It is very important to have your car’s pollution checked regularly to make sure that the gases it releases don’t hurt the environment. If you don’t take the test at the right time, different states have different punishments. Why and when do you need to get your car tested in the state of Illinois? This article will tell you all about the Illinois Emissions Testing.
What Does Emissions Testing Mean?
International laws and rules on emissions say that every car has to go through a number of tough tests called vehicle emission tests to find out how well it uses gas and how much greenhouse gas it puts out in different situations. It generally involves checking how well the engine, catalytic converters, particle traps, and other emissions control devices work, as well as how the system reacts to different fuels.
Which cars in Illinois don’t need to go through emissions testing, and which ones do?
If you want to update your car’s registration in Illinois, it has to go through an emissions test.
Conduct a pollution test:
- Made after 1995 or earlier
- More than four years old
- diesel car or one that runs on electricity
- A car or truck that weighs between 8,501 and 14,000 pounds and was made after 2006
- Set aside farm tools.
The following cars don’t have to follow this rule:
- Trucks with diesel engines
- Electric cars and trucks only
- Cars and bikes
- Old cars were made before 1967
If a county doesn’t meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) makes cars in those counties test their emissions.
Which counties need to test for emissions?
The following counties need to do emission tests:
- Lake
- Dubuque
- Cook
Some places in counties like Will, Kane, Kendall, McHenry, Madison, Monroe, St. Clair, and Kane do not need a pollution test.
At what point does the Illinois emissions test stop being valid?
If you pass the pollution test, it will still be good for two years. You can take the test based on the letter you get after registering your car. The test has to be done every two years. Usually, if the model year of your car is even, the testing year will also be even. If the model year is odd, it will be an odd testing year.
How much does it cost in Illinois to get an emissions test?
It usually costs $20 to take the test, and if your car fails it after inspection, it means that it needs to be fixed in a certain way. Before you can renew your car’s license, you will have to pay for the repair. Once it is fully fixed, you will pass the test.
If you don’t take the test at the right time, on the other hand, you will be fined. When the registration sticker is more than two months old, you will have to pay a fine of at least $300. If it is less than two months old, the fine is at least $50.
How can I make sure I pass the Illinois emissions test?
The car test should be done as soon as you get the first notice that it needs to be done. If you know ahead of time that you won’t be in town on the chosen date, make plans early so that you can take the test right away. Also, fix everything that needs fixing before the car’s registration runs out.
If you want to pass the Illinois pollution test, here are some tips:
- Do regular maintenance on your car to make sure there aren’t any technical problems.
- To get a correct number, let your car run for at least 10 minutes before the test.
- Before the test, check to see if your car’s On-Board Diagnostic (OBDII) system is showing any error codes. If it is, have a trained emissions mechanic look at it and fix it.
- Before you do an On-Board Diagnostics test, let your car run for a few days. This will give the OBD system a chance to restart.
- If the make and model of your car were made in the year that catalytic converters became common, make sure that the one you have works properly.
A regular check-up before the emissions test can help you find most problems with the tires, gas cap, hoses and belts, catalytic converters, or emission system.
How does the test for emissions in Illinois work?
The steps below should be taken when you get a test warning or if your registration is up for renewal in four months:
- Find an exact place to test
- Bring your car to the place of choice for testing.
- At the test place, pay the fee, which is about $20.
For what kinds of cars does Illinois have different emissions tests?
In Illinois, these are the different pollution tests:
- Diagnostic Tests on Board
- Test the gas cap.
Can I ask for more time to take the Illinois emissions test?
Yes. At times, you may be able to ask for more time to pass the Illinois emissions test. Then state contractor will take care.
Here are some things you can do:
- If you scan the QR code, you’ll redirect to the government website.
- You can file the extension for the emissions test online.
In fact, you can renew your license at any central station. Once your car has passed its emission tests, you can buy the license stickers at that specific place.
Illinois Emissions Testing – Conclusion
Illinois, like every other state, has its own rules and laws about emission tests. Read through these rules and laws before you take your car to the place where it will be tested. Now that you know the different ways to pass the emission test, you should have no trouble doing so.
