The manufacturers of motor vehicles are required to meet certain pollution control standards. These standards help to limit the environmental impact of your vehicle.
Emission tests, or e-tests, have been developed to ensure that every car meets these environmentally-conscious standards. In Ontario, cars manufactured before a certain date require an emissions test before their license and registration can be renewed.
To save yourself some time, take your vehicle in for testing on off-peak days. BMV IN. Find an IN. Find a Clean Air Car Check emissions testing station near you Vehicles manufactured in odd-numbered years are tested during odd-numbered years and vehicles manufactured in even-numbered years are tested during even-numbered years.
Still Have Questions? If moving into an E-Check county one of the following processes must be followed to register a vehicle in the State of Ohio:. Ohio residents moving into an E-Check county are only required to test if the current year corresponds with your vehicle's normal testing year. The paragraph below will help you determine if your vehicle needs a test. Testing is required for even-year vehicle models in even years and odd-year vehicle models in odd years i.
If the vehicle is not required to test for registration purposes, proceed to the registration bureau and register as usual. All diesel-fueled vehicles equaling 10, pounds gross vehicle weight rating GVWR or less must be tested through the E-Check program if they are registered in one of the seven E-Check counties.
Model year and-older diesel-fueled vehicles are given an opacity test to determine the "density" of the exhaust emitted from the vehicle's tailpipe. Opacity is defined as the percentage of light transmitted from a source which is prevented from reaching a light detector.
The major environmental concern with diesel-fueled vehicles is the particulate matter emitted as a result of combustion. Particulate matter includes microscopic particles and tiny droplets of liquid.
Because of their small size, these particles are not stopped in the nose and upper lungs and may end up in the lower lungs. These particles can then become trapped and cause irritation. Exposure to particulate matter can cause wheezing and similar symptoms in people with asthma or other forms of chronic lung disease. Beginning Jan. If a diesel-fueled vehicle cannot be driven on the dynamometer due to conditions such as all-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, etc.
This is a test where the vehicle remains in neutral or park, and the engine is revved to produce emissions. The dynamometer is not utilized during this method of testing. An E-Check compliance certificate is good for days, so it is possible to have your vehicle tested up to one year in advance of your registration date. It is often helpful to test early when you know that you will not be in Ohio when it is time to renew.
The certificate must be valid through vehicle registration expiration date. Any motorist may take a vehicle requiring an emission test to the testing station. Ohio EPA recommends that the motorist take the vehicle title or registration to ensure a smooth testing process.
Vehicles are required to be tested every two years. Vehicles with an even-number model year will be inspected in even years. For example, a vehicle will be tested in , , etc. Vehicles with an odd-number model year will be inspected in odd years. Since the compliance certificate is good for days, we recommend that you have your vehicle tested far in advance of the registration expiration date. Ohio EPA will provide motorists with the Ohio testing history of a vehicle.
You will be notified by mail approximately 90 days before your registration expires. The mailer will provide you with station hours and a phone number to call for more information. Vehicles are tested on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointments are necessary. If the seller of the vehicle supplies you with a valid E-Check compliance certificate, the vehicle does not need to be tested again.
If the vehicle does not have a valid E-Check compliance certificate, you must have the vehicle tested prior to registering the vehicle. Please note that if the vehicle is within the first four model year exemption period, no test is required. The E-Check tailpipe test measures your vehicle's emissions under various operating conditions.
Vehicles will be required to meet emissions standards established for the year the vehicle was manufactured. Only one free passing test is permitted per day period. Technicians are trained and certified in areas of emission diagnosis and repairs. Licensed E-Check repair facilities must employ at least one certified E-Check repair technician and maintain the following equipment:.
If a vehicle fails the test, the motorist will be given a complete list of all licensed repair stations in the area. Motorists are eligible to receive one of two types of waivers, depending on the results of repairs performed on failing vehicles.
