Illinois emissions testing rules

Testing is required in the Chicago and Metro-East St. Louis areas, which still exceed the federal ozone standard.

“Although Illinois has made significant strides to clean its air, levels of air pollution in the Chicago and Metro-East St. Louis areas still exceed the ozone NAAQS.”

• “Additionally, the Illinois Vehicle Emissions Inspection Law of 2005 (625 ILCS 5/13C) requires a vehicle emissions inspection program to reduce air pollution from motor vehicles in these areas of Illinois.”

Most 1996 and newer gasoline passenger vehicles are tested once they are four years old. Heavier 2007 and newer vehicles of 8,501 to 14,000 pounds GVWR are tested too.

“Generally, most 1996 and newer gasoline-powered passenger vehicles are subject to testing after they are four (4) years old.”

• “Vehicle emissions testing is required on all 2007 or newer heavy-duty vehicles with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) between 8,501 and 14,000 pounds.”

The inspection month matches the plate expiration; even model years test in even years and odd model years in odd years.

“The inspection month coincides with the expiration date of the vehicle license plate. Typically, even model-year vehicles are inspected during even years, and odd model-year vehicles are inspected in odd years.”

A voluntary (unofficial) test for a vehicle that would be testable costs $20; the fee for required tests is not stated on the pages we checked.

“For a $20 fee, gasoline-powered vehicles that would be testable in the Illinois program may receive a voluntary emissions test.”

Vehicles not subject to testing include diesels, fully electric vehicles, motorcycles, antique and custom vehicles, model year 1967 or older, and vehicles over 14,000 pounds GVWR.

“Diesel-powered vehicles and vehicles that are powered exclusively by electricity;”

• “Motorcycles, motor-driven cycles and motorized pedal-cycles;”
• “Antique, expanded-use antique, and custom vehicles, street rods, and vehicles of model year 1967 or before;”
• “Vehicles with a manufacturer gross vehicle weight rating greater than 14,000 pounds.”

The Illinois EPA works with the Secretary of State to deny plate registrations to vehicles that have not complied.

“The Illinois EPA enforces the vehicle emissions inspection requirement by partnering with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office to deny vehicle license plate registrations to non-complying vehicles.”