If your vehicle fails the emissions test you must have it repaired and re-inspected. The re-inspection is free if you return within 60 days of your original or subsequent paid test with the repair information completed on the back of the vehicle inspection report.
If your vehicle failed a required emissions test, you may qualify for financial assistance through the VVR&R emissions repair program. There are no income restrictions. Your vehicle must be 12 years of age or older, Arizona titled and registered in Arizona during the last 12 months without a break in registration for more than 60 days. The vehicle must be in good mechanical condition and currently failing the emissions inspection portion or the OBD inspection portion of the test.
A waiver is an official document that allows qualified owners of failing vehicles to register their vehicle without further expenditures for repair. Vehicles may receive only one repair waiver, which is valid for the current vehicle registration. Once a waiver has been granted, the vehicle is not eligible for another waiver in future years. Failing vehicles that have already received a waiver must be repaired and pass inspection before being registered in the Phoenix or Tucson metro areas. If your vehicle fails, it may be better for you to repair the vehicle than to seek a waiver. In order to request a waiver, the vehicle owner must meet the following qualifications:
1. The vehicle must fail the state emissions test at least two times
2. The malfunction must be diagnosed and a low emissions tune-up performed following the initial failure (low emissions tune-up is defined under "A" on the back of the vehicle inspection report)
3. The vehicle must be presented to one of the waiver facilities listed below, along with the vehicle's last failing test report, detailed repair receipts or estimates
4. A waiver will be issued if it is determined that additional repairs to reduce the vehicle's emissions level cannot be made within the appropriate maximum repair cost limits. Maximum repair requirements for emission failures depend on the age and location of your vehicle. Due to the severity of the air quality problem in metro Phoenix, repair cost limits in Phoenix are higher than in Tucson
5. Waivers cannot be issued to vehicles emitting more than two times the applicable emission standard, or that have a faulty catalytic converter.
6. If a Waiver is granted, or a compliance document is issued, a fee of $15.00 charged at the Waiver Facility.
