Vehicle Reinspection

Free Reinspection

Any vehicle which fails an emission test may be retested at no charge at the VPMD Headquarters station within 90 days of the failed test. Prior to retesting, a low emissions tune-up or engine diagnostic should be completed. Following repairs on 1996 and newer vehicles, the additional step of completing "drive cycles" (see owners manual) or driving the vehicle for several days may be required to make the vehicle's on-board computer and emissions components "ready" for testing.

Vehicles in need of major repairs exceeding $300 may be eligible for a time extension allowing for a one year registration. Smoking and other gross polluting vehicles are limited to a 60-day time extension. To apply for a time extension, you will need to bring the vehicle, failed test, and receipts or a written estimate from a licensed repair facility (see back of failed test). Proof of ownership such as current registration, title, or bill of sale is also required. Referee inspectors at the headquarters station will reinspect the vehicle and review the failed test and repair documentation to determine if the vehicle qualifies for a time extension.

The referee inspectors at the VPMD headquarters are ASE certified technicians and play an important role in the Division's quality assurance efforts. If they find that a vehicle was not tested properly at an Air Care station, they can require the station to refund the original test fee and retest the vehicle to correct the error at no charge. Air Care inspectors are unlikely to repeat an error after vehicles are returned to them for retest and refund. This is one of several ways in which City inspectors monitor and assure the quality of testing done at private Air Care stations.

The VPMD Headquarters or referee/retest center is located at 1500 Broadway NE near the corner of Broadway and Odelia (Indian School Rd.). This is just down the hill from the new Albuquerque High School or 3 blocks north of the Main Post Office at Mountain and Broadway. The office is open for retesting of failed vehicles from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday thru Friday (except holidays). There is no fee for retesting at the headquarters station.

 

 

Other Testing Resources

• VPMD Headquarters 764-1110
• Air Care Stations