For information on these waivers, please go to our page on Waivers, Extensions and Exemptions. Automobile emissions testing is required in all or part of 33 states to help maintain the federal air quality standard. Areas that were in moderate nonattainment or worse for ozone in are included in Ohio's E-Check program. These areas include the metropolitan statistical areas of Cleveland and Akron. These areas need to reduce ozone air pollution in order to maintain healthy air quality and to accommodate economic growth.
E-Check complements industrial controls in these areas to maintain healthy air quality. Without E-Check, additional requirements could be imposed on industry, limiting the area's ability to attract new jobs and broaden the tax base. Ohio EPA does not have the authority to implement or require testing of vehicles registered outside the seven counties. Ohio's legislators did not give Ohio EPA the authority to implement an automobile emissions testing program in all Ohio counties.
It is true — an automobile manufactured in runs more cleanly than the new vehicles of Automobile manufacturers have complied with more stringent emissions standards set by the federal government each year. New emissions devices combined with unleaded fuel have improved auto emissions during the past 27 years.
However, manufacturers still have no control over routine maintenance of a vehicle once it leaves a showroom. From to , U. Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles BMV records indicate there were 5,, registrations in compared to 11,, registrations in Transportation sources are the most prevalent cause of volatile organic compound VOC emissions, which combine with sunlight to create ground level ozone.
Auto emissions can have adverse health effects on Ohio citizens. When the title of a vehicle is transferred and the new owner wishes to register that vehicle, a passing E-Check test may be required for registration. The vehicle then begins being tested biennially based on model year. In some cases, when a motorist purchases a used vehicle, an emissions test may be required in two successive years.
For example, if a vehicle was purchased in , the motorist would be required to provide a passing test certificate to register the vehicle. In , the vehicle would be required to test again based on the odd model year testing schedule. If the passing test certificate from the test is more than days old at the time of registration, the vehicle will be required to test again. If the test certificate from is still valid at the time of registration, the vehicle will not have to be tested in In accordance with the contract documents, the E-Check contractor is required to verify calibration of each test lane on a daily basis before system startup.
The contractor is required to perform other daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly tests or calibrations to ensure the system is operating properly. In addition, the gas analyzer readings are compared regularly with others in the system to determine the uniformity of the test equipment and to ensure motorists receive a fair test regardless of the location of the test facility.
Not only does Ohio EPA field staff regularly verify these calibration records, but they conduct field testing of lane equipment for proper operation. Many failing vehicles experience inconsistent operating conditions due to intermittent failure of various emissions parts. The inconsistent operating condition of an engine will cause emissions readings to vary and may cause a vehicle to fail the E-Check tailpipe test one minute and pass several minutes later with no repairs having been performed between tests.
A vehicle not fully warmed up may emit more pollutants than a vehicle operating at normal temperatures. In order to minimize problems associated with intermittent failures, Ohio EPA recommends motorists have routine maintenance items checked and operate the vehicles at least 15 minutes prior to being tested. Many motorists believe that a vehicle which does not emit smoke and has an immaculate paint job is a well-maintained vehicle.
Outward appearance of a vehicle is not an accurate indication of how well the vehicle's engine has been or is maintained. The pollutants detected by the E-Check test are odorless, nearly colorless and therefore, undetectable by the naked eye. If a vehicle does not pass the E-Check test, the vehicle is not operating "cleanly" with regard to the harmful emissions. If all emissions repairs are made to a vehicle to bring that vehicle into compliance, the motorist generally experiences an improvement in gas mileage.
Proper emissions repairs also lengthen vehicle life. Regardless of age or mileage, vehicles that are maintained in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations have a better chance of passing the emissions test.
Passing the E-Check test indicates that your vehicle's emission control system is operating well, polluting less and consuming less gas. Ohio title or registration: If your vehicle has Ohio license plates and is registered in an E-Check county the lane inspector may ask for the vehicle title or registration.
