Author: Emissions

Alabama Voluntary Emissions Testing

Last updated on April 26th, 2018

Alabama does not currently require emissions testing for your vehicle. However, if you are concerned about the environment or are wondering if your car is a high emitter, you can have your car tested for free.

The Waste Reduction and Technology Transfer Foundation has partnered with a few organizations to bring free emissions testing to Jefferson County and Shelby County. If your car is found to be a high emitter The Car Care Program will pay for 80% of repairs, and a max of $500. If 80% of the repair exceeds $500 the owner will be responsible for 20% of the repair plus the excess over $500.

This program is a great way for you to get involved, and contribute to improving Alabama’s air quality.

For more information about this week’s free emissions testing locations, hours, and more information about The Car Care Program please visit Alabama Partners for Clean Air – Voluntary Emissions Testing.

 

Filed under: Alabama, Articles, State Emissions Testing

North Carolina Car Insurance

Last updated on April 26th, 2018

All drivers in the state of North Carolina are required by law to maintain a minimum amount of liability coverage on their vehicle in order for it to be legally driven on a public road. The state of North Carolina currently has these minimums set at $30,000 in individual bodily injury coverage, $60,000 in total bodily injury coverage and $25,000 in property damage coverage. Vehicle owners in North Carolina are free to purchase liability coverage that exceeds the above mentioned amounts, typically up to $1,000,000, but they cannot purchase less than the minimum amounts and still satisfy North Carolina car insurance requirements. As of January 1st, 2009 North Carolina residents are also required to maintain uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in the same minimum amounts established for liability coverage. North Carolina is one of the few states in the country that operates under an at-fault car insurance system and still requires residents to purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage as part of their car insurance policy. Like liability coverage, motorists generally have the option to purchase more uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage than the state requires though according to state car insurance law drivers cannot purchase more uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage than liability coverage.  There are also a variety of optional types of auto insurance that are available to most drivers in the state, though not every insurance company will offer them all, and some insurance companies may only offer one or two. Personal injury protection is one of the forms of optional coverage that is generally offered by most auto insurance companies in North Carolina; though each company is allowed to determine just how much coverage they want to offer their customers. Personal injury protection functions in much the same way as bodily injury liability coverage except that it applies to the policy holder and passengers in the insured vehicle and not other parties involved in an accident. As a tort state the at-fault driver is supposed to be held financially responsible for any injuries sustained in an accident, which makes personal injury protection unnecessary in many cases, but personal injury protection can still be useful as a stop gap measure until fault is established or until the other insurance company steps forward to pay medical bills and it can also be used in an accident involving an at-fault driver that has no insurance.

Like a handful of other states North Carolina maintains an electronic database that allows them to monitor the auto insurance status of every vehicle registered in the state. Every time a policy is issued, renewed or terminated by an insurance company in North Carolina the company is required by law to immediately notify the state of such a change. This allows the state to proactively catch uninsured drivers as soon as they enter the system instead of waiting for them to be pulled over or involved in an accident. If a North Carolina resident is reported to the DMV for cancelling their policy or having their policy terminated they will receive a notice in the mail requesting verification of their insurance status. If the driver has indeed allowed their coverage to lapse they will be required to recertify with the DMV and pay a $50 fee within 10 days of receipt of the notice. If the insurance did not lapse the driver can simple fill out the form provided, known as a FS 5-7, with the correct insurance information and send it back to the DMV for processing. If a driver fails to reply to this notice altogether they will have their license and registration suspended for no less than 30 days and will be required to pay numerous fees in order to have their driving privileges reinstated.

In order to reduce the number of uninsured drivers on the state’s roads North Carolina law spells out exactly what will happen to a driver if they are caught driving without mandatory levels of liability coverage. The first time a driver is caught without insurance in North Carolina they will have their registration suspended or a minimum of 30 days. In order to have this suspension lifted and the license plates reinstated the vehicle owner will have to provide the DMV with proof of insurance on the vehicle and pay any necessary fees. Drivers that are found to be driving uninsured also run the risk of having their driving license suspended, which will also require the payment of numerous fees before it can be reinstated. North Carolina often places three pints on a driver’s license if they are found to be driving without insurance. Not only can the accumulation of points result in the suspension of the driver’s license but depending on the way an auto insurance company calculates its rates the driver may also see a corresponding hike in their monthly premium.

