Car Inspection Laws In Colorado
Like many other states, Colorado has car inspection laws that apply to certain vehicles. These emission tests are important for the protection of the environment and other drivers, but it can sometimes be tough to understand car inspection laws in Colorado.
At Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers, our Colorado car accident lawyers can help you get a better sense of what to expect.
Contact one of our Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers lawyers today at (720) 613-9706 to schedule a free consultation.
How Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After An Accident In Colorado
A car accident can mean facing astronomical vehicular repair bills and medical expenses, especially if you suffer spinal injuries or brain injuries.
If you’ve sustained losses because of someone else’s negligent or wrongful conduct, one of the legal recourses you can take is to file a personal injury claim. The team of Colorado personal injury attorneys at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help.
We can guide you through the process of filing a claim, including:
- Assessing the claim during a free consultation
- Gathering evidence of how the accident occurred
- Negotiating with insurance companies for a settlement
- Taking your case to court if a settlement isn’t possible
Our team has managed to win the largest personal injury settlements in Colorado for both 2018 and 2021, and we have gained a spot on the Top 100 National Trial Lawyers. Our experience and dedication make us a trusted option if you’ve been in an accident. Contact us to speak with one of our car accident lawyers.
What Is A Vehicle Inspection?
During a vehicle inspection, the testing center staff will perform a number of procedures to determine the safety of the vehicle. They will check tire pressure, the brake system, headlights, and whether there are any signs of leaking fluid. If the staff deems the vehicle safe to test, they will then perform gas cap pressure inspections as well as emissions tests.
The exact emissions inspection the car receives will depend on the model and the type of fuel it uses. Onboard diagnostics is one of the tests that a hybrid or gasoline vehicle between eight and 11 years old will receive. If you have a hybrid electric car, you will need a RapidScreen Roadside test, for which you don’t have to visit a testing center.
Gasoline-fueled vehicles from before 1982 will receive two-speed idle tests, while those that run on diesel will need diesel emissions tests. Vehicles that are at least 12 years old but were made before 1982 must receive the I/M 240 dynamometer test.
Which Vehicles Require Inspections?
The vehicles that need to be inspected are those that are:
- Seven years old or older
- Heavy-duty vehicles weighing more than 8,500 pounds
- Registered in the counties of Boulder, Denver, Broomfield, Douglas, and Jefferson or in parts of Larimer, Arapahoe, Adams, or Weld
- Light-duty vehicles weighing less than 8,500 and operating on gasoline
- Changing ownership
Registration renewal will sometimes require emissions tests. For vehicles older than seven years and from no earlier than 1983, you must schedule an emissions test every two years. Vehicles from 1982 or earlier without collector plates will need annual inspections.
If your vehicle is fully electric, is younger than seven years old, is a farm vehicle, or is a collector’s vehicle from 1975 or earlier, it is exempt from these tests.
How Do You Get A Car Inspection In Colorado?
To get an emissions test in Colorado, you will need to go to a testing center. You can find the ones near you by visiting the Air Care Colorado website. Remember to bring your registration card. Not all testing sites allow you to show up without an appointment, so make sure that you contact them first. For a gasoline-powered vehicle from 1982 or later, the fee will be about $25. For older vehicles, the fee will be $15.
Contact Our Colorado Car Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
Getting regular car inspections ensures that your vehicle is functioning at its best. However, that doesn’t mean that you’ll be shielded from accidents. If you do get into a collision and suffer injuries and other losses, getting compensation can require filing a personal injury claim. You should never attempt that process on your own.
By relying on experienced car accident lawyers who will investigate the accident, gather evidence that demonstrates you deserve compensation, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies, you can receive the financial assistance you need. At Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we have decades of experience that we can put to work on your behalf.
We will fight to help you recover the economic and non-economic losses you’ve suffered, so don’t wait to begin the process. Contact our team to schedule a free consultation with one of our Colorado car accident lawyers.
