News Releases - 2001

Illinois EPA Announces Continued Improvements to Vehicle Emission Test Program

Springfield, Ill. -- Additional customer service improvements are being made to the Illinois vehicle emissions testing program, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced today.

"While a recent independent survey showed a high level of customer satisfaction, we are implementing additional services to make it even more convenient to contribute to cleaner air through participation in the vehicle testing program," said Illinois EPA Director Renee Cipriano.

The Illinois EPA will also be mplementing frequent, random surveys of motorists who bring their vehicles in for testing.

At the request of Illinois EPA, Envirotest Illinois Inc., the private firm that operates the testing stations has agreed to prominently post "customer's rights" notices at each facility. Customers have the right to:

1. ) Prompt and Courteous Service
2. ) Respect from All Employees
3. ) Skilled, Accurate Testing and Careful Handling of Your Vehicle
4. ) An Explanation of Your Vehicle's Test Results
5. )Submit Compliments, Complaints and Recommendations
6. ) Ask Questions and Learn More About the Vehicle Emission Test

Earlier this year, the Illinois EPA enhanced the vehicle emission test notices sent to motorists to provide instructions on how to submit questions and comments to the Agency by completing a comment form, logging on to the Agency website (http://www.epa.state.il.us/comments.html), or by calling an emission test hotline at 847-758-3400.The hotline will also now be included on the test results.

The Illinois EPA is also providing additional assistance to motorists who file damage complaints. Agency staff now meets with the vehicle test contractor weekly to discuss the resolution of damage claims. The Agency is reviewing claim files that result in a denial of payment to verify that denials are reasonable. An additional service being provided to motorists who file a damage claim is the opportunity to view a videotape of their vehicle being tested. However, such a request must be made within 60 days of the test as the videotape is recycled on a 60-day cycle.

"Fortunately, damage claims have been relatively rare-about six out of every 10,000 tests-but when there is a problem, we will do all we can to make sure it is handled fairly," said Director Cipriano.

She also urged motorists who believe their vehicles were damaged during testing to use the Claim Evaluation Centers (CECs) staffed by independent certified mechanics. Currently, there are 34 certified CECs in the Chicago area. These independent centers are available for consumers to receive an evaluation of the causes of vehicle damage. The IEPA will contact these motorists through the random customer satisfaction survey. If it appears that current CECs are not providing satisfactory service to the consumer, IEPA will look into expanding the number of facilities offered. If a dealership or other facility would like to become a CEC, they can contact the Illinois EPA or Envirotest.

Related Information

• IEPA's Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program