Does Alaska Have Emissions Testing?
No, Alaska does not require emissions testing. The state discontinued its vehicle emissions inspection programs and currently has no mandatory emissions testing requirements for vehicle registration or renewal in any area.
Alaska's Emissions Testing Policy
Alaska law does not currently require emissions testing of motor vehicles. According to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, all Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) vehicle inspection programs in Alaska have been suspended.
This policy applies uniformly across the state:
- No counties or boroughs require emissions testing
- No cities or municipalities have local emissions requirements
- All vehicle types are exempt from emissions testing requirements
- No testing is required for initial registration or annual renewal
Previous Emissions Testing Programs
Alaska previously operated emissions testing programs in two major areas but discontinued both programs after determining they were no longer necessary to maintain air quality standards.
Fairbanks North Star Borough: The I/M program in Fairbanks was suspended on January 1, 2010. The borough requested suspension after demonstrating that air quality standards were being met without mandatory testing. The EPA approved the discontinuation after the state showed that ending the program would not interfere with attainment or maintenance of National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Municipality of Anchorage: The Anchorage emissions testing program operated for 27 years before being discontinued on March 1, 2012. The Anchorage Assembly voted in 2010 to end the program, pending EPA approval. The EPA approved in January 2012, determining the program was no longer needed to protect air quality. The Assembly agreed to a six-month phaseout period to allow testing companies time to prepare for the program's end.
Both programs were amended in 1995 to require only biennial testing instead of annual testing. The eventual discontinuation of both programs reflected improved air quality conditions and compliance with federal standards without mandatory vehicle testing requirements.
