Emission control testing in PA

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Dec 3, 2003 | 01:34 PM

WWildbh

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Emission control testing in PA

Well, The Common Wealth of Pennsylvania has just started their Emission control testing program. I was just wondering how this program works in other states? It seems that if your car/truck fails the test you can buy an exemption sticker for a $100. bucks or so. So, what is the point?

Dec 3, 2003 | 01:39 PM

Rosati

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From: Texas

Money. It's a way to generate revenue and not raise taxes. Since most peoples cars run like junkers anyway, they would rather pay the fee than repair the vehicle. So the GOV decides to use that to thier advantage.

Dec 3, 2003 | 01:50 PM

Texan1983

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From: Des Moines, Iowa

it helps guys like me that don't want to make the truck pass. and helps people who can't afford to keep repairing the car every year on stupid things that they don't really have to fix. also a new source of revinue.

Dec 3, 2003 | 01:53 PM

46fordtruck

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From: Orange County, CA

In AZ you have to have your car or truck smog tested, the limits depend on where in the state you are located. Car is put on a dyno like machine, revved to a certain RPM they take a reading, then they drop it back to idle, take a reading. Only exemption they have for a non passing vehicle is if it is a gross polluter within certain limits. This is a one time only waiver, costs about $250, and does not allow the vehicle to get an exemption ever, no matter how many new owners it gets. But yes, it's all money driven...here a smog test is about $15 bucks, for a 3 minute test. Testing stations are run by the state, not independant stations, like in California. Nice thing is in Cal you could get a pre-test before the official test...saves you from being reported to state if your car is a gross polluter.

Dec 3, 2003 | 02:12 PM

WWildbh

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OMG!!! How does this stuff happen? Why don't they just start testing our lawn mowers and weed wackers. They could really make ALOT of money off of that.

From what I understand now, is that if your car is pre 1996 then you only have to have a visual done. This extremely intense process must still be perfomed at an authorized station. What the heck is a visual inspection?

Dec 3, 2003 | 04:04 PM

94van

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From: Southern MD

Quote:

Originally posted by WWildbh
OMG!!! How does this stuff happen? Why don't they just start testing our lawn mowers and weed wackers. They could really make ALOT of money off of that.

Don't laugh, there are a bunch tree huggers raising cain about the small engine emissions. Around here on bad smog days, they request you don't mow your grass.

I've noticed on a couple pieces of power equipment I recently bought, have stickers stating they meet CAL emission standards.

Dec 3, 2003 | 05:08 PM

Knobby4604X4

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From: Woodbridge

In the Washington, D.C. Metro area, cars are required to be emissions tested every two years. The test is done on a roller dyno and measures the emissions at two different speeds. If you don't pass, you are not allowed to renew your vehicle registration. You can be exempted if you show that you have spent $450 in an attempt to fix the problems. Exemption is good only until next test is due.
Last time I was tested my 1994 F250 with a 460 blew cleaner than a 2000 Toyota Camry!