Does Oregon Have Emissions Testing?

Oregon maintains a vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program in the Portland metropolitan area and Medford-Ashland area to improve air quality and comply with federal clean air standards. The state requires biennial (every two years) emissions inspections for eligible vehicles registered in designated testing areas as part of Oregon's State Implementation Plan.

Understanding Oregon Emissions Testing Requirements

The state's emissions testing program operates under the authority of Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 340, Division 256 and is administered by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in coordination with the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Which Areas in Oregon Require Emissions Testing?

Oregon requires emissions testing in two distinct metropolitan areas:

Portland Metropolitan Area

The Portland testing area includes portions of the following counties:

• Clackamas County
• Columbia County
• Multnomah County
• Washington County

Medford-Ashland Area

The Medford testing area covers portions of:

• Jackson County

Determining if Your Vehicle Needs Testing

Vehicle owners can use the DEQ VIP Boundary Lookup Tool to determine whether their registration address falls within an emissions testing boundary by entering their address or ZIP code. Your DMV registration renewal form will also indicate if your vehicle requires emissions testing.

Vehicles Subject to Emissions Testing in Oregon

Under current Oregon emissions inspection regulations, testing requirements vary by area and vehicle type.

Portland Area Testing Requirements

Vehicles required to test in the Portland metropolitan area include:

• Gasoline-powered vehicles: All 1975 and newer cars, trucks, vans, motor homes, and buses
• Alternative fuel vehicles: Vehicles powered by propane or other alternative fuels (1975 and newer)
• Hybrid vehicles: Most hybrid vehicles model year 1975 and newer
• Light-duty diesel vehicles: All 1975 and newer diesel-powered vehicles with a manufacturer's gross weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less

Medford Area Testing Requirements

Vehicles required to test in the Medford-Ashland area include:

• Gasoline-powered vehicles: Cars, trucks, vans, motor homes, and buses 20 years old or less
• Alternative fuel vehicles: Vehicles powered by propane or other alternative fuels (20 years old or less)
• Light-duty diesel vehicles: Diesel-powered vehicles 20 years old or less with a manufacturer's gross weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less

Vehicle Age Requirements

Oregon provides a four-year exemption for new vehicles:

• New vehicles: Exempt until January 1 of the calendar year that is four years after the vehicle's model year
• Example: A 2025 model year vehicle is exempt from testing until January 1, 2029
• After the exemption period: Vehicles must be tested every two years during registration renewal

Vehicles Exempt From Emissions Testing

The following vehicle categories do not require emissions inspections in Oregon:

• Motorcycles
• Fully electric vehicles
• Low-speed vehicles (mopeds, golf carts, tractors, all-terrain vehicles)
• Heavy-duty diesel vehicles with gross weight rating over 8,500 pounds
• Vehicles registered outside DEQ testing boundaries
• Newer model year vehicles within their four-year exemption period
• Older vehicles manufactured before 1975 (Portland) or over 20 years old (Medford)

Emissions Testing Costs and Fees in Oregon

According to the Oregon DEQ, emissions testing fees vary by testing area:

Testing Fees

Important Notes:

• Testing fees are charged only after your vehicle passes the test
• No charge if your vehicle fails the inspection
• Fees apply at both DEQ Clean Air Stations and DEQ Too locations
• Some DEQ Too participating businesses may charge an additional device-usage or service fee

Payment Methods

DEQ stations accept:

• Cash
• PIN-less Debit/Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
• Money orders

Vehicle Registration Fees

Emissions testing fees are separate from vehicle registration fees. Registration fees vary by county and are subject to change. Contact your county tax office or visit the Oregon DMV for current registration fee information.

Where to Get Emissions Testing in Oregon

Oregon offers two convenient testing options: state-operated Clean Air Stations and the DEQ Too program.

DEQ Clean Air Stations

State-operated testing stations are located throughout the Portland and Medford areas. View all station locations, hours, and wait-line cameras for current information.

