Ohio auto emissiom laws

Ohio E-Check, the state emissions testing program, began in 1996 as a way to combat the growing problem of air pollution. Vehicles contribute greatly to smog levels and release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants are largely odorless and colorless, so even though it may seem like your vehicle's emission is clean, it may still be producing an unacceptable level of pollutants.

The thought behind E-Check was to identify those vehicles whose emissions were unacceptably high as a cost-efficient way of reducing unhealthy air, and thus help meet federal air quality standards.

The program has had its share of critics who have questioned its value, however, and over the years the program has been modified. The most recent overhaul occurred in January 2006.

Here's the most up-to-date information.

Mandatory in Seven Counties
Currently, E-Check only affects residents of seven of the state's 88 counties. At least until 2008, if you live in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, or Summit counties?and if you own a vehicle?you will need to have its emission system checked before you renew your registration.

(After 2008? We'll have to wait and see.)

Even if you do live in one of the seven counties, however, there are some exceptions that will permit you to skip the testing:

Your vehicle is brand-new (new vehicles are exempt for the first four years from manufacture date).
Your vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds (anybody have a big scale?).
Additionally, if you recently purchased a used car (model year 2001 or earlier), you may bypass the test if the seller gave you a valid E-Check compliance certificate. The certificates are valid for one year from the date of issue.

Should you happen to come across a vehicle that is clearly in violation of the state's emission standards, unfortunately there's nothing you can do, other than rolling up your window and shaking your head in disgust. Ohio does not have a system in place to report gross polluters.

Testing Information
All qualifying vehicles in the seven counties must be tested every two years.

You will receive notification in the mail about 90 days before your registration renewal date reminding you to have the testing completed. Of course, you don't have to wait until then to do so. In fact, you can do it up to a year in advance of the renewal date (for those of you who are super-efficient).

The state has compiled a list of emission station locations by county. Most stations are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The stations are closed on Sundays and major holidays.

You don't need to make an appointment for testing. However, it's been noted that the least busy times are before 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m. on weekdays, and before 9 a.m. on Saturdays.

Also, you may take your vehicle to any testing location, even if it's not located in your county. The testing does need to take place at an Ohio location, however; out-of-state smog tests don't count.

Unlike previous years, the testing is free. If you want to have your vehicle tested when it isn't required to, you'll need to obtain a prepaid voucher from E-Check; call (800) CAR-TEST for details.

If your vehicle passes the test, you will be given a certificate to take with you to the deputy registrar's branch at the time of your registration renewal.

If your vehicle fails the test, you'll receive a diagnostic form (for vehicles made in 1981 or later) detailing the problem areas. You can address these at the repair center of your choice.

However, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency does license certain repair shops that have certified emission diagnosis and repair facilities and technicians who have had proper training. If you fail the test, a list of these facilities will be given to you.