Vehicle emissions testing

[eleny]

This year our grace period deadline was May 31st. So back in April we requested a delay. No response but I kept a printout of the email confirming that we made the request.

Last week we decided to go ahead and get an inspection. There were about 5 or 6 lanes at the Arvada station. We were 8 cars back and it took 1/2 hour to get into the station. They limit the number of people in a car to one person and people have to wear masks. Husband and I didn't realize they had a one person limit but they didn't make an issue. They have you stand behind a line on the floor 6 ft away from the car as the testers do their work.

They weren't putting cars on the dynamometer so that sped up the process. They just tested the computer system of the car and the gas cap. It took under 10 minutes.

After the test they had us drive outside just past the pay station. We only opened the window a sliver to pass the cash payment and the guy slipped the results sheet back to us.

[Laffy Kat]

1. It took me about an hour and a half at the Boulder emissions station, yesterday.

It was so hot in the line but finally made it through. I left from there directly to the State office in Lafayette to get my car registration, wait just a few minutes for my turn. When I give them my paperwork they point out that the emissions results are for a Jeep Cherokee (I drive a Subaru). Clear Air Colorado gave me the results from the car ahead of me! Arrrrgh! Anyway, the State Office for Auto Reg. woman was wonderful and called around until she got confirmation that my car passed. Bless her! My new advice for everyone: when you get your car emissioned, make sure you get the right document!!

[eleny]

3. Oh, jeez!

Nothing like a snag when you just want to get the heck out of the office. I'm glad it all worked out.

Our registration office here in Lakewood is usually very crowded. We paid via the web as soon as we got home. The turnaround time for notification was supposed to be up to a few days but it only took a few hours before they sent us an email confirming payment. They included a temp reg to print out and put on the dashboard until the sticker arrives.

I was concerned about the whole thing. But husband pointed out that police aren't going to waste their time stopping expired plates right now. And also that the car ahead of us in line had an expiration month of March.

Btw, I'm sure I drove past two emissions machines set up on the roadways. I made a point of it. But I guess I didn't plan well enough. I won't let that happen again. Next year I'll be sure I have the dates figured out better and avoid going to the testing stations altogether.

[hlthe2b]

2. I had mine done literally two weeks before everything closed down.

I'm glad they are shortening the process to keep folks safe.

[eleny]

4. Good for you!

Our regular station is in Golden. It's never been crowded. But it was still closed last week.

[JDC]

5. Have you had to go to DMV or is this a renewal?

We got my wife a new car right before COVID hit and her temp tags are expired(mid April). CO requires a DMV visit with new cars, even if you are transferring a plate. I think it is by appt only, but I've pretty much decided I am waiting it out.

[eleny]

6. Ours was a plate renewal

I can't remember what the web site says about delaying new car registrations.