Filed under: North Carolina, Articles, Car Insurance

New Mexico – General Emissions Information

Last updated on April 26th, 2018

All motor vehicles in New Mexico that are more than four years old and are driven into, operated, or are otherwise present in Bernalillo county for 60 or more days per year but are registered in another county or state shall comply.

All 1980 and newer motor vehicles up to 10,000 lbs. GVW must pass an emission test every two years and at the change of ownership.

Beginning January 1, 2013, all 1998 and newer diesel motor vehicles must pass emissions.

Exemptions

There are exemptions for the New Mexico emission testing and you will not need to have one done if your vehicle is older than 1975, if your new vehicle is under four years old, if you have a motorhome, or if your vehicle weighs more than 10,001 pounds.

Vehicles that do not need to have an air care certificate.

All new motor vehicles for four years following initial registration from the date of the manufacturer’s certificate of origin (MCO);

Vehicles that are fueled by a mixture of gasoline and oil for purposes of lubrication;

Motor vehicles that are used for legally sanctioned competition and not operated on public streets and highways;

Implements of husbandry, or road machinery not regularly operated on public streets and highways;

Other vehicles that are not regularly operated on public streets and highways after providing satisfactory proof to the program manager;

vehicles leased by a leasing company whose place of business is Bernalillo county to a person who resides outside of Bernalillo county; however, an exemption shall not be granted if the person resides in an area, that has an EPA-required vehicle inspection program;

Vehicles that are 35 years old or older;

Vehicles sold between licensed dealers;

Vehicles with a GVW of 10,001 lbs. or more; and

Dedicated electric vehicles;

Existing electric hybrid vehicles which were exempted from 20.11.100 NMAC as of the effective date of 20.11.100.2 NMAC, until such time that a change of ownership of the vehicle occurred.

Validity

In New Mexico and emissions test is valid for 90 days and is required when you are looking to reinstate a suspended registration or to complete an original or renewal registration. If you purchase a vehicle from a used car dealer, they are required to provide you with a New Mexico emissions test, but you are required to receive it yourself if you purchase it from a private owner.

 

Failures

You must have your vehicle repaired if it fails the New Mexico emissions test and then you are required to have an emissions re-test after it has been repaired. You can repair the vehicle either at the station or at another location and the re-inspection will need to be conducted at the vehicle pollution management headquarters. There is no cost for a re-inspection.

Conclusion

There are nearly 120 air care stations located in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, and Sandia Park. You may also be able to find auto dealers and auto shops that conduct inspections as well as inspectors who are certified by vehicle pollution management. These usually range between $15 and $20.

It is possible to receive an extension if you are currently out-of-state or if your vehicle is unavailable for inspection. You will need to file an affidavit of the vehicle unavailability and submitted to the vehicle pollution management office in order to receive this extension.

In order to keep our air quality and roads safe, it is important that we have our vehicles tested and maintained regularly. In order to do this the state of New Mexico has set up requirements in regards to inspections on vehicles that must be completed in a timely manner. It is your responsibility to have this testing completed before the expiration date.

