Not ready and rejected results
A rejection means the vehicle's computer has not finished its self-checks, so the test cannot be completed. It is not a failure and needs no repair: drive up to one week in varied conditions, then retest.
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Rejected is one of the most confusing words on a smog report. These answers follow the DMV's explanation of readiness.
What does not ready mean?
The OBD computer has not finished its on-board self-checks. The DMV says this is usually because the battery was disconnected or replaced, or because codes were recently cleared.
Is a rejection a fail?
No. The DMV says rejected is not a failure, and no repair is needed.
What do I do?
Drive the vehicle for up to a week under varying conditions, both city and highway, so the computer can reset its diagnostic monitors. Then return for the test.
Can I check readiness before the retest?
Yes. The DMV says the local emission lab can check whether your vehicle is ready at no cost, no appointment, and you should arrive before 4:30 pm. The Reno lab is at 9155 Double Diamond Pkwy, (775) 684-3580.
Why does clearing codes cause this?
Clearing codes resets the self-checks. Doing it right before a test leads to an automatic rejection, the DMV says.
Can disconnecting the battery help hide a light?
No. The DMV warns against disconnecting the battery to hide the light before a test, since that also causes a not ready rejection.
Will I be charged for the rejected test?
Ask the service center about pricing for a repeat visit. Call (775) 787-1000 for Reno Northwest or (775) 828-6996 for Reno South.
What if my registration is about to expire?
Plan for it. A DMV ten-day movement permit for $1 is available online or at a DMV office when registration is expired or about to expire.
Is there more detail on readiness?
Yes. See the not ready page and the readiness monitors guide.
How can I avoid a rejection?
Skip the test right after a battery change or after clearing codes, and leave a week of normal driving first.
Do I need an appointment at the emission lab for the readiness check?
No. The DMV says no appointment is needed. Arrive before 4:30 pm.
What a good week of driving looks like
The DMV asks for varying conditions: some stop-and-go city driving and some steady highway driving, over several days. Short trips only may not be enough. Once you have done a week of mixed driving, come in for the test, or stop at the emission lab first for the free readiness check.
If your result says rejected, keep the report. It shows the vehicle was turned away for readiness rather than failed, and it explains why you are back. Both Reno service centers take drive-ins for the retest during posted hours.
The rejection also does not involve any repair spending, so there is nothing to document for a waiver. Treat it as a timing problem with a simple fix: a week of mixed driving.
If the computer still does not become ready after a week of mixed driving, the DMV emission lab can look at it at no cost, and that is the place to ask what to do next.
You can also call either service center before you return and describe what happened, for instance a recent battery change, so the crew knows what to expect when you drive in.
Sources
- dmv.nv.gov/emission_obd.htm (Nevada DMV On-Board Diagnostics page; read 10/19/26)
- dmv.nv.gov/emission.htm (Nevada DMV Emission Control Program; 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 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