Nevada law lets DMV investigators check vehicles and bars emissions tampering

Certain DMV employees may inspect vehicle identification numbers and ownership papers to check who owns or possesses a vehicle or identifiable part. The authority applies to employees whose main job is investigating motor vehicle theft, along with the listed public safety and local law enforcement employees. Whenever possible, inspections must take place during normal business hours and minimize disruption to business operations. Inspectors must get permission before inspecting a privately owned terminal or parking facility.

DMV personnel with peace-officer powers may apply to a district court for an order to install or use a pen register or trap-and-trace device and provide the required affidavit. This applies to Department of Motor Vehicles personnel who have peace-officer powers under state law. A district court order is required before a device is installed or used, except where federal law allows otherwise. The application must include an affidavit from a peace officer and meet federal law's conditions. The court order must come before a device is installed or used.

A person may not tamper with or remove a vehicle emissions-control device, or possess an electronic device capable of tampering with one. The bans apply to any person and emissions-control devices on motor vehicles. An engine swap is allowed if it replaces the engine with an electric motor, or with a different engine whose included emissions-control device works. A violation is a misdemeanor.