Arizona waives emissions testing for seniors due to risk of coronavirus

In an effort to protect its seniors from the new coronavirus, Arizona is waiving emissions testing for up to one year for people 65 and older to allow them renew their car registration online.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and Gov. Doug Ducey announced on Thursday that ADEQ will be giving waivers for emissions testing for seniors who need to renew their car registration with the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The waiver allows for seniors to push out the emissions testing for up to one year. The goal is to reduce the risk of exposure to the new coronavirus and encourage social distancing, a press release said.

People under the age of 65 will still need to get their emissions testing done but ADEQ said they are changing the procedures of the testing to lessen the risk of exposure to the new coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, the press release said.

“This latest action is informed by guidance from public health experts. People over age 65 are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, and this is another way Arizona can help encourage social distancing and protect the health of our seniors,” Ducey said.

Earlier this week, ADOT started limiting all inperson appointments. Only matters that are “essential” and require an in-person visit will be done at MVD offices.

First-time driver license services, road testing, some written testing, commercial driver license testing and some out-of-state title services will still need to be completed in-person.

Drivers will be able to use a new call-in system at 602-712-2700 to set-up appointments for essential in-person services.

However, officials noted most customers will be assisted remotely.

Officials urged drivers to resolve any other matters online at servicearizona.com.