Illinois EPA Resumes Vehicle Emissions Testing at Waukegan and Markham Sites

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois EPA Director John J. Kim today announced the Agency has resumed vehicle emissions testing at 2161 Northwestern Avenue, Waukegan and 3824 West 159th Place, Markham. All other Illinois Air Team locations resumed operations on June 1, 2020. In addition, the Agency is asking that motorists with March vehicle registration expiration dates test in June. A complete schedule of the phased-in testing is included below.

"We saw a great response following the reopening of a majority of our testing locations on June 1, and we expect that momentum to continue with the reopening of the remaining two locations," said Director Kim. "Our priority remains protecting motorists and staff at these sites, and we are asking motorists to follow the published schedule to reduce traffic congestion near stations and overall wait times."

Most Illinois Air Team testing locations opened June 1 with the exception of the Waukegan and Markham locations, which had been utilized for COVID-19 drive-through testing as part of the ongoing efforts to provide COVID-19 testing. The State of Illinois was able to relocate the COVID-19 testing elsewhere, so the Waukegan and Markham vehicle testing stations can resume normal operations. To identify nearby testing locations, motorists may visit http://illinoisairteam.net.

As noted in earlier announcements, the Illinois Secretary of State's Office has extended vehicle registration expiration dates without penalty by at least 90 days, allowing motorists to wait to have their vehicles tested and renew vehicle registrations. With the extension of vehicle expiration dates, motorists who are not comfortable visiting an Illinois Air Team testing location at this time may test at a later date, or may have someone else bring the vehicle in for emissions testing.

In addition, Illinois EPA encourages those 65 and older, healthcare workers, first responders, and those with pre-existing health conditions to visit Illinois Air Team testing locations during the first testing hour of each day (8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Monday-Friday and 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. on Saturdays). Extensive precautions are in place at Illinois Air Team testing locations and follow Illinois Department of Public Health COVID-19 Workplace Guidelines to protect motorists and staff.

The Illinois EPA continues to monitor the COVID-19 crisis and is implementing public health guidelines in the re-opening of vehicle emissions testing stations. Special precautions to protect motorists and staff include:

Illinois Air Team Staff will:

• Wear masks at all times
• Practice social distancing
• Clean and disinfect testing stations regularly
• Minimize contact with vehicles

Motorists are asked to do their part to keep us all safe and abide by the following:

• Do not visit an Illinois Air Team testing location if you are currently under self-quarantine, isolation or if you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms
• One person per vehicle and no pets
• Wear face coverings
• Practice social distancing and follow the procedures in place at Illinois Air Team testing locations

Additional information and updates will be made available on the Illinois Air Team website at http://illinoisairteam.net. Motorists may also call the Air Team Call Center at 844-258-9071.