Does New Mexico Have Emissions Testing?
New Mexico maintains a vehicle emissions inspection program in the Albuquerque metropolitan area to improve air quality and comply with federal clean air standards. The state requires biennial emissions inspections for certain vehicles registered in or commuting to Bernalillo County in the greater Albuquerque region.
Understanding New Mexico Emissions Testing Requirements
The state's emissions testing program operates under the authority of New Mexico Administrative Code 20.11.100 NMAC. The City of Albuquerque Vehicle Pollution Management Division (VPMD) and the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division jointly administer the emissions inspection program known as the Air Care program.
Which Areas in New Mexico Require Emissions Testing?
New Mexico designates emissions testing requirements by county, with the program currently operating exclusively in Bernalillo County.
Emissions Testing Area
Bernalillo County: The sole emissions testing area in New Mexico, encompassing the city of Albuquerque and surrounding communities. All gasoline-powered vehicles registered in or commuting to Bernalillo County with a model year 1991 or newer (35 years old or newer) require biennial emissions testing.
Determining if Your Vehicle Needs Testing
Vehicle owners can verify their emissions testing requirements by:
- Checking their vehicle registration renewal notice from MVD, which will indicate if emissions testing is required
- Visiting the New Mexico MVD emissions testing page
- Calling VPMD at 505-764-1110 for specific questions
- Checking emission status online through the MVD e-Services portal
Vehicles Subject to Emissions Testing in New Mexico
Under current New Mexico emissions inspection regulations, gasoline-powered vehicles model year 1991 and newer (35 years old or newer) registered in Bernalillo County require biennial emissions testing.
Vehicle Age Requirements
New Mexico's emissions testing requirements include:
- Vehicles 35 years old or older (1990 model year and earlier): Exempt from emissions testing
- Vehicles 36 years old or newer (1991 model year and newer): Subject to biennial emissions testing if registered in or commuting to Bernalillo County
- New vehicles: Exempt for the first four years following initial registration from the date of the manufacturer's certificate of origin
Commuter Vehicle Requirements
New Mexico Administrative Code 20.11.100.2 requires emissions testing for vehicles registered outside Bernalillo County but driven into, operated, or otherwise present in Bernalillo County for 60 or more days per year. Vehicle owners who commute into Bernalillo County for work or other purposes must comply with emissions testing requirements.
Testing Frequency
Emissions inspections in New Mexico are required biennially (every two years). Testing is also required at change of ownership when a vehicle is sold or transferred.
Vehicles Exempt From Emissions Testing
The following vehicle categories do not require emissions inspections in New Mexico:
- Dedicated electric vehicles (100% electric, not plug-in hybrids)
- Diesel-powered vehicles (all diesel vehicles regardless of model year)
- Vehicles model year 1990 and older (35 years old or older)
- New vehicles for the first four years following initial registration from the manufacturer's certificate of origin
- Vehicles with gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 lbs or more
- Motorcycles and motortricycles
- Vehicles fueled by a mixture of gasoline and oil for lubrication purposes
- Vehicles used for legally sanctioned competition and not operated on public streets
- Farm equipment (implements of husbandry) or road machinery not regularly operated on public highways
- Vehicles leased by companies in Bernalillo County to persons residing outside the county (with certain conditions)
- Vehicles sold between licensed dealers
- Federal installations vehicles may have special arrangements
Special Vehicle Categories
Gas-Electric Hybrid Vehicles: Gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles registered in Bernalillo County are subject to biennial emissions testing. Any certified Air Care Station can test hybrid vehicles.
Modified or Assembled Vehicles: Vehicles with engine swaps must meet emissions standards for the chassis type, GVW, and model year of the vehicle. Assembled vehicles or kit cars must meet standards for the year of the vehicle's engine. Vehicles with pre-1975 engines may petition the program manager for exemption.
Emissions Testing Costs and Fees in New Mexico
New Mexico emissions testing is conducted at privately-operated Air Care inspection stations licensed by the Vehicle Pollution Management Division.
Standard Testing Fees
Emissions testing fees in New Mexico are set by individual Air Care stations and typically range from $15 to $25 plus tax. Most stations charge around $25 plus tax for a complete emissions inspection. There is no state-mandated maximum fee, so prices vary by location and station.
Where to Get Emissions Testing in New Mexico
New Mexico's emissions testing program operates through more than 130 privately-owned Air Care inspection stations throughout Bernalillo County.
Inspection Timing and Vehicle Registration in New Mexico
New Mexico requires emissions testing completion before vehicle registration renewal in Bernalillo County through an integrated enforcement system.
When to Get Tested
Vehicle owners should complete their emissions inspection:
- Before registration expiration: Testing must be completed with a passing result before the registration expires
- Biennial schedule: Testing is required every two years for vehicles subject to the program
- At change of ownership: Testing is required when a vehicle is sold or title is transferred
- For new residents: Testing should be completed before registering a vehicle in Bernalillo County
Registration Integration
The Air Care database is administered by the Vehicle Pollution Management Division and integrated with the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division. Test results are transmitted electronically:
- MVD field offices and online registration systems automatically check the Air Care database for compliance
- Passing results allow registration renewal to proceed
- Failed or expired test results prevent registration renewal until compliance is achieved
- Vehicle owners receive a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) showing pass or fail status
New Residents and Out-of-State Vehicles
New residents moving to Bernalillo County must:
- Complete emissions testing before registering a vehicle if the vehicle requires testing based on model year and type
- Complete a VIN inspection when registering out-of-state vehicles
- Register within 30 days of establishing New Mexico residency
Out-of-State Vehicle Waiver: If your vehicle is located out-of-state where emissions testing is unavailable, you may receive a one-year waiver by submitting an Affidavit of Vehicle Unavailability for Inspection and an Affidavit of V.I.N. Inspection to the MVD. Contact VPMD at 505-764-1110 for waiver application procedures.
What Happens if Your Vehicle Fails?
If your vehicle fails the emissions test, New Mexico provides options to achieve compliance.
Free Retest Program
The Vehicle Pollution Management Division offers one free retest for vehicles that fail emissions testing:
- Eligibility: Available for any vehicle that does not pass an emissions test
- Time limit: Must be completed within 90 days of the failed test date
- Location: Bring your failed test report and vehicle to VPMD Headquarters at 1500 Broadway NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
- Contact: 505-764-1110 for appointments and questions
Station Retest Policies
Individual Air Care stations may offer additional retest options:
- Many stations provide one free or discounted retest within 30 days of the initial failure if repairs are performed at that station
- Retest policies vary by station, so ask about their specific retest policy when testing
Contact Information
Vehicle Pollution Management Division (VPMD)
1500 Broadway NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: (505) 764-1110
Official Website: City of Albuquerque Air Quality - Vehicle Emissions Testing
New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
1100 South St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87504
Phone: 1-888-683-4636 (toll-free)
Official Website: New Mexico MVD - Emission Testing
