Insurance trackers and OBD port devices
Remove any insurance tracker or monitoring device from your OBD port before you arrive. The Nevada DMV says technicians are required to fail any vehicle that has a device plugged in.
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The test on a 1996 or newer vehicle works through one connector under the dash. If something else is already sitting in that connector, the test cannot go the normal way. Here is what the DMV says about it and how to get the port clear before you drive in.
What is the OBD port?
It is the connector the analyzer cable plugs into for the On-Board Diagnostics II test. The DMV says it is usually found under the dashboard, and the test uses no other probe in the engine or the tailpipe.
Which vehicles get tested through that port?
The DMV says OBD II is built into all 1996 and newer light-duty vehicles, and in Nevada those vehicles get an OBD II inspection instead of a tailpipe test. Older vehicles and all heavy-duty vehicles keep the two-speed tailpipe method.
What kinds of devices must come out?
The DMV's wording is insurance trackers and monitoring devices. Any small device that plugs into the port to record driving, send data or watch the vehicle falls under that description.
What happens if I leave one in?
The DMV states that technicians are required to fail any vehicle with a device plugged in. A fail for that reason is easy to avoid, so unplug the device ahead of time.
Will unplugging my insurance device cause trouble with my policy?
The DMV does not address insurance programs. If you are in a discount program that uses a plug-in device, ask your insurer how to remove it for a day and put it back. The DMV rule is the same either way.
Do I need to take out a phone charger or dash camera adapter too?
The DMV's instruction is about trackers and monitoring devices. To keep things simple, unplug anything attached to the port before you drive in, so the technician can connect the analyzer without delay.
Where do I find the port if I cannot see it?
Look under the dashboard on the driver's side first, since the DMV says that is the usual spot. Your owner's manual will show the exact position for your vehicle.
How long does the test take once the port is clear?
The DMV says most OBD II tests are completed in five minutes or less. The technician scans your VIN with a bar code reader, connects the analyzer cable, and the analyzer reads the emission data. The result shows pass or fail and goes to the DMV in real time.
Can I plug the device back in right after the test?
Once the test is done and your result is showing, yes. A later retest would need the port cleared again, so keep the device in the glove box until you are completely finished.
What if my light is on and my port is clear?
A check engine light that is on is an automatic fail in Nevada, but the DMV still says to get tested. Read about the check engine light and the OBD test.
A two-minute check before you leave home
Crouch down at the driver's seat, find the connector and make sure nothing is attached. If a device is there, pull it out and set it aside.
Then drive in to Reno Northwest or Reno South, no appointment needed, and the technician can go straight to the scan. After a pass, the DMV says you can renew right away at the station, online at MyDMV or at a DMV Now kiosk.
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
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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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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