Emissions

Excerpts from A Guide to Connecticut's Emissions Program

Emissions Testing Information

Vehicles That Require Testing:
An emission test is required for all vehicles that: 1) are powered by gasoline, propane, natural gas, hybrid electric or diesel fuel: 2) have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 10,000 lbs. or less; 3) are more than 4 model-years old (but less than 25 years old). The test most be done every two years.

Frequency and Notification for Tests:
Vehicle owners will be notified by the DMV prior to a scheduled due date for an emissions test. On the ctemissions.com website, owners can enter the vehicle identification number (VIN) to find the test due date and request an e-mail reminder.

Exemptions from Testing:
There are a number of vehicles that are exempt from emissions testing. Although many are of a specialized nature, the most common exemptions are vehicle model years four years old or newer; vehicles aged 25 years or older; vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of more than 10,000 lbs. farm vehicles and motorcycles. Any questions that you may have concerning exempt vehicles may be directed to the toll-free Emissions Test Hotline at (888) 828-8399.

Emissions Test Center Locations:
Within the next two years, DMV will send vehicle owners a notice that lists a due date and vehicle identification number (VIN) for the vehicle that needs to be tested. Owners will be allowed ample time to arrange to have the test completed at one of the test centers in the statewide network. Simply choose the most convenient test center. Directions to each test center are available on the ctemissions.com website or by calling the toll-free emissions test hotline at (888) 828-8399.

Test Fees and Penalties:
The emissions test fee is $20, payable to the test center. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, check and credit card. Call the test center to confirm the forms of payment accepted. If an owner misses a test due date, the DMV will assess a $20 late fee that will be billed to the owner. The late fee is not paid at the test center. Failure to comply with the emissions test requirements will result in the denial of the vehicle's registration renewal. In addition, failure to pay any late fee assessed will prohibit the owner from registering any other motor vehicle.

What to Bring to the Test Center:
You should bring for the test: 1) The current Connecticut registration for the vehicle being tested: 2) The emissions test notice you received in the mail showing the vehicle identification number: 3) The $20 test fee.

Preparing the Vehicle for Testing:
Check the information on the vehicle's registration for accuracy. If there are discrepancies in the information provided, contact the DMV Emissions Division at (203) 805-6244 for assistance.

When a vehicle's computer detects an emissions-related malfunction, it will turn on either a Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light on the instrument panel of the vehicle. This is an indicator that the vehicle will not pass an emissions test. Should such a condition exist, a repairer should check the vehicle prior to the test.

Kinds of Tests Administered
All gasoline-fueled vehicles will have a Gas Cap Leak Test to check for escaping vapors that cause pollution. Failed gas caps must be replaced to successfully pass a vehicle emissions test.

In addition, there are the following tests: On Board Diagnostics II (OBD II) test for most vehicles 1996 or newer; Accelerated Simulation Mode (ASM) 25 / 25 Test for most 1995 or earlier vehicles; Two-Speed Idle (TSI) test for some vehicles depending on restrictions; Diesel-powered vehicles will receive a special test depending on model or year. See ctemissions.com for more details.

What If My Vehicle Fails?

Fraud Prevention in Testing and Repairs:
To protect consumers, the DMV has taken a number of steps to detect instances of fraud in the emissions test and repair program. See the Customer Bill of Rights for more detailed information. These efforts and other steps signal the commitment of both DMV and Agbar to provide oversight that focuses on the integrity of the testing process. In addition, DMV and Agbar have also increased coordination of investigation activities, which will also involve police authorities to prosecute instances of fraud.

What Should I Receive from the Emissions Test Center?
After testing, you must be given a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR). If you failed, you should also receive an Emissions Repair Data form and a list of local certified emissions repair facilities. The Emissions Repair Data form must be completed, signed and presented prior to any re-test. You will also receive the brochure, “what does it mean if my vehicle failed?”