Filed under: New Mexico, Articles, State Emissions Testing

North Dakota Car Insurance

Last updated on April 26th, 2018

Although it has its own auto insurance laws, the state of North Dakota is not all that different from most other no-fault states when it comes to the types of insurance that is required and the minimum amounts of coverage that must be obtained. Like every other no-fault state the core of North Dakota’s car insurance laws are based on certain types of required coverage, such as personal injury protection. Personal injury protection is a type of coverage required by every state that uses a no-fault insurance system and even a few that operate under the more common at-fault, or tort, auto insurance systems. Personal injury protection functions to financially protect the policy holder and passengers from injuries sustained in a car accident. No matter who is at fault, if a driver has personal injury protection and they or one of their passengers are injured in an accident the personal injury protection will cover their medical bills up to the amount of coverage purchased by the policy holder. The state of North Dakota requires that every vehicle registered with the North Dakota Department of Motor Vehicles be covered with at least $30,000 in personal injury protection. As is common with other no-fault states, North Dakota also requires that residents purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for their car insurance policies as well. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage typically protects a policy holder and passengers from injuries sustained in an accident with an uninsured and underinsured motorist. If a driver does not have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and is involved in an accident caused by a driver without insurance they risk having to pay for their injuries out of pocket even though the accident was not their fault. North Dakota car insurance law stipulates that every vehicle should have a minimum of $25,000 in per person bodily injury uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and $50,000 in per accident bodily injury uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

Every time a car insurance policy is purchased in North Dakota the insurance company that wrote the policy is required to send their new customer proof of insurance in the form of an insurance ID card. According to state law, this insurance ID card should be kept in the insured vehicle at all times and should be readily presentable to a law enforcement officer upon request. The insurance ID coverage is the main form of proof of insurance carried by most North Dakota residents and it can often mean the difference between getting hit with severe penalties for driving without insurance or not being penalized at all. A driver that is found to be driving without proof of insurance will most likely receive a citation and may face more penalties if they cannot provide proof of insurance by the time their court date comes around. Drivers that are found to be guilty of driving without insurance in North Dakota will be punished with a fine up to $150 and could have as many as 12 points placed on their driving record. The accumulation of too many points will result in the suspension of their license. A subsequent offense within a period of 18 months will be punished with up to a $300 fine and the addition of at least 6, but no more than 12, points to the driver’s license. Drivers that are caught driving without car insurance multiple times within an 18 month period will also be required to maintain an SR-22 as proof of insurance for a period of up to 3 years. Failing to maintain an up to date SR-22 at any time during the designated period will result in the immediate suspension of the driver’s license. Drivers caught without car insurance in North Dakota will also often have their vehicle’s registration suspended until such a time when they are able to provide adequate proof of insurance and pay any necessary reinstatement fees.

Despite the fact that no-fault insurance systems are meant to reduce the amount of lawsuits over car insurance related matters the state of North Dakota still allows fault to be placed on a driver responsible for an accident and if the cost of the accident exceeds $2,500 for any other driver involved they will have the legal right to sue the at-fault driver for any excessive costs. In many cases a driver’s insurance company will pay out benefits relating to personal injury protection or uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and then attempt to recoup their money from the at-fault driver by taking them to court. A no-fault car insurance system like the one ran in North Dakota does not mean that fault is not placed on a driver for an accident; it just means that fault does not have to be established in order for an insurance company to provide benefits to their policy holders.

Filed under: North Dakota, Articles, Car Insurance

Minnesota Car Insurance

Last updated on April 26th, 2018

Although Minnesota is labeled as a no-fault state for insurance purposes, like every other no-fault state in the U.S. Minnesota’s no fault status only applies to medical payments and injuries sustained in an accident, meaning that the at-fault driver can still be found liable for the financial cost of an accident. Since Minnesota car insurance law is based on both no-fault and tort principals Minnesota and other “no-fault” states are often referred to as hybrid states. Because Minnesota’s no-fault laws only require insurance companies to pay for their customers injuries related to an accident Minnesota drivers are still required to maintain liability coverage on their vehicles. In order to satisfy the no-fault portion of Minnesota car insurance law residents of the state are required to maintain at least $40,000 in personal injury protection. Personal injury protection is the coverage that is will pay for any medical bills and lost wages that result from injuries sustained in an accident. The minimum $40,000 in coverage established by the state includes $20,000 for medical payments and $20,000 for lost wages.