However, your vehicle can be tested without these items if the vehicle is registered in an E-Check county. If you are moving into an E-Check county, please see the sections below. If you are in the process of purchasing a vehicle and the title is not in your name, a voucher is required to perform the test. Money: In accordance with House Bill H. Motorists wishing to obtain a duplicate copy of a valid passing test record will need to bring the Vehicle Identification Number VIN to the testing station.
Out of state residents moving into an Ohio E-Check County: If moving into an Ohio E-Check county one of the following processes must be followed in order to have an emissions test done, which will permit you to register a vehicle in Ohio:. Ohio residents moving into an E-Check county must bring one of the following:. Check here to determine if your vehicle needs a test. Vehicles from outside Ohio: If your vehicle is titled and registered in another state you must obtain a voucher from Envirotest Systems.
The vehicle cannot be tested without a voucher. For voucher information please go to Voucher Information. No pets: With the exception of service animals in the company of persons with a disability, the test facilities are unable to accommodate animals, including pets. A service animal is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA as "any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability.
If you have unanswered questions at the station, please ask for the station manager. Click here to find testing locations. If a used vehicle is purchased that requires an E-Check before registration, the owner may transfer plates from their old vehicle to the new one and drive with those plates legally for 30 days.
Please keep in mind the three guidelines for transferring standard plates. They are as follows:. Active duty military personnel stationed outside Ohio and their spouses qualify for a military exemption. You will need to provide a copy of the vehicle registration, a copy of your military ID, and one of the following: a copy of current orders dated within three years of vehicle registration renewal date; or official documentation on military letterhead confirming your current duty and station location.
Only vehicles owned or operated by military personnel stationed outside Ohio or their spouses are eligible. An exemption establishes compliance for a vehicle for one test cycle two years as long as ownership does not change. An exemption allows the motorist to register a vehicle. A motorist may apply for any exemption repeatedly throughout several testing cycles.
New vehicles are exempt from testing for the first four model years. If you have questions regarding exemptions, extensions, or waivers you may contact:. Columbus, OH State legislators did not provide a waiver or extension option for in-state students, as they are considered to be home within the days prior to registration renewal when the motor vehicle can be tested. The test is valid for days. There are several options available for student motor vehicles:. A student motorist can submit their vehicle to emissions testing through any of the E-Check stations located in those E-Check counties.
To find out the nearest station, please visit our site location webpage. The test is good for days. If a student motorist has a vehicle registered in an E-Check county and an established residency in the area where E-Check is not required, you may transfer your registration to the county where the motorist and vehicle resides.
The change in registration location will remove the motor vehicle emissions testing requirement. If a student motorist has time, have the vehicle tested the next time the vehicle is home. The test is valid for days so testing can be done well in advance. Testing ahead also applies to motorists who travel out of state for extended periods for work or migratory reasons, etc.
If a student motorist needs additional time to return home, he or she can obtain day temporary tags for the motor vehicle. This may eventually involve a late fee.
The motor vehicle title will be required at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles BMV registrar office to obtain the temporary tags. There are two categories for out-of-state students:. An out-of-state student attending college in a state where testing is not required at the time of renewal will need to provide a dated statement from the registrar of the school attesting to the student's registration and the effective dates of that registration.
Current grades and current billing statements are acceptable but must be on school letterhead and show effective dates of enrollment. Computer printouts will not be accepted without the school's seal and original signature of the registrar.
The "Vehicle Location Verification" portion on the application must only be completed if the applicant is unable to provide the student information.
An out-of-state student attending college in another state's test area must have a vehicle emission test performed at a U. EPA approved program. Once the student motorist has obtained the passing test certificate from the state he or she will need to exchange it for an Ohio exemption certificate. The Ohio exemption certificate will exempt you from being required to return the motor vehicle to Ohio for testing prior to registration renewal.
