Motorists Encouraged to Shop Around For Best Emissions Inspection Fees

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 29, 2003 -- The Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation (PENNDOT) and Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced that the most current list of certified emissions inspection stations and the fees they are charging can be found on the Internet at www.drivecleanpa.state.pa.us or by calling 1-800-265-0921. This list is updated twice a week.

On Dec. 1, PENNDOT and DEP began vehicle emissions inspections in Dauphin and Cumberland counties for most gasoline-powered vehicles model year 1975 and newer. Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties begin emissions inspections on February 1, 2004.

"By the third week of the program, the average inspection fee in Cumberland and Dauphin counties dropped by almost two dollars," said Kurt Myers, Director of PENNDOT's Bureau of Motor Vehicles. "One station in Cumberland County is charging only $19.95 for emissions inspections. That's why we encourage motorists to shop around for the best price. As competition grows, we hope to see prices drop even further."

Emissions inspections can be performed at any participating private garage or dealer that is certified to perform emissions inspections. Fees are market driven. Competition permits customers to choose inspection sites based on price, service and convenience.

"PENNDOT and DEP are concerned about the high prices many stations are charging for these emissions inspections," said Myers. "We're hopeful that stations will recognize the importance of keeping costs reasonable so that a fee cap won't be necessary."

Most gasoline-powered passenger vehicles and light trucks weighing 9,000 lbs. or less and registered in Dauphin and Cumberland counties will receive the following emissions inspections:

  -- Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Check and a
     Gas Cap Test performed annually for most vehicles from 1996 or newer.
  -- Gas Cap Test and a Visual Anti-Tampering Check performed annually for
     most vehicles from 1975-1995.

  Vehicles will be exempt from the emissions inspection program if:
  -- owned by the same person for the previous year and driven less than
     5,000 miles. 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.
  -- the car is new, 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 your new
     car dealer.

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

At the conclusion of the emissions inspection, motorists will receive a computer-generated report that lists inspection results. A computer-generated report for a vehicle that fails the inspection will also include information on the cause of the failure. This information is provided to help the person repairing your vehicle. In addition to the computer-generated report, a passing vehicle will also have an emissions sticker affixed to its windshield.

If a vehicle doesn't pass the emissions inspection, the vehicle owner must make emissions-related repairs. After these repairs are made, the vehicle can be re-inspected for free, within 30 calendar days, at the station that conducted the initial inspection. If a vehicle owner waits more than 30 days or takes the vehicle to a different emissions inspection station, the re- inspection is not free.

In most cases, if the vehicle doesn't pass the next inspection, the owner may receive a one-year waiver if a minimum of $150 on emissions-related repairs has been spent. In some cases, the owner may be required to spend more if a single repair addresses the problem.

For more information, motorists are encouraged to visit the "Drive Clean PA" website at www.drivecleanpa.state.pa.us or call 1-800-265-0921.