Motorists & Vehicle Owners
The Illinois vehicle emissions test checks whether the
emission control system on your motor vehicle is working properly.
Motor vehicle manufacturers are required to meet increasingly
stringent pollution standards, but vehicles that are not properly
maintained or that have malfunctioning emission control systems
often exceed these standards. Vehicle emissions tests identify
such vehicles, and repairs are then required to reduce the
emissions which cause pollution. These repairs help clean
the air while improving the vehicle's performance and fuel
economy.
Your vehicle is scheduled for testing every two years, beginning
the fourth model year. If you purchase a vehicle that has
an expired vehicle emissions compliance certificate or sticker,
the vehicle may be required to be tested as soon as the new
registration is received. Vehicles failing the emissions test
must be repaired, then retested. If your vehicle failed the
emissions test, we recommend that you have the vehicle repaired
by a qualified technician who is experienced in the diagnosis
and repair of emission control systems. If a vehicle cannot
pass the emissions test, a waiver may be available if certain
requirements are met. Check the
waiver section of the “Questions about
Vehicle Emissions Testing” FAQ page for further information about waiver
requirements.)
Please see our helpful Test
Day Tips to ensure success on test day.