In order to satisfy the tort based portion of Minnesota State car insurance law residents are also required cover their vehicle with liability insurance. Like personal injury protection, the minimum amount of liability insurance a car must have is set by the state and currently stands at $30,000 for injuries to a single individual, $60,000 or injuries to multiple people and $10,000 in property damage liability coverage. Unlike Personal injury protection, which is paid to the policy holder, liability coverage only insures the driver involved in an accident that the policy holder caused. Although fault does not have to be established for personal injury protection insurance to be paid out, liability insurance will not be rewarded until a driver is found at fault in the accident. Residents of Minnesota are also required by law to carry minimum levels of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on any vehicle that they own. The current minimum levels of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage required by the state sit at $25,000 for an injury to a single person and $50,000 for injury to two or more people. The levels of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage are the same and must be purchased in the same amounts when buying a car insurance policy in Minnesota. Every type of coverage required by Minnesota car insurance law can be purchased in greater amounts than the minimum limits set by the state. Additionally, there are also a few types of coverage which are optional for residents and are not required to be a part of an auto insurance policy. Minnesota, like most other states, allows collision and comprehensive coverage to be purchased by residents on a voluntarily basis; though the state does recommend certain amounts of each type of coverage be purchased as part of an insurance policy. Despite the fact that Minnesota requires so many different forms of coverage to be maintained on a vehicle the state as a whole still ranks 25th out of 50 in terms of car insurance premiums, with Minnesota residents paying an average of $753 a year for car insurance.

The car insurance required by the state of Minnesota can function a bit differently than in other states, primarily because there are so many types of coverage required. In Minnesota, some forms of car insurance are applied to the policy holder and not the actual vehicle. Personal injury protection for instance covers the policy holder no matter which vehicle they are driving. If a driver borrows a car from a friend in Minnesota and is involved in a car accident the driver’s personal injury protection will be responsible for their medical bills if they are injured but the vehicle owner’s policy will still be responsible for any other costs associated with the accident.

Minnesota law also requires that residents carry proof of insurance with them at all times and must be able to provide it if pulled over by a law enforcement officer. Residents of Minnesota that drive without insurance on their vehicle are committing a misdemeanor according to state law and if caught could face a series of penalties that are much more costly than an insurance policy. A driver that is caught without insurance in Minnesota will generally be issued a citation and may be required to appear in court. If a driver cannot provide proof of insurance by the court date they will likely receive a fine ranging from $250 to $1,000 and could even face as many as 90 days in jail. Any subsequent offenses within a 10 year period of a driver’s first offense are considered by state law to be gross misdemeanors and are punished much more harshly. In some localities a driver may be able to obtain a lesser penalty if they purchase an insurance policy that meets state requirements before they have to appear in court.

Filed under: Minnesota, Articles, Car Insurance

Nevada Car Insurance

Last updated on April 26th, 2018

Any vehicle that is going to be driven on a public road in Nevada must meet state minimum car insurance requirements. These requirements consist of maintaining minimum levels of coverage that include $15,000 in per person bodily injury coverage, $30,000 in per accident bodily injury coverage and $10,000 in property damage liability coverage. As a tort state when an accident occurs in Nevada fault is going to be placed on a single driver and the at-fault driver will be held financially responsible for all injuries and damages resulting from the accident. Minimum coverage levels are intended to make sure that every motorist has the ability to provide a certain amount of financial compensation if they are involved in an at-fault accident. Although these are the minimum liability requirements for most Nevada residents the state requires that motor carriers, which is defined as individuals or businesses that transport property or passengers, obtain higher amounts of liability coverage in order to operate legally. Any resident that owns ten or more vehicles may be eligible to self-insure the vehicles that they own, meaning that they will not have to meet state minimum liability requirements.

The state of Nevada is arguably one of the most efficient states in terms of handling car insurance and vehicle registrations. Much of the insurance issues that come to light in the state of Nevada can easily be solved on the internet or through a simple phone call to the DMV.

As of 2011, before a driver can register a vehicle in the state of Nevada they must first obtain an evidence of insurance card which is issued by a state licensed insurer. An evidence of insurance card is required whenever a resident wishes to make any sort of registration changes, including first time registration, registration renewals and even registration reinstatement. The evidence of insurance card is also required by law to be carried in the insured vehicle at all times and must be presented to a law enforcement officer any time proof of insurance is requested.

