Colorado emissions inspection: OBD readiness rules
Air Care Colorado plugs into the car's OBD2 port and checks its readiness monitors, the self-tests the engine module runs while you drive. Here's how many may still be not ready.
| Monitors allowed not ready | 2015 to 2019: 1 not ready |
|---|---|
| Check-engine light on | Fails |
| Model years tested in 2026 | 2015 to 2019 |
| Where | Denver metro and North Front Range |
OBD check only for cars in their 8th to 11th model year; older cars get a tailpipe test.
Official source: Air Care Colorado (checked October 6, 2026). States change their rules; check there before you go.
Check your BMW before you go
In the AutoLingo for BMW app, pick Colorado under Settings, "State for emissions testing". Connect, and the Overview's "Inspection in Colorado" line says whether the car would pass, would not pass, or isn't tested, with the reason (for example, which monitor isn't ready). Step by step: check if your BMW is ready for an emissions inspection.
Monitors not ready? Follow BMW's drive cycle (about 25 minutes from a cold start), or drive normally for a few days, city and highway, and check again. They reset when the battery is disconnected or the fault codes are cleared, so don't clear codes just before the test.
Coming soon
Enter your email address to hear when AutoLingo for BMW is ready.