hotline (303-456-7090), following the prompts, and giving the station identification number for the desired testing center.
Arvada Test Center
Station ID #02
5185 Marshall Street, Arvada, Colorado
Boulder Test Center
Station ID #11
5655 Airport Road, Boulder, Colorado
Broomfield Test Center
Station ID #06
11609 Teller Street, Broomfield, Colorado
Castle Rock Test Center
Station ID #05
541 Topeka Way, Castle Rock, Colorado
County Line Test Center
Station ID #10
8494 South Colorado Boulevard, Littleton, Colorado
Denver Southeast Test Center
Station ID #12
10190 East Warren Avenue, Aurora, Colorado
Denver Test Center
Station ID #13
2300 South Lipan Street, Denver, Colorado
Golden Test Center
Station ID #04
15335 West 44th Avenue, Golden, Colorado
Ken Caryl Test Center
Station ID #09
10727 Centennial Road, Littleton, Colorado
Longmont Test Center
Station ID #08
4040 Rogers Road, Longmont, Colorado
Northglenn Test Center
Station ID #01
1950 East 112th Avenue, Northglenn, Colorado
Parker Test Center
Station ID #15
10199 Park Glenn Way, Parker, Colorado
Sheridan Test Center
Station ID #03
2802 West Mansfield Avenue, Sheridan, Colorado
Stapleton Test Center
Station ID #14
12042 East 30th Avenue, Aurora, Colorado
Source:
“Air Care Colorado.” Air Care Colorado.
