Waiver Requirements in Clark and Washoe County

If a vehicle fails inspection, it’s the duty of the 1G smog inspector to inform the customer of their options. These options include the 10-day moving permit, retesting, and waivers. If a customer’s registration is due to expire, a 10 Day Moving Permit may be required to legally drive the vehicle. If the customer believes the test was administered incorrectly, they may challenge the results with a challenge test at the DMV Emissions Lab.

Waivers allow a customer whose vehicle doesn’t meet emissions standards to register the vehicle anyway. Explain to the customer that the failed emissions test is the beginning of the waiver process, not the only requirement. The customer will need to visit the emissions lab to obtain a waiver, and that the process will require careful analysis of repair costs and other factors. 

Waivers can only be issued by the Emissions Lab. The State of Nevada issues waivers for vehicles that fail emissions tests but would be exceedingly expensive to repair. The repair cost threshold that vehicles must meet to qualify for a waiver differs between counties. 

In Washoe County, the minimum repair expense required to qualify for a waiver is $200. The price does not include the price of emissions testing. All repairs must be performed by a 2G station, unless the customer applies for a self-repair waiver. To qualify for a self-repair waiver, customers must present proof that at least $200 has been spent on parts within 14 days of a failed emissions test. 

In Clark County, the minimum repair expense required to qualify for a waiver is $450. All repairs must be performed at a licensed Nevada 2G station.

Remember that only the DMV Emissions Lab can grant a waiver. To apply for a waiver, customers must present the Emissions Lab with the vehicle in question. Also, customers must bring all 2g station repair receipts, the original failing Vehicle Inspection Report, and a failing Vehicle Inspection Report from after the repairs. In Washoe County, self-repair applicants must bring all receipts documenting when parts were purchased and how much was spent.

Some vehicles do not qualify for a waiver. Smoking vehicles must be repaired regardless of the cost. Additionally, waivers cannot be granted for tamper-failure. All tampered vehicles must be repaired regardless of the cost. Remember, there is no guarantee that a customer will receive a waiver, even if they meet all of the qualifications.