Emission testing assures vehicles meet air pollution standards

In King, Snohomish and Pierce counties, a vehicle emission test is required every other year, prior to renewal of vehicle registration, for vehicles manufactured after 1976. (This test is not required in Kitsap County.) It is also required for used, out-of-state vehicles being registered in King, Snohomish or Pierce counties.

The emission test is one of many state attempts to keep air pollution in Washington at a minimum. The test checks to be sure that hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide from a vehicle are at acceptable levels.

The cost of a vehicle emission test is $15 in cash. The emission testing stations will not accept any bill larger than $20. The waiting times at check stations at the end of each month (when vehicle registration renewals are due) can be more than an hour. Consider taking the test earlier in the month to avoid long lines.

According to the state Department of Ecology, a vehicle's catalytic converter and engine must be at normal operating temperatures during the test, so the vehicle should be warmed up prior to arrival at the check station, and the engine should not be turned off while waiting in line. However, car accessories, such as lights, heaters, radio, etc. should be turned off upon arrival at the test station.

If a vehicle passes the emission test, the driver will receive a receipt, which must be presented to the state Department of Licensing at the time of vehicle registration in those years when the test has been required.

If the vehicle fails the emission test, repair work must be completed, and the vehicle must be retested.

If a vehicle fails an emission test, the work needed to bring the vehicle up to emission standards may be performed by anyone. However, the Department of Ecology has identified many qualified mechanics, which it calls Authorized Emission Specialists, who are certified to make the appropriate repairs to vehicles failing an emission test.

When the appropriate repairs have been made, the vehicle must be rechecked at an emission test station. There is no fee for the first recheck of a vehicle. However, if the vehicle fails to pass inspection, there is a $15 fee for each additional recheck. In all cases, the fee is required in cash, and the test stations will not take a bill in a denomination higher than $20.

The Department of Ecology says most vehicles that fail an initial emission inspection pass their second inspection. However, if a vehicle fails a second inspection, owners should check with the Department of Ecology because the state has placed limits on the amount of money that owners must spend to pass an emission test. A waiver from the test may be obtained if repair work has been done by an Authorized Emission Specialist and if the repairs have met the guidelines set by the Department of Ecology.

For more specifics on vehicle emission tests, and the waiver process, visit the state Department of Ecology Web site.