Cache County runs its own vehicle emissions program, administered by the Bear River Health Department, and its rules are friendlier than the other four testing counties in Utah. Here is exactly what applies to your vehicle if it is registered in Logan, Smithfield, Hyrum, or anywhere else in the county.
Who needs a test
- Gasoline and alternative-fuel vehicles: model year 1996 and newer, with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less
- Diesel vehicles: model year 1998 and newer, up to 14,000 pounds
A vehicle is exempt for its first six model years, so a brand new car will not need its first test for several years.
The every-two-years schedule
Cache County tests on a biennial cycle tied to your model year: even model years test in even calendar years, odd model years in odd years. A 2018 Honda tests in 2026, 2028, and so on. This is the biggest difference from Salt Lake, Davis, and Utah counties, where vehicles six years and older test every single year. In Cache County, no vehicle tests more often than every other year.
What the test is
Since 2021 the county uses OBD-II testing only. A certified tester plugs into your vehicle's diagnostic port, reads the emissions monitors, and the whole check takes about 15 minutes. Tailpipe testing was discontinued, which is also why vehicles older than 1996 (which lack OBD-II) are no longer tested in Cache County at all.
Results transmit electronically to the DMV, so the moment your vehicle passes you can renew your registration online. The test must be within two months of your renewal date.
Getting tested without leaving home
You can drive to a testing station, wait in line, and drive back. Or you can book a mobile emissions test and have a certified technician come to your driveway or workplace parking lot anywhere in Cache Valley, including Logan, Smithfield, Hyrum, Providence, and every other city in the county. The price is $49.99 flat, a free retest is included if your vehicle fails, and same-day appointments are often available.
If your vehicle fails
A failed test almost always traces back to the check engine light or an emissions monitor that is not ready. Our guide on failing an emissions test in Utah walks through the common causes and exactly what to do next. With us, the retest after your repair costs nothing.
Common Questions
Every two years. Even model years test in even calendar years and odd model years test in odd years. Unlike Salt Lake, Davis, and Utah counties, Cache County never requires annual testing.
Gasoline and alternative-fuel vehicles from model year 1996 and newer with a weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less, and diesel vehicles from 1998 and newer up to 14,000 pounds. A vehicle is exempt for its first six model years.
Yes. Vehicles older than model year 1996 are not tested in Cache County. The county moved to OBD-only testing in 2021 and discontinued tailpipe tests for older vehicles.
Any certified station in the county, or you can skip the trip: On Demand Emissions brings certified OBD-II testing to your home or workplace anywhere in Cache Valley for $49.99, free retest included.