Perhaps the most efficient part of Nevada’s car insurance system is its insurance verification program, which has recently evolved into Nevada LIVE, or Nevada Liability Insurance Validation Electronically. Nevada LIVE is one of the most modern and complex insurance validation programs in the entire country. Nevada LIVE basically allows the DMV and insurance companies to communicate securely via the internet. When the DMV wishes to validate the car insurance of a particular driver or vehicle they can send a request to the insurance company and will receive an instant response regarding the status of an insurance policy. Every time a vehicle is registered in Nevada the DMV will use Nevada LIVE to instantly validate the insurance status of the vehicle. If the insurance status cannot be validate the vehicle will not be allowed to be registered. What sets Nevada LIVE and its management of the Nevada car insurance system apart from other similar programs is that in addition to allowing communication between the DMV and insurance companies Nevada Live can also be used by Nevada motorists as well. Individuals can use Nevada Live to check their registration status, update their insurance information if they have recently changed policies and submit a verification response after an insurance inquiry by the DMV. In most other states drivers would have to spend a significant amount of time calling back and forth to the DMV and the insurance company to get any of these things accomplished but with Nevada LIVE it is as easy as a few clicks of the mouse.

Thanks to Nevada LIVE, the state has a much easier time tracking down and penalizing uninsured drivers and it also makes the state’s no-grace period policy that much more effective. While many states allow residents to have a grace period if car insurance lapses Nevada requires that state residents maintain continual coverage on any vehicle in their name. Because of this no lapse policy the way in which Nevada car insurance cancellations should be handled is very rigid. If car insurance on a vehicle registered in the state is canceled because the vehicle is no longer in use the vehicle’s registration must be canceled beforehand. If car insurance is canceled because the vehicle is sold the registration must first be canceled and the license plates should be removed. If a driver in Nevada is caught without car insurance or allows their car insurance to lapse they will most likely have their registration suspended and will be required to pay a $250 fee in order to have it reinstated. Drivers cited by a law enforcement officer in Nevada for driving without insurance will also have their license suspended and will be required to obtain SR-22 insurance coverage in order to drive legally after their license is reinstated.

Filed under: Nevada, Articles, Car Insurance

Tennessee – General Emissions Information

Last updated on March 16th, 2021

Tennessee Emissions Laws

When you live in Tennessee and find that it is time to renew your vehicle registration, you will learn that the state participates in an emission testing program. This testing helps to improve the air quality of the state and will fill you in on the details of your car so that you will know if you need to make any repairs to it.

This is not just beneficial for the state, but it is beneficial to you as well. When your vehicle burns fuel, it is more likely that it will burn more of it if there are issues that need to be repaired. This can be a major problem because of the rising gas prices.

Emissions Testing

In order to determine if you are required to have a Tennessee emissions test, you will need to examine where you live. There are many locations in the state that require Tennessee emissions testing before you’re able to gain a registration or renew your registration.

If your vehicle runs on gas or is a diesel fuel vehicle that weighs less than 10,500 pounds and is newer than 1975, you will need to have a Tennessee emissions test if you live in the following counties:

  • Davidson
  • Shelby
  • Hamilton
  • Rutherford
  • Sumner
  • Williamson
  • Wilson

Those who are registered in Memphis will also be required to undergo emissions testing before they are able to register their vehicles or renew the registration.

Every county in Tennessee that requires testing offers at least one station where you can have your vehicle tested. You can review the list online so that you know exactly where to go. The fee for the test is nine dollars and you must pay in cash.

The test itself is valid for 90 days and you will need to have your vehicle registered during this timeframe. Emissions test are required every year and can help cut down on the smog and emissions that are created by our vehicles.

Exemptions and Failures

There are some exemptions when it comes to emissions testing in Tennessee. For example, if you drive a motorcycle, electric car, or are temporarily out of state, you can file for an exemption or a temporary exemption.

If you have failed the test, you will be able to set up a free diagnostic so that your mechanic will be able to see exactly what needs to be repaired in order for you to pass the test. After these repairs are made, you will need to retest your vehicle to make sure that it remains in compliance with the law.