Portland Area Stations:

DEQ Clackamas Station
9350 SE Clackamas Road, Clackamas, OR 97015
Phone: (503) 229-5066
Official Website: Clackamas Station

DEQ Gresham Station
1200 SW Highland Drive, Gresham, OR 97080
Phone: (503) 229-5066
Official Website: Gresham Station

DEQ Northeast Portland Station
7701 NE 33rd Drive, Portland, OR 97211
Phone: (503) 229-5066
Official Website: NE Portland Station

DEQ Scappoose Station
52751 NE 1st Avenue, Scappoose, OR 97056
Phone: (503) 229-5066
Official Website: Scappoose Station

DEQ Sherwood Station
14962 SW Tualatin-Sherwood Road, Sherwood, OR 97140
Phone: (503) 229-5066
Official Website: Sherwood Station

DEQ Sunset/Hillsboro Station
5130 NW Five Oaks Drive, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 229-5066
Official Website: Sunset/Hillsboro Station

Medford Area Station:

DEQ Medford Station
3030 Biddle Road, Medford, OR 97504
Phone: (541) 776-6145
Official Website: Medford Station

Pro tip: Testing takes between 5-8 minutes per vehicle. Lines are often shorter on Thursdays, Fridays, and mid-month. Tuesdays and Saturdays are typically the busiest days.

DEQ Too Remote Testing Program

The DEQ Too program offers a convenient alternative to visiting state testing stations. This innovative program uses telematics devices to remotely transmit your vehicle's on-board diagnostic (OBD) data to DEQ for evaluation.

How DEQ Too Works:

1. Visit a participating DEQ Too location (over 200 locations including dealerships and repair shops)
2. A telematics device is connected to your vehicle's OBD port
3. Your vehicle's emissions data is wirelessly transmitted to DEQ
4. Results are posted online within minutes
5. Complete your registration renewal online if your vehicle passes

DEQ Too Eligibility:

• Vehicle must be model year 2005 or newer
• Registered within DEQ testing boundaries
• Must have current registration renewal notice
• Registration has not expired for more than 365 days

Inspection Timing and Vehicle Registration in Oregon

Under Oregon's registration-based enforcement system, vehicles must pass the required emissions inspection before registration renewal.

When to Get Tested

Vehicle owners should complete their emissions inspection:

• For initial registration: Before registering a vehicle new to Oregon
• For biennial renewal: During the registration renewal period (every two years)
• Timing window: Vehicles must be tested during their DMV registration renewal period
• No early testing: Unlike some states, Oregon requires testing specifically during the renewal period

Test results are transmitted electronically to DMV and typically appear in the system within minutes.

Registration Renewal Process

To complete your vehicle registration renewal:

1. Complete emissions test: Pass DEQ testing if required
2. Prepare documentation:
   • Complete DMV registration renewal form (sections 1 and 2)
   • Provide proof of insurance
   • Owner's signature
3. Pay fees: Emissions testing fee plus DMV registration fees
4. Receive registration: New registration and tags issued after passing inspection

Vehicles Temporarily Located Outside Oregon

Vehicles temporarily located outside Oregon during the registration renewal period may qualify for special provisions. Contact DEQ for specific requirements and documentation needed.

New Residents and Recently Purchased Vehicles

Individuals new to Oregon or who recently purchased a vehicle must:

• Pass an emissions test to initially register the vehicle (if within testing boundaries)
• No DMV paperwork is required for this initial test
• After initial registration, test every two years during renewal
• New vehicles receive a four-year exemption from testing

What to Bring to Your Emissions Test in Oregon

To ensure a smooth testing experience, prepare the following:

Required Documents:

• Complete DMV registration renewal form with:
  • Section 1: Insurance information
  • Section 2: Owner's signature
• Payment for testing fee and registration fees (cash, debit/credit card, or money order)

Vehicle Preparation:

• Ensure your check engine light is not illuminated (vehicles with warning lights will fail)
• Fill gas tank to at least ¼ full
• Drive the vehicle to warm up the engine before testing
• Ensure vehicle has no visible coolant, oil, or fuel leaks

Additional Notes:

• No pets allowed at DEQ stations (service animals are welcome)
• Testing appointments are not required (first-come, first-served)
• If you fail, there is no charge, and you can return for a retest after repairs

Failed Emissions Test: Next Steps

If your vehicle fails its emissions inspection:

1. Review the failure report: Understand which emissions components need attention
2. Seek qualified repairs: Take your vehicle to a certified emissions repair facility
3. Apply for financial assistance: If repairs are cost-prohibitive, inquire about available assistance programs
4. Retest your vehicle: Return to a testing station after repairs are completed
5. No retest fee: Failed vehicles can be retested at no additional charge

Important: Oregon does not issue repair waivers. All vehicles must be fully repaired to pass emissions testing and maintain registration.