Washington's Department of Ecology reports that cars and other vehicles are the state's worst source of air pollution. Therefore, Washington tests vehicle emission control systems in some counties to ensure registered cars and trucks are running properly and are not polluting unnecessarily. Before you can register a vehicle in these counties, the auto will need to pass an emissions inspection.

Top Who Needs to Be Tested

Hybrid vehicles that get 50 mpg or better are exempt from emissions testing. But emissions testing is required for all other gasoline and diesel vehicles between five and 25 years old that are registered in the following Washington counties:

• Clark

• King

• Pierce

• Snohomish

• Spokane

Your car will need to be retested every other year. If it's your turn, your registration renewal notice will indicate that you need an emissions inspection in order to renew.

In addition to registration, Washington vehicles also need to be tested for emissions when either of the following happens:

• Title transfer and change of ownership of the vehicle, unless the transfer is within the immediate family or among co-owners listed on the title.

• You bring a vehicle from another state to one of the Washington emissions-requirement counties listed above.

Top How and Where to Test

Washington's Department of Ecology administers the state's Emission Check Program. The department can help you find out whether you need an emissions test and where to go to get one. The fee is $15, which you can pay by cash, personal check, or credit card.

Check the list of test stations for locations and hours. Also, some stations can handle emissions testing for RVs and motor homes, but not all of them (those that can are listed in italics).

Out-of-State Vehicles

If Washington motorists are out of the state at the time an emissions test is required, they may submit an Application for Out-of-Area Temporary Exemption from Emission Testing.

Emissions tests from other states are not valid in Washington. Drivers who do get an exemption from smog check requirements must have their vehicles tested within 15 days of returning the vehicle to the state.

Top If Your Car Fails

If your vehicle fails its emissions inspection, you will be required to have the vehicle repaired to bring it into compliance. However, there's a limit to how much money you have to spend on this. If you've spent more than $150 on repairs and you car still fails a retest, you might be eligible for a repair waiver.

Repair Waiver Qualifications

Your car can qualify for a waiver if:

• You spent $150 or more on emission-related repairs done by an authorized emission specialist.

• You can provide the test station manager with the repair receipts signed by an authorized emission specialist.

• It's proven that none of your vehicle's emission-related equipment has been altered.

• Your vehicle flunks a second emission test after repairs.

The waiver allows you to still register your vehicle for the upcoming year.

Top Reporting a Polluter

The Department of Ecology does not have a specific phone number for reporting a vehicle with a smoking tailpipe. However, you can phone in the license plate number of a vehicle whose occupants you saw littering at (866) 548-8371.

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