DEQ: Vehicle Emissions Testing

So to start with, it’s been about a kazillion years since I had to have a car tested in America for emissions. I mean, seriously, that was over 17 years ago…
So it was with a bit of trepidation that I headed over to the DEQ because I thought I first had to get my car tested and then send in the paperwork. I had filled in the back of the papers sent to me, read the directions, and that was how it stuck in my mind. I also remember reading the part about not being able to use a credit card with a pin — which is exactly what mine was. And I knew the DEQ was supposed to cost $ 21 to do the testing, and that much cash I had with me.
Bear with me. I drive up to the place my GoogleMaps took me, out here in Clackamas where I only go to the Target because I have my granddaughter with me and the Target downtown, though nice, does not have the home section this one does, so to make this more clear, to a far-​away place (40 minutes driving is ‘far’ for a Dutch person, generally speaking, as Holland is only 4 hours driving wide and 8 long, not including any traffic jams ;0). I did pick a Wednesday morning, not the one they suggested in the letter but I was ‘more in the neighborhood’.
Drive up and NO LINE. Not one person, I think I was the second car that morning. I was directed to Lane 4, went there, parked, left the car in neutral, the nice test person hooked my car up, and not 5 minutes later, done! No double checking my insurance card, no asking for my car papers (requirement in NL), just plain and simple.
What I did not know, this test person turns around and says the bill is $$ — including the $$ I owed in tags, oopsies! I was not really ready for that, so I sneaked my credit card in (pin and all) and crossing my fingers, it worked!
Glued those yellow stickers on and badaboom, DONE: for the next 2 years. Nice.

I’ve always had a good experience, I know going through DEQ is mandatory but I appreciate that they always have me in and out. I like going to the Clackamas location, they have great hours!

I came in expecting to have to drive to the DMV afterwards and was pleasantly surprised to find out I didn’t need to. As I was waiting in line, my shift locked up and I could not move my vehicle. Two other workers came out and finally helped me look at the manual, pop the shift lock off, and fixed it. They were so nice and really helpful. I would recommend this place to anyone. There was zero wait time and the people are really nice on a Friday afternoon.

Long lines, but they have a great fast paced team. In and out of there within 10 – 15 minutes despite the long lines!

I thought that nobody would be here on a rainy Saturday morning at 8:30am. I was wrong! So, I resigned myself that I may very well be in line there for an hour. I was through in 20 minutes! They were pretty well organized and it was much quicker than I thought! I was impressed!

This place is so organized! I arrived about 30 minutes early on a weekday and, per the instructions at the gate, pulled into the first position in Bay 3. It was very quiet and clean but no humans were in sight. .. At about 8:20, staff started coming out and heading toward their positions and setting up. Promptly at 8:30, they all waved cars in to get processed. THREE MINUTES LATER, I was leaving with my tags. I don’t know if they all function this smoothly but, if they do, then the U.S. Post Office could benefit from their training.

Greatest DEQ experience ever today. The techs executed their duties flawlessly, zero mistakes, and sent me out the door in under five minutes. Brilliant performance by everyone involved.

Wow! The guy that just helped us was a JERK!!! While waiting he didn’t motion for us to pull forward just started flicking the red and green light a bunch of times! Upon entry I smiled and said hi, he said hi, disgruntled like. Then asked me to put car in neutral, e-​brake on and exit to the side. So when he was done he went into their little office area, not saying a word! So, we went in and he’s just standing there with this asshole look on his face! Says nothing, starts typing on the computer, asks for $ 21, prints out our pass sheet and hands it to me! By this point I just took it and left! No, thank you, kiss my ass, nothing! If you don’t like your fucking job, find a new one!!! People that work with the public have got to realize, a smile, and being courteous can go a long way! But, since it’s just DEQ, maybe they just don’t give a shit! His name was Don! Very rude!

Yea I know it’s DEQ and it’s burden for all to get new tags every couple of years. Yet all the years I have gone here, I hardly have to wait. It is true what other reviewers have said, this is definitely one of the best places to get checked.
I am usually in and out within minutes and the staff is on top of their game. The lines go by very fast and even in the afternoon, it has been a breeze. One time I didn’t pass because of engine light failure. They were pretty quick and efficient to me know what to do and how to take care of the problem. Within a week later after the problem was solved, I had no line to deal with again and I passed within a minute testing. So yea, whenever you need new tags, this location is the most hassle and stress free, promise!

I did it all wrong.
The DMV suggests you visit the DEQ on Thursday or Friday near the end of the month for shorter lines. So, of course I visited on April 1^st, a Tuesday, around 9:00a. A scenario that seemed ripe for frustration, was practically effortless.
All of my prior visits have been to the Sherwood location, but I’m sold on Clackamas after this experience. Multiple lanes and they take two cars at a time in each lane, so my wait was shorter than expected. You have a quick check-​in and are directed to a lane where you hand over your paperwork (filled out ahead of time, of course) and pay your DEQ and vehicle registration with mastercard, visa or debit card (no American Express or checks). Just moments later, you are good to go for another two years.
— — —
They weren’t monkeying around, but my son sure was today. He hid bananas in my car (I’m totally banana phobic) as a lovely April Fool’s Day prank. I wonder what the employee thought about seeing a banana under my seat? In his defense, I woke him up early today and told him he had a surprise math test.

In and out in under 5 minutes! I could have been out in 3, but, the workers (who are awesome) were talking to my kiddos and making them smile. Painless and (dare I say) fun!

Get here before 10:30 a.m. and you should be fine.

never busy, and friendly service.

Incredible! Swear it is faster than some fast food drive thrus! They are friendly and fast… Super duper fast! I couldnt believe it when he said the car was done. I got out of my car, waited by the green door for a minute, he came back and said i passed. Paid the man and i was on my way. If only service and speed was like this everywhere my world would be perfect.

I must agree with the First To Review on this one — this DEQ center definitely defies the usual. I’ve been to 3 emissions centers in Oregon and this one’s not only painless, it’s even kinda nice! I’ve been three times and never spent more than 15 minutes total. The best part is that you can look up the activity online with the webcam and see how many people are already lined up before you head over (
).
In. Out. Quick. Painless.

Government agencies typically get a bum rap and usually for valid reasons— long lines, rude workers, bureaucratic red tape, yadda yadda yadda. The Clackamas DEQ DEFIES this stereotype.
I arrived at 8:20 am. They don’t open until 8:30, but you could see all the bays open and the inspectors readying their stations. At 8:29 am, the first car was waived in (in all 5 bays!). I was second in line in Bay #3. At 8:35, I was driving away but not without the following happening first:
1. I was greeted warmly and my door was opened for me with a «Miss, please exit the car and enter the waiting room directly through that door.»
2. While I entered the little room next to my car, the inspector did his «inspecting stuff» of the car emissions.
3. He entered the waiting area, took my paperwork, punched a few keys on the computer. Swiped my debit card.
4. Handed me my car registration, my new license plate tags and with a smile said, «I hope you have a wonderful day.»
If his shirt had anything more than the DEQ Inspector embroidered on it, I would have thought his name was «STATE WORKER OF THE YEAR.»
Thanks you DEQ Man.