Illinois EPA Improves Vehicle Emissions Testing Network

SPRINGFIELD --- The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has announced improvements to the vehicle emissions testing network that includes new testing sites and enabling motorists to schedule appointments for testing, making it faster and more convenient to comply with vehicle emissions laws.  

 

The new testing network will primarily use computerized "on-board diagnostic" (OBD) testing.  OBD tests are faster, more accurate and less expensive than exhaust tests.  The efficiency of OBD tests allowed the State to redesign the testing network and will thereby reduce program costs by about $30 million each year.

 

Beginning May 1, the vehicle emissions testing network will be upgraded by adding new testing sites while closing some of the existing vehicle emissions testing stations in the Chicago and East St. Louis metro areas.  At the same time, several "appointment only" stations will be added to the network.  The upgraded network will include "Full Service Stations," "OBD Only Stations" and "Air Team Appointment Only Testing Stations."  For a complete listing of testing stations and those stations closing (effective May 1), visit www.IllinoisAirTeam.com and download the "handy location reference card."

 

Full Service Stations can perform all vehicle inspection services, including idle exhaust tests, gas cap tests, OBD testing, waivers and other customer service functions.  Full service stations can perform tests on all eligible vehicles, including light-duty trucks, and older cars that may have to retest due to a previous failure.

 

OBD Only Stations can perform only OBD tests on vehicles equipped with an on-board computer.  Vehicles that are model year 1996 and newer can be tested at one of these stations.

 

Air Team Appointment Only Testing Stations can perform OBD tests—by appointment only—at numerous, conveniently located stations.  Appointments can be scheduled at an Air Team Appointment Only Testing Station, by calling toll free: 877-927-7587, beginning April 16.

 

The Vehicle Emissions Test Program plays an important role in reducing air pollution in Illinois.  Exhaust emissions from cars and trucks are one of the greatest sources of air pollution in the Chicago and Metro-East areas. Gasoline powered vehicles emit exhaust pollutants such as hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO_²).  Vehicle emissions are responsible for a substantial portion of NOx and other emissions that form ground-level ozone in major metropolitan areas. Driving a malfunctioning vehicle is probably a typical citizen's most "polluting" daily activity.

 

This recent update follows the license plate renewal enforcement change that took place in October 2007 and the addition of a new website in January of this year.  Motorists who need further information can contact the Illinois EPA at 847-758-3400 or 217-785-7449.