Colorado Drivers to Benefit from 24-Hour Emissions Testing Kiosks
In a move to make emissions testing more convenient for Colorado drivers, the state is introducing self-service kiosks for gasoline-powered and hybrid vehicles. The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) announced this development in a press release on Thursday, which includes two key updates to the state’s vehicle emissions testing program.
One of the most significant changes is the launch of 24-hour self-service kiosks, allowing vehicle owners who need a diagnostic test to complete the process at any time of day or night. The kiosks will be available seven days a week and are expected to be implemented in 2026. Though the exact locations of the kiosks have not yet been revealed, the move is expected to reduce wait times for drivers.
The idea for these self-service kiosks was first proposed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Motor Vehicle Emissions Division in September 2024. Along with the kiosk initiative, the AQCC has also introduced stricter emissions compliance requirements for diesel-powered vehicles. The new rules reduce the opacity standard for diesel vehicles from 40% to 20% opacity measured over a five-second period. This update is aimed at ensuring diesel vehicles are operating more efficiently and meeting emissions standards.
Michael Ogletree, director of the CDPHE Air Pollution Control Division, emphasized the importance of protecting Colorado’s air quality. “Testing your vehicle’s emissions is a short-term action that yields long-term benefits for our air quality and community health,” he said. “We’re proud to update these programs and make inspections more convenient than ever for Coloradans.”
These changes are designed to modernize the emissions testing process while contributing to improved air quality, particularly along the Front Range.