Once the motorist has obtained the Ohio exemption certificate from Ohio EPA, he or she may renew the motor vehicle registration as usual. See our page for out-of-state testing options. If a vehicle is registered in an Ohio E-Check county and is permanently, temporarily or indefinitely housed out of state, it is not exempt from the Ohio E-Check requirements. District wide. Clair and Will counties. Louis area Franklin, Jefferson, St.
Charles and St. Louis counties. New Mexico. New York. Only and-newer models statewide with the exception of NYC area. North Carolina. Rhode Island. Only and-newer models. Ontario Canada. Make sure the vehicle receives a complete test. Tune-up tests will NOT be accepted. Call the number provided to arrange an appointment.
The test centers do not make repairs. You may take your vehicle to a service facility of your choice to have necessary repairs made. Important: If your "Check Engine" light is on, your vehicle will automatically fail the test. On-Board Diagnostics OBD II is a complex computer package installed on and-newer cars and light trucks, and and newer-diesel vehicles.
This sophisticated system serves as an advanced warning to alert vehicle owners and auto technicians of potentially high emissions. OBD II is now being used by auto emissions testing facilities. When a problem occurs that may cause the vehicles emissions to exceed applicable standards, the OBD system identifies the failure with a specific DTC, illuminates the malfunction indication light MIL and records a record of what has occurred.
The link provided below contains a reference list of codes associated with OBD, specifically related to emission system repairs. Federal regulations require Ohio to implement the OBD II test for most and-newer vehicles in place of the current tailpipe emissions test. The OBD II test will improve the testing process by detecting problems in a vehicle's emission control systems before they cause costly repairs and allow more harmful pollutants into Ohio's air.
The computer continuously tracks and stores information about the vehicle's performance. The on-board computer turns on the "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light if it finds a problem with the vehicle's emission control system. Most or-newer gasoline-powered cars and trucks up to 10, pounds and and-newer diesel-powered vehicles can be tested using OBD II. If the vehicle's computer is found to be not ready after communicating with the test equipment during the initial test, a tailpipe emissions test may be conducted.
As of Jan. BMW dealers can complete this task. We regret any inconvenience this may cause. OBD II identifies the causes for a vehicle to fail its emissions test. By issuing specific diagnostic codes, OBD II pinpoints the problem, allowing repair technicians to make quicker, more effective repairs. This saves time and money. OBD II is an early warning system that alerts vehicle owners to emissions problems at a stage where repairs are less costly and perhaps even under warranty.
OBD II inspections also are quicker than previous tests. While we have made significant achievements in improving air quality in Ohio over the last 20 years, air pollution from automobiles remains a challenge.
The number of registered vehicles in Ohio has increased percent since , and vehicle miles traveled have steadily increased as well. Newer vehicles operate cleaner due to improved technology and sophisticated emission control systems, but these systems must be in proper working order for the vehicle emissions to remain low.
When an engine is not running as designed, performance is lost, fuel is wasted and air pollution increases. OBD II can detect problems drivers do not. OBD II testing uses a hand-held tool that plugs into the vehicle's computer and determines whether the emissions system and components are working properly. The test downloads information stored in the vehicle's computer to identify malfunctioning emission systems or components. Information can be downloaded only to the E-Check computer system; no information can be altered or added to the vehicle's computer.
OBD II can detect malfunctioning components and systems before more serious failures occur and even before the driver of the vehicle becomes aware of a problem. The OBD II system enables a vehicle owner to make cost-effective repairs before costly damage is done to the vehicle.
The treadmill test measures the concentration of gases coming from the vehicle's exhaust pipe. The OBD II test is an electronic test that uses a hand-held reader device plugged into the vehicle's computer through a port mounted under the dash. The vehicle's computer will communicate if there are any components that are deteriorating or failing that may cause the vehicle to exceed allowable emissions limits.
Please note that as of Jan. When an emissions control malfunction is detected, a dashboard light illuminates with the message "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon. Using an OBD II scan tool, a repair technician can quickly retrieve the diagnostic codes and make necessary repairs, often before a more serious problem develops.
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