COVID-19 EMISSIONS TESTING REQUIREMENTS & UPDATES

Air Care Colorado, like all Colorado residents and businesses, is navigating the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis by trusting and following the advice and structures our public health and government officials are putting into place. As always, the health and safety of our staff and customers is our top priority.

Please be aware that testing procedures have been modified to speed the testing process and minimize close personal contact. Safety is our top priority and we are committed to ensuring a safe environment for all. 

Below, you will find information about Air Care's Protective Practices, Testing Processes, Information for Immunocompromised and Elderly Motorists, and Tips to help ensure a quick and easy visit.

PROTECTIVE PRACTICES

ACC Staff is:

  • + Symptom and temperature monitored before each shift,
  • + Required to stay home if showing any symptoms or signs of sickness, or have been in contact with any known positive cases,
  • + Wear masks/shields and gloves at all times,
  • + Practice social distancing of at least six feet, and 
  • + Clean and sanitize regularly.

ACC Customers are:

  • + Required to wear masks/shields at all times. The Statewide mask mandate is followed at all Air Care Colorado locations. If you do not have a mask or shield, please get one before visiting an Air Care station. NO MASK/SHIELD, NO TEST,
  • + Are asked to come alone or limit the number of passengers to as few as possible to prevent exposure, and
  • + Practice social distancing, of at least six feet, at all times possible.

TESTING PROCESSES

2000 & Newer Model Years 
These vehicles are tested using the vehicle's On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system. When a vehicle enters, at the ticket gate, the motorist will be directed to a lane. When directed, the driver will slowly drive into the bay and stop. At this time an inspector will ask a few questions, through the window of the vehicle. The inspector will then direct the motorist to exit the vehicle and stand a few feet away, in the open bay, while the inspector reaches into the vehicle and plugs in the OBD adapter. The inspector will not get into the vehicle or 'drive' the vehicle. The inspector will record the data from the plug-in test and then unplug the adapter. This process generally takes less than one minute. At this time the motorist will return to the vehicle to finish the inspection process from inside of the car. The vehicle's gas cap is checked, and the motorist is then asked to pay, through the window of the vehicle. (ACC accepts all forms of payment - cash, credit, check.) The inspector takes payment and issues the Vehicle Inspection Report. 

1999 & Older Model Years
These vehicles require the traditional, more invasive, 'drive' test. When a vehicle enters, at the ticket gate, the motorist will be directed to a lane where they will wait for an inspector to motion them forward. The motorist will slowly drive into the bay and then exit the vehicle to wait inside of the waiting booth, or motorists may walk through the booth and outside of the bay to wait. The inspector will cover the steering wheel and shifter with plastic covers and perform the 'drive' portion of the test; this test generally takes from two to four minutes. The inspector then exits the vehicle and performs the gas cap check outside of the vehicle, while the customer pays the cashier just outside of the waiting booth.

1981 & Older Model Years
These vehicles receive a two-speed idle test. The motorist will be directed to the appropriate bay and will slowly drive into the bay, and exit the vehicle to wait in the waiting booth or outside near the bay exit. The inspector will cover the steering wheel and shifter with plastic and complete the test; this test takes just a few minutes. The inspector then exits the vehicle and performs the gas cap check outside of the vehicle, while the customer pays the cashier just outside of the waiting booth.

QUESTIONS ABOUT TESTING FOR IMMUNOCOMPROMISED AND ELDERLY

If you are immunocompromised and have concerns or questions, please call 303-456-7025, or email AirCareColorado25@gmail.com. Air Care Colorado CANNOT EXEMPT OR EXTEND emissions requirements, but we can explain the testing processes and safety practices, and we will try to work with you to accommodate your needs while protecting our staff. To request an exemption or extension, you must contact the Colorado Department of Revenue.

TIPS

  • + Attempt to register online before visiting.
    + Be sure to have a mask or shield before arriving at the testing station. 
  • + Be sure to drive for a short time before arriving at the station to ensure the vehicle is warmed and ready for testing.
    + Best Times to Test - Middle two weeks of the month, mid-mornings, late afternoons, and Saturdays. 
    + Avoid the day after holidays, Mondays, and the last few days of the month, as they can be very very busy.