Complaints

If you believe that someone is polluting the air, there is something that you can do to help the situation. There is a program that allows you to report gross polluters to the state of Tennessee. You will need to contact the division of air pollution control so that the situation can be taken care of.

The air quality in Tennessee is a serious issue and we all need to work together to make sure that it is maintained at a healthy level. This is the best way to keep everyone healthy and our air quality at a level that can make the state proud.

Find Smog Check Stations Near Me

To stay in compliance with the State of Tennessee’s smog check requirements, Tennessee-registered drivers must get their vehicles to pass a vehicle emissions test if they live in certain regions of the state. Check out our DMV & Emissions Testing Locations in Tennessee pages below to find a DMV office or testing location in your area.

Filed under: Tennessee, Articles, State Emissions Testing

Texas – General Emissions Information

Last updated on March 16th, 2021

Texas General Emissions Information

Although Texas is able to enjoy the fairly clean air, it does conduct annual Texas emissions testing for many of the vehicles that are on its roadways. The state has issued a program called AirCheckTexas that is dedicated to making sure that areas with additional smog and pollution have vehicles tested annually.

If you live in one of the areas that require testing, you can easily find online an inspection station that is near to your location. The state even offers a tool that can allow you to see if you live in an area that requires Texas emissions testing and where the stations are in accordance with those counties.

Inspections

All cars in the state of Texas are required to undergo a safety inspection each year. Many of these vehicles are also required to undergo an emissions inspection during this same process. The state requires a variety of emissions testing and the method that is used depends on the specific county where the vehicle is registered.

There are three different smog inspection methods, and they are listed below:

  • Two speed idle
  • Onboard diagnostic
  • Acceleration simulation mode

Two speed idle and acceleration simulation mode are typically used for vehicles are older. The onboard diagnostic is the method that is currently used for most newer models. This is when information is downloaded directly from your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic computer.

Failing The Test

If your vehicle happens to fill the emissions test, you will first need to have the vehicle and the issue diagnosed. This will give the mechanic the know-how on how to fix the problem so that you will be able to pass the emissions test when you have it retested later on. You are required to have it repaired through a recognized emissions repair facility and then retested.

There are also waverers available when you use these facilities and even though you are allowed to use other shops to have the work completed, you may end up paying more for them. If you are not able to pass inspection, you may be able to apply for a waiver, but if you do not use a recognized repair facility it may be more difficult to receive the waiver.

Incentives

The state of Texas currently offers drivers some rewards for eco-friendly vehicles, such as vehicles that are not powered by gasoline, diesel-powered vehicles, and vehicles that are less than two years old. These vehicles are all exempt from having an emissions test completed.

However, since hybrids are able to run on gasoline, they are not exempt and must undergo the emissions testing. It is also important to note that all vehicles that are registered in the state of Texas are required to undergo annual safety inspection regardless of the type of vehicle that they are.

When you’re driving a green vehicle, you’re doing more than just helping the environment. You may also be saving yourself money because you are able to participate in many federal tax incentives that have been put in place to encourage drivers to think about the environment as they drive their vehicles. Be sure that you discuss your options with both your tax accountant and your insurance company.

Filed under: Texas, Articles, State Emissions Testing

Vermont Emissions

Last updated on March 16th, 2021

Vermont Emissions

Every vehicle that is registered in the state of Vermont is required to undergo a safety inspection annually. If your vehicle is newer than the year 1996 and is powered by gasoline or is newer than 1997 and is powered by diesel and weighs less than 8500 pounds, this also means that you will be required to have an onboard diagnostic tests performed.

This test is in response to the states smog and emissions requirements. You can have both the safety inspection and the Vermont emissions test performed at the same time and at the same location.

Vermont Emissions

Moving to Vermont

When you move to the state, you will have 15 days from the date you register your vehicle to have the Vermont inspection completed and to bring your vehicle in for a smog check. It is important that your vehicle is ready so that you will not have issues during this time.

Vermont Emissions

Requirements

Inspections for checking the safety of your vehicle are pretty straightforward in the state of Vermont. First, the technician will verify your registration, which must be current and accurate in regards to the vehicle. Next, you will have to provide the technician with your insurance. You should make sure that it complies with the regulations that had been set in place before you have your vehicle tested.

