Press Release
Air Quality

PHOENIX (March 26, 2020) — Governor Doug Ducey and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) announced today that ADEQ will waive emissions testing for vehicle owners 65 and older for up to one year to allow them to renew their vehicle registrations.

If an emissions test is required, a waiver from ADEQ allows the vehicle owner to renew their vehicle registration online through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). This change helps protect seniors by encouraging social distancing and reducing their risk of coming into contact with COVID-19.

“Arizona remains focused on proactively limiting the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Ducey. “This latest action is informed by guidance from public health experts. People over age 65 are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, and this is another way Arizona can help encourage social distancing and protect the health of our seniors.”

It remains essential that we continue every effort to maintain and improve air quality in the Phoenix and Tucson areas and across the State. Ozone in the air we breathe can be harmful to our health and worsen bronchitis, emphysema, asthma and other respiratory issues ꟷ including those symptoms related to COVID -19. On-road vehicles a primary source of ozone pollution in urban areas where emissions testing is required. While there are a variety of ways that we can protect ourselves from viruses, there is very little we can do to avoid bad air quality.

EPA Health Effects of Ozone Pollution | View >

ADEQ is currently accepting waiver applications for vehicle registration renewals due in March, April or May of 2020. Vehicle owners can apply at azdeq.gov/65waiver or by calling 602-771-3950 and pressing “0” to reach Customer Service.

In addition, Vehicle Emissions Inspection (VEI) testing stations are taking additional precautions at their facilities to protect public health. These measures include regularly disinfecting and sanitizing equipment and surfaces, maintaining social distances between customers and reducing the need for inspectors to enter vehicles for testing. See a full list of efforts and a description of process changes at azdeq.gov/COVID-19.

Contact

ADEQ Public Information Officer | 602-771-2215 (office) | 602-540-8072 (cell) | Email >

Background

Although air quality has been good during the month of March, ozone levels are forecast to increase through the spring and summer. It is important to continue our efforts to protect and improve air quality across the state.

EPA Health Effects of Ozone Pollution | View >

Air quality forecasts for Arizona metropolitan areas are available:

Vehicle emissions testing is required in major metropolitan areas that are not meeting federal air quality standards for ozone and other pollutants. In Arizona, testing is required in the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas.

ADEQ conducts emissions testing at VEI stations. Information about VEI testing stations, including locations and wait times can be found at http://myazcar.com/.