On-Board Diagnostic Vehicle Emissions Inspections to Be Phased In for Philadelphia Region Motorists

Most Models 1996 and Newer to Receive an Onboard Diagnostic Emissions Inspection

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 31 -- Beginning April 1, the Pennsylvania state departments of Transportation and Environmental Protection will enhance the current emissions inspection program in the five-county Philadelphia region to include an Onboard Diagnostic Inspection and Maintenance check and a gas cap test for most 1996 and newer model-year cars and light-duty trucks.

As with the current program, most 1975-1995 model-year cars and light-duty trucks will continue to be required to have an inspection utilizing a tailpipe analyzer or a tailpipe analyzer with a dynamometer. Both of these inspections will also include a gas cap test and a visual anti-tampering check.

The checks for vehicles registered in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties will be phased in between April and June 2004.

About 450,000 vehicles in Bucks County, 313,000 vehicles in Chester County, 369,000 vehicles in Delaware County, 571,000 vehicles in Montgomery County and 589,000 vehicles in Philadelphia County will be subject to the new checks.

Emissions inspections will be required during the annual safety inspection. Inspections can be done at any certified private garage or dealer. Fees are market driven.

As with the current program, a vehicle will be exempt from the emissions inspection program if:

  -- It is owned for one year and driven less than 5,000 miles in the prior
     year. However, motorists must go to an emissions inspection station to
     verify the vehicle's mileage and receive an exemption sticker.
     Motorists can do this when they get their safety inspection if the
     station performs both types of inspections.
  -- It is a new car, not previously titled and has fewer than 5,000 miles
     before registration; motorists should receive an exemption sticker
     valid for up to 12 months upon receipt of the new car from a new car
     dealer.

Exemptions are determined only by a certified emissions inspector. Vehicles are excluded from the emissions inspection program if the vehicle is registered as a street rod, classic, collectible, antique or specially constructed vehicle and motorcycles.