What Take 5 Tests and What It Doesn't

Take 5 is a basic emissions screening that tests your vehicle's tailpipe output for three pollutants: carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). It does not test your vehicle's onboard diagnostic system, fuel system integrity, or evaporative emissions — the systems that catch fuel vapors before they reach the air. If your vehicle has a check engine light or a fault code stored in its computer, Take 5 will not catch it.

The test takes about five minutes and costs between $10 and $30 depending on your state and testing location. You drive onto a dynamometer (a machine with rollers under your wheels), the equipment measures what comes out of your exhaust pipe under controlled conditions, and you get a pass or fail result on the spot. If you pass, you receive a certificate or sticker. If you fail, you get a printout showing which pollutants exceeded the limit.

Take 5 is available in states that use the Basic Emissions Test program rather than the more comprehensive Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) test. Your state's emissions program determines which test you need, not your choice. Check your state's Department of Environmental Quality or equivalent agency to confirm which test applies where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • Take 5 measures only tailpipe emissions (carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides) and does not detect check engine lights or computer fault codes.
  • The test runs on a dynamometer and takes about five minutes, with results available when ready.
  • Passing Take 5 does not mean your vehicle has no emissions problems — it means those three pollutants were within limits at the moment of testing.
  • Your state's emissions program determines whether you take Take 5 or an OBD test; you cannot choose between them.
  • A failing result shows which pollutants exceeded limits and usually points to fuel system, ignition, or catalytic converter issues.

Why You Might Fail Take 5

The most common reason for failure is a faulty oxygen sensor. This sensor tells your engine's computer how much fuel to burn, and when it fails, the engine runs too rich (too much fuel) or too lean (too little fuel). Either way, your tailpipe emissions climb. Replacing an oxygen sensor typically costs $150 to $300 and often fixes a failing Take 5 result on its own.

A clogged catalytic converter is the second major cause. The catalytic converter chemically transforms harmful emissions into less harmful ones before they leave the tailpipe. When it clogs, emissions spike. This repair is more expensive — $400 to $1,200 depending on your vehicle — but it is also one of the most common fixes for emissions test failures.

Worn spark plugs and a dirty air filter can also push you over the limit, especially on older vehicles. These are cheaper fixes ($20 to $200 for spark plugs, $15 to $50 for an air filter) and worth addressing before you assume you need a catalytic converter. A mechanic can read your failing printout and tell you which system is most likely the culprit.

What Happens If You Fail

A failing result does not when ready prevent you from registering your vehicle, but it does trigger a repair requirement in most states. You typically have 30 to 60 days to fix the problem and retest. Some states allow one free retest; others charge the full fee again. Check your state's rules before you schedule repairs.

If you repair the vehicle and retest within the allowed window, you can register normally. If you do not retest in time, your registration will be denied or suspended. Some states allow a temporary registration extension if you can show proof that you have scheduled repairs with a mechanic, so contact your state's emissions program or your local DMV if you need more time.

A few states offer waiver programs for vehicles that fail repeatedly despite repairs. These waivers typically require proof that you spent a minimum amount (often $300 to $500) on emissions-related repairs in the past 12 months. Waivers are not automatic — you must request one and provide documentation — but they can prevent registration denial if your vehicle has a persistent emissions problem.

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Take 5

The single most effective preparation is a short highway drive when ready before testing. Take 5 measures emissions under load, and a warm engine with a properly functioning oxygen sensor produces lower readings. Drive at highway speed for 10 to 15 minutes, then head straight to the test station. Do not let the engine cool down between the drive and the test.

Check your tire pressure before you go. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance on the dynamometer, which can raise emissions readings. Inflate to the pressure listed on the driver's door jamb (not the maximum pressure on the tire sidewall). Low tire pressure will not cause a failure on its own, but it can push a borderline vehicle over the limit.

If your vehicle has a check engine light, get it scanned before you test. The light itself does not cause a Take 5 failure, but the underlying problem often does. A $50 to $100 diagnostic scan at an independent shop can tell you whether the fault code is emissions-related and worth fixing before you pay for the test.

Take 5 vs. OBD Testing

The difference between Take 5 and OBD testing matters because they catch different problems. Take 5 measures what actually comes out of your tailpipe. OBD testing reads your vehicle's onboard computer for fault codes and checks whether the emissions control systems are working properly, even if the tailpipe emissions are still within limits.

A vehicle can pass Take 5 but fail OBD testing if the oxygen sensor is beginning to fail but has not yet pushed emissions over the limit. Conversely, a vehicle with a failing oxygen sensor that is caught early by OBD testing might still pass Take 5 on the day of the test. OBD testing is more sensitive to early problems; Take 5 is a snapshot of current emissions output.

Your state's program determines which test you take. States using Take 5 typically use it for older vehicles (often pre-1996 models) or as a lower-cost alternative in less populated areas. If your state uses OBD testing, you cannot choose to take Take 5 instead, even if you think your vehicle would pass it more easily.

Where to Find a Take 5 Testing Station

Your state's Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Air Quality, or equivalent agency maintains a list of authorized testing stations. Search "[your state] emissions test locations" or "[your state] Take 5 test stations" to find the official list. Some states allow you to search by zip code or county.

Testing stations are typically run by independent repair shops, tire shops, or dedicated emissions testing centers. Call ahead to confirm they offer Take 5 testing (not all stations do), ask about their hours, and ask whether they have same-day appointments or if you need to schedule in advance. Bring your vehicle registration and a valid ID.

If you fail and need repairs, ask the testing station whether they can recommend a mechanic or perform repairs themselves. Many testing stations are also repair shops and can diagnose the problem and fix it in one place. Get a written estimate before you authorize any work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take Take 5 if my vehicle has a check engine light on?

Yes, the check engine light itself does not disqualify you from testing. However, the underlying problem that triggered the light often causes emissions to exceed limits. Get the code scanned before you test so you know whether the fault is emissions-related and worth fixing first.

What if I fail Take 5 twice after repairs?

Most states allow you to request a waiver after two failed tests and documented repair attempts. Waivers typically require proof that you spent a minimum amount on emissions repairs (often $300 to $500) within the past 12 months. Contact your state's emissions program to learn the exact waiver process and requirements.

Do I need to take Take 5 every year?

Frequency depends on your state and your vehicle's age. Some states require testing every two years, others every year, and some exempt newer vehicles entirely. Check your state's emissions program website or your vehicle registration documents to confirm your testing schedule.

Will a full tank of gas help me pass Take 5?

Fuel level does not affect Take 5 results. The test measures what your engine produces under load, not how much fuel you have. A warm engine and a short highway drive before testing are far more effective than any fuel-related preparation.

What if the testing station says my vehicle cannot be tested?

Some vehicles cannot be tested on a dynamometer — certain all-wheel-drive vehicles, vehicles with very low ground clearance, or vehicles with mechanical problems that make them unsafe to drive. If your vehicle cannot be tested, ask the station for a written statement explaining why. Contact your state's emissions program to learn whether you can request an alternative test method or a waiver.