Classic plates and other exemptions

The DMV keeps a precise list of which vehicles skip the test. Most of it is simple, but the classic plate exemption comes with conditions and paperwork that people miss, and missing them means a test. Here is the full list as the Nevada DMV publishes it, with the classic plate rules spelled out.

At a glance

• Classic plates under 5,000 miles a year: exempt with the EC 018 odometer certification (Nevada DMV).
• Classic or antique insurance with Nevada coverage is required for those plates.
• Check the renewal route with the DMV: its renewal page says classic plates cannot renew online, at a kiosk or at an emission station.
• 1967 and older, motorcycles, mopeds and replica vehicles are exempt.

The full exempt list

According to the DMV, these do not need a smog check:

• New motor vehicles on their first three registrations.
• New hybrid-electric vehicles for their first five model years.
• Vehicles from 1967 or older.
• Vehicles based in remote areas of Clark and Washoe counties and in all other Nevada counties.
• Motorcycles and mopeds.
• Electric vehicles and vehicles that run permanently on propane, CNG, methane or butane.
• Diesel vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 14,001 pounds or more.
• Transfers within 90 days of the last test (180 days on a Nevada dealer sale), between husband and wife, or between leasing companies with no change of lessee or operator.
• Classic Rod, Classic Vehicle or Old Timer plates driven 5,000 miles or less a year, with the yearly odometer affidavit.
• Replica Vehicle registrations.
• Fleet vehicles in the DMV's Continuous Monitoring Program.

Classic plates: the conditions

The DMV's conditions for the classic plate exemption are specific. The vehicle must carry classic or antique vehicle insurance with Nevada coverage designated for classic or antique vehicles, and you provide the declarations page. It cannot be used for general transportation or commercially, and it cannot go over 5,000 miles a year. It may be driven for club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades and maintenance.

Each year you complete the odometer certification for emission exemption, form EC 018, and submit it with the insurance declarations page.

Renewing with classic plates

Your renewal notice will still say Smog Check Required. That is expected. The DMV says you can use alternate renewal methods with the certification and the insurance page. Its registration renewal page says plates that carry the smog exemption cannot be renewed online, at a kiosk or at an emission station, while its emissions page also mentions online renewal, so confirm the current route with the DMV before your deadline.

When the exemption ends

If the vehicle goes over 5,000 miles or no longer meets the requirements, the DMV says it must get an emissions inspection, and you renew in person and switch to a different plate style. There is also a timing trap: if the vehicle received a failing emission test within the last 90 days, the DMV will not issue the classic plates and their exemption.

Older cars on regular plates

A 1968 to 1995 car on standard plates tests every year like any other vehicle in the testing area, using the two-speed tailpipe test. If you are deciding between plate types, weigh the mileage limit and use restrictions against the yearly test.