If My Vehicle Fails, How Long Do I Have to Make Repairs and Still Get a Free Re-Test?
Within 30 days of its initial failure, your vehicle is entitled to one free re-test at the Official Emissions Test Center where it was originally tested.

Where Do I Get My Vehicle Repaired?
You can make repairs yourself, have your local repair facility fix it or obtain repairs at a Certified Emissions Repair Facility. However, only repair facilities or test centers with the designation Certified Emissions Repair Facility can do repairs that are considered for a waiver of emissions compliance. Remember to get a written estimate and approve the estimate prior to having repairs done. If you believe work was done inappropriately, you can call the DMV Emissions Division at (203) 805-6243. After repairs are made, make sure the Emissions Repair Data form is properly completed and signed by the repair technician. Keep your receipts. Then take your vehicle, the signed Emissions Repair Data form and any receipts to an Official Emissions Test Center for a re-test. If you repair the vehicle yourself, you are also required to fill out and sign the Emissions Repair Data form indicating you did work.

Can I Qualify for a Waiver?
To qualify for the waiver of emissions compliance, your vehicle must have failed twice, have a complete emissions-control system intact and operate with no evidence of tampering. You must document emissions-related repair expenses of at least $600, including parts and labor. Only repairs performed at a Certified Emissions Repair Facility will be considered eligible when requesting a waiver.

What If My Certified Emissions Repair Facility Tells Me That There Is Nothing Wrong with My Vehicle or That It Cannot Be Repaired?
If a diagnosis fails to reveal any problem or there is evidence to suggest emissions repairs are needed, you may apply for a diagnostic waiver. To qualify for a diagnostic waiver, a functional diagnosis and inspection must be performed by DMV personnel. To apply for a diagnostic waiver, call the DMV at (203) 805-6244.

Connecticut Emissions Program: Customer Bill of Rights

You have no obligation to purchase any goods or services from emissions test centers as a condition of receiving an emissions test.
Test Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Motorist Test Fee: $20 (Sales Tax Free).
You may either make an appointment for a test or drive up to the test center of your choice.
Every effort will be made to complete your test promptly. However, occasionally unexpected delays may occur.
If your vehicle fails its test, you are allowed one free re-test at the original test center within 30 days.
You do not need to have your vehicle repaired where it is tested. You can obtain emissions repairs from any repair facility or repair the vehicle yourself. However, you must use a Certified Emissions Repair Facility should you want to apply for a waiver of testing following a failure and making substantial emissions-related repairs. For a full list of Certified Emissions Repair Facilities, visit ctemissions.com or call the toll-free Emissions Test Hotline at (888) 828-8399.
The minimum emissions-related repair expense required to be eligible for a waiver is $600. To be eligible, these repairs must be performed at a Certified Emissions Repair Facility. Keep your receipts.
At the conclusion of your vehicle's test, you will receive a vehicle inspection report (VIR). If your vehicle fails its test, you will also receive information regarding repairs and re-tests. Remember to get an estimate and approve the estimate prior to having repairs done. If you believe work was done inappropriately or unnecessarily, you can call the DMV Emissions Division at (203) 805-6243.
It is illegal to solicit, offer and / or accept a bribe to pass a vehicle. Violators will be prosecuted. To report an incident of bribery, call DMV at (203) 805-6243.
If you question the validity of your vehicle's emissions test, you are entitled to challenge the results free of charge within 15 days by calling (203) 805-6243. If necessary, DMV will schedule a challenge test for you.
You may contact the toll-free Emissions Test Hotline with any questions, comments or concerns at (888) 828-8399, Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., or visit the ctemissions.com website.
You may also contact the DMV directly with questions, comments and concerns. You may visit the website at dmvct.org or call the DMV Telephone Center at (860) 263-5700 (within the Hartford area or outside of Connecticut) or (800) 842-8222 (elsewhere in Connecticut). Hours of operators on duty are: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Thursday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.