Motorhomes and heavier gas trucks
Nevada tests gasoline vehicles of any weight when they are based in urban Washoe, and the DMV uses a tailpipe test for heavy-duty gas vehicles of 8,501 pounds and up. Call the service center to ask about a motorhome or large truck before you bring it.
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Size changes the test, not the yearly rule. A large gasoline truck or motorhome follows the same requirement as a car, with a different inspection method.
Does a motorhome need a smog check?
If it runs on gasoline, is model year 1968 or newer and is based in urban Washoe, yes. The DMV tests gasoline vehicles regardless of weight or size.
Where does light duty end and heavy duty begin?
The DMV defines light duty as gasoline up to 8,500 pounds and heavy duty as 8,501 pounds or more. The manufacturer's rating decides, not what you declared for registration.
How is a heavy-duty gas vehicle tested?
The DMV says all heavy-duty vehicles keep the two-speed tailpipe method. The OBD II scan replaces that method only for 1996 and newer light-duty vehicles.
Can I bring my motorhome to your Reno locations?
Please call the service center to ask about a motorhome or large truck before you come. Reno Northwest is (775) 787-1000 and Reno South is (775) 828-6996.
What details should I have ready for the call?
Your model year, the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating, the fuel type and your renewal notice. Those facts decide which test applies.
What if the motorhome is diesel?
Diesel follows a separate rule. A diesel is tested only at 14,000 pounds GVWR or less, and the DMV points to roadside enforcement for heavier ones. See the diesel truck questions.
Does the visible smoke rule apply to big gas trucks?
Yes. Gasoline vehicles in Nevada must not emit visible smoke, and the DMV says a smoking vehicle will not pass and gets no waiver.
Can a heavy-duty vehicle get a waiver?
The DMV waiver covers carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon failures for heavy-duty vehicles, with conditions. Read the waiver page for the Washoe requirements.
How long does a passing result last?
The DMV says 90 days, or 180 days on a Nevada dealer sale.
Where else can I check the rules for my vehicle?
The DMV Reno emission lab at (775) 684-3580 answers weight and eligibility questions. See also the tailpipe test page.
Is a pickup over 8,500 pounds heavy duty?
By the DMV's definition, yes: heavy duty starts at 8,501 pounds. Look at the manufacturer's weight rating on the door jamb sticker.
Does a motorhome built on a truck chassis count by the chassis rating?
The DMV says the manufacturer's weight rating decides. If your paperwork is unclear, call the DMV Reno emission lab at (775) 684-3580.
A phone call first
Because every large vehicle is a little different, a short call lets the staff tell you about your motorhome or truck. Hours are Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm at both Reno locations, and Saturday until 4 pm at Reno Northwest or 3 pm at Reno South.
A motorhome that sits for months may need some miles first. If the battery was disconnected or codes were cleared, the DMV says to drive up to a week under varying conditions before a retest.
Which number decides the test
Two numbers matter: the manufacturer's weight rating and the fuel. Gasoline up to 8,500 pounds is light duty, and a 1996 or newer light-duty vehicle gets the OBD II scan. Gasoline at 8,501 pounds or more is heavy duty and gets the tailpipe method. Diesel has its own 14,000 pound line.
Write both numbers down before you call the service center, along with your model year. That is all the staff need to talk through your vehicle.
Sources
- dmv.nv.gov/emission.htm (Nevada DMV Emission Control Program; read 10/19/26)
- dmv.nv.gov/emission_obd.htm (Nevada DMV On-Board Diagnostics page; read 10/19/26)
- dmv.nv.gov/emission_diesel.htm (Nevada DMV diesel testing and enforcement; read 10/19/26)
More questions by topic
Who needs a smog check in NevadaWhere in Washoe County a test is requiredThe renewal notice and the smog line on itYour result and the DMV linkHow long a passing test is good forRenewing your registration with the smog checkWhat a smog check costsDriving in without an appointmentHours and the quiet times to come inWhich service center to useAn oil change in the same visitCheck engine light questionsAfter a failed testSmog waiver questionsNot ready and rejected resultsAfter a battery change or a repairGas caps and small fixes before a testInsurance trackers and OBD port devicesNew vehicles and the first three registrationsHybrid and electric vehicle questionsDiesel truck questionsMotorhomes and heavier gas trucksClassic car and Old Timer plate questionsMotorcycles and other exempt vehiclesMoving to Reno or SparksLeaving Nevada or living away part of the yearMilitary members and studentsPrivate party salesBuying from a Nevada dealerSmoking vehicles and visible exhaustEngine swaps and modified vehiclesRegistered outside the Washoe testing area
Your location: Reno South
- Call(775) 828-6996Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm, Sat 8 am-3 pm, Sun closed
- Address4993 Longley Ln, Reno, NV 89502
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Located inside Xpress Oil & Lube Center
Both smog check locations sit inside an Xpress Oil & Lube Center, the locally owned Reno drive-in that has served this town since 1983. Drive in, no appointment; get your oil changed in the same visit.
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Two Reno locations, no appointment
Drive in for your smog check. No appointment.
Two Reno locations inside Xpress Oil & Lube Center. Questions first? Send the form and the location you pick answers during business hours.
4.7 stars from 550 Google reviews of the two Reno Xpress Oil & Lube Centers
- No appointment needed
- Located inside Xpress Oil & Lube Center
- Two Reno service centers
- Results go to the DMV electronically