Colorado Car Inspection Laws

Colorado law doesn’t require statewide vehicle safety inspections, but emissions testing is mandatory in certain areas. These regulations help maintain air quality and ensure vehicles meet environmental standards.

Failure to meet emissions requirements can lead to registration issues, which may affect insurance coverage and liability in an accident. In this article, the car accident lawyers at Boesen Law will cover Colorado’s emissions testing requirements, penalties for non-compliance, and how these laws may impact accident claims.

Do You Need a Car Inspection in Colorado?

Routine safety inspections aren’t required in Colorado; however, emissions testing is obligatory for certain vehicles in designated areas. 

Vehicles registered in the Denver metropolitan area and the North Front Range must pass emissions inspections. This includes counties such as Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld.

Colorado Emissions Testing Requirements

Emissions tests help reduce air pollution and ensure vehicles meet state and federal environmental standards. Colorado’s emissions testing program is designed to identify high-emission vehicles and encourage proper maintenance to keep them running efficiently.

Keep in mind that vehicles that fail an emissions test must be repaired and retested before they can be registered or renewed.

Where to Get an Emissions Test

Emissions tests must be conducted at state-approved locations within the designated counties. These stations are certified to assess whether a vehicle meets Colorado’s air quality standards. 

In some areas, RapidScreen roadside testing may allow eligible vehicles to pass without needing a formal inspection. You can find an emissions testing station near you by visiting Air Care Colorado’s website, which is the state’s official vehicle emissions testing program

Which Vehicles Need Testing?

• Gasoline-powered vehicles are exempt for the first seven model years.
• Diesel vehicles are exempt for the first four model years, but after that, they require annual inspections.
• Fully electric vehicles are exempt from emissions testing altogether.
• Collector vehicles, particularly those manufactured before 1975, may qualify for exemptions.

What Happens If You Fail an Emissions Test?

In Colorado, you have a 30-day grace period after your vehicle’s registration expires to complete the required emissions test and renew your registration. If your vehicle fails the test, you must repair the issues before it can be legally registered.

A Vehicle Inspection Report will detail the problems, which should be repaired promptly by a qualified mechanic. After completing the necessary repairs, you’re entitled to one free retest within 10 calendar days at the same facility. 

If your vehicle fails again and you’ve spent at least $715 on emissions-related repairs, you may qualify for a repair waiver. This waiver allows you to register your vehicle without meeting emissions standards for one testing cycle. However, vehicles emitting visible smoke or those with missing or tampered emission components aren’t eligible for repair waivers.

What Are the Penalties for Skipping Inspections?

Operating a vehicle without a valid emissions certificate is a misdemeanor traffic offense in Colorado. Convicted owners may face fines ranging from $25 to $1,000, imprisonment for up to 90 days, or both.

Moreover, according to C.R.S. § 42-4-313, possessing or using a counterfeit emissions certificate is considered a class A traffic infraction, which carries its own set of fines and legal repercussions. 

It’s important to note that car inspections can impact liability in accident claims by determining whether a vehicle was roadworthy at the time of the crash. If a mechanical failure contributed to the accident, the driver may be held liable for negligence in vehicle maintenance, and insurance companies might dispute coverage. 

However, in some cases, improper repairs or undisclosed defects could shift liability to mechanics, repair shops, or manufacturers. During a free consultation, an experienced car accident lawyer at Boesen Law can clarify if you have a valid case for compensation.

How Do Colorado’s Car Inspection Laws Compare to Other States?

Colorado’s approach to vehicle inspections differs from that of many other states:

• Safety inspections: Unlike states such as New York and Pennsylvania, which mandate annual safety inspections, Colorado doesn’t require regular safety checks. This means components like brakes, lights, and other safety features aren’t subject to state inspection.
• Emissions standards: While Colorado enforces emissions testing in specific urban areas to control air quality, states like California implement more rigorous, statewide emissions programs.
• No inspection states: Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, South Carolina, and South Dakota, don’t require safety or emissions inspections. These states rely on federal regulations and market forces to maintain vehicle standards.

Do You Need a Post-Accident Vehicle Inspection?

Colorado doesn’t require post-accident vehicle inspections, but insurance companies often mandate them before approving repairs or issuing payouts. After a collision, insurers may evaluate the damage to assess repair costs and determine if the vehicle is safe to drive.

If the accident caused structural damage, airbag deployment, or issues with essential safety systems, a professional inspection is highly recommended—even if not legally required. Some states or local jurisdictions may have additional inspection requirements for salvage or rebuilt titles, which can impact your ability to register the vehicle.

How We Help – Contact a Car Accident Lawyer at Boesen Law

At Boesen Law, we can help you understand your rights after a car accident and explore your legal options. Here’s what we offer:

• Free in-person consultation: Discuss your case with our experienced attorneys without any financial obligation.
• Decades of experience: We’ve earned a reputation for successfully assisting injured clients in Colorado, securing hundreds of millions in settlements and verdicts.
• 24/7 availability: Accidents don’t adhere to a schedule, and neither do we. Our team is available around the clock to support you.
• No fee unless we win: We operate on a contingency fee basis, ensuring there won’t be legal fees unless we secure fair compensation on your behalf.

If you’re facing challenges related to vehicle inspections or have been involved in a car accident, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.