Finally the vehicle identification number is compared to the documentation that you have provided. Once all of the documentation portion has been verified, the technician will then check some of the basic components of your vehicle to make sure they are in working order.

For example, all safety equipment will be checked, such as seatbelts. Other items such as your mirrors, bumpers and windshield wipers will also been checked. The technician will also check your tires and wheels and look for any issues that may be causing problems with your steering and suspension.

Your brakes and lighting equipment will also be reviewed as will your windshield, Windows, and intent. Finally, your exhaust system will be checked and your emissions will be reviewed to make sure there are no issues with you, catalytic converter, or the fuel system that can cause leaking.

An onboard diagnostic inspection tests will also be performed and your technician will fill out a report at this time as well. If you pass the test, you will be provided an inspection sticker to be placed on your windshield until your vehicle is ready to be inspected once again.

Vermont Emissions

Conclusion

If you happen to fail the tests, you will be required to make all necessary repairs and have the vehicle retested before you are able to receive your registration from the state. It is important to keep your vehicle compliant with the rules that have been set forth by the state so that other drivers on the road as well as you and your passengers are safe while you’re driving your vehicle.

This also allows you to have the benefit of reducing the emissions that your vehicle produces so that you are able to keep the environment healthy and air quality clean. Citizens of Vermont should be well aware of how their vehicles affect the air quality and should make sure that they followed laws that have been put in place to protect it.

Vermont Emissions

Filed under: Vermont, Articles

Virginia – General Emissions Information

Last updated on March 16th, 2021

Virginia General Emissions Information

Every two years, citizens of Virginia are required to undergo an emissions inspection. However, there are some exemptions to this requirement and the following vehicle types are not required to have the emissions inspection completed:

  • New vehicles where the owner has a manufacturer’s certificate of origin and our first being titled in the state and very first time
  • Gasoline powered vehicles that have reached a certain age regardless of whether they are registered as an antique vehicle
  • Diesel vehicles
  • Clean fuel vehicles
  • Some hybrid vehicles

You will be required to have a Virginia emissions inspection completed before you are able to register your vehicle if one is required. You must be able to show this information to the DMV in order to receive a registration and if you cannot, you will only receive a temporary registration. This is intended to give you time to make sure that the vehicle passes the inspection.

Every year you will receive a renewal notice in the mail and it will indicate whether you are required to have a small test completed and when it should be completed by. Bring this notification to the Virginia inspection station so that process can be sped up.

Waivers

It is important to remember that if your vehicle does fail the Virginia emissions test, you are required to take it to a garage that has been certified by Virginia’s DEQ. You may be able to apply for a waiver if you have attempted to repair the vehicle and has spent a certain amount of money and the vehicle still fails. In order to learn more about this waiver, you should contact the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to see if you qualify.

Incentives

In order to protect the environment the state of Virginia has set up this testing to make sure that their vehicles are producing very little emissions. However, another way that you can protect the environment is by living an eco-friendly lifestyle and by driving a green vehicle.

There are many incentives to driving one of these vehicles, including saving on gas in the possibility of having a discount for insurance. The state of Virginia also offers an incentive to its citizens in the way of emissions exemptions.

For example, if you tried any of the following vehicles you may be able to qualify for an exemption and avoid having an emissions test completed:

  • Vehicles that run on compressed natural gas
  • Vehicles that run on liquefied natural gas
  • Electric vehicles
  • Solar energy vehicles

There are also certain hybrids that qualify for an exemption as well. For example, if you drive a Toyota Prius or a Honda Insight, you may qualify for an exemption as well. Motorcycles and some diesel-powered vehicles also qualify for this exemption.

Conclusion

If you live in the state of Virginia, it is important to maintain your safety and Virginia emissions testing in order to be compliant and be able to receive your registration. These have been put in place in order to protect the environment, you, and other passengers that are on the roadways with you.

Filed under: Virginia, Articles, State Emissions Testing