Part VI. Inspection Procedures
9VAC5-91-410. General.
A. The key steps in the emissions inspection procedure are as follows:
1. Preliminary inspection of the vehicle to determine whether to accept the vehicle for testing or reject it, as approved by the department and according to 9VAC5-91-420 C. If the vehicle is rejected, the results of such preliminary inspection shall be provided to the customer.
2. Advise the customer of the ability of the emissions inspection station to perform emissions related repairs including the availability of certified emissions repair technicians and necessary equipment. If the vehicle failed the test, inform the customer of their right to seek repairs elsewhere.
3. An agreement between the customer and the emissions inspection station, oral or written, that an emissions inspection will be performed and the requisite fee paid.
4. Determination of the type of emissions test required, ASM or two-speed idle test, or OBD system test for OBD vehicles. For certain OBD vehicles, the director may require an exhaust test (ASM or two-speed idle) in addition to the OBD system test if he conducts appropriate studies and determines that (i) the expected failure rate for exhaust testing for these certain vehicles would be greater than 5.0%, (ii) additional emissions reductions would be achieved, and (iii) the EPA acknowledges such emissions reduction benefits.
5. The inspection of emissions control equipment and an evaluation for the presence of visible smoke.
6. The test of exhaust emissions levels, or the vehicle's on-board diagnostic system if applicable, using a certified analyzer system.
7. The distribution of documents and emissions inspection results. The emissions inspector shall sign each motor vehicle emissions inspection report for each emissions inspection performed by that inspector. The inspector's identification number or the inspector's signature, or both, shall be an endorsement that all aspects of the emissions inspection were performed by the inspector in accordance with this chapter.
8. Advise customers of emissions inspection results, options for waiver if applicable, and the obligation of the station to perform a free retest within 14 days for failed vehicles and the conditions placed on the motorist in regard to free retests.
9. Conduct free retest, if necessary, within 14 days of a chargeable initial test.
B. The emissions inspection station may charge a fee not to exceed the amount specified in § 46.2-1182 of the Code of Virginia.
Statutory Authority
§ 46.2-1180 of the Code of Virginia; § 182 of the Clean Air Act; 40 CFR Part 51, Subpart S.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 13, Issue 5, eff. January 24, 1997; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 20, eff. October 1, 2002; Volume 29, Issue 24, eff. August 28, 2013; Volume 35, Issue 5, eff. November 28, 2018.
9VAC5-91-420. Inspection procedure; rejection, pass, fail, waiver.
A. All aspects of the inspection shall be performed by an emissions inspector, using the instructions programmed in the certified analyzer system and procedures approved by the department, within the designated inspection area, and on the permitted premises.
B. The emissions inspection station shall notify the customer prior to initiating an emissions inspection that the emissions inspection station is either able or unable to perform the emissions-related repairs required by 9VAC5-91-480 for that particular vehicle should that vehicle fail the inspection. The emissions inspector shall not conduct an inspection on a motor vehicle unless the customer gives approval after being so notified.
C. The emissions inspector shall not conduct an inspection on a motor vehicle if the vehicle is in an unsafe condition for testing according to the following conditions. The customer shall be informed of any such condition.
1. The vehicle shall not have holes or detectable leaks in the exhaust system. The inspector may check the system for leaks by listening or visually inspecting for such leaks or by measuring carbon dioxide. The presence of leaks shall cause the vehicle to be rejected from testing.
2. The motor vehicle shall be evaluated for the presence of visible smoke emissions. Those vehicles exhibiting any visible smoke emissions from the engine crankcase or exhaust system or both, shall be rejected from testing.
3. The vehicle shall not have any mechanical problems, such as engine, brake, or transmission problems or engine, radiator, or transmission fluid leaks that would create a safety hazard for the applicable test, or bias test results. Such conditions shall cause the vehicle to be rejected from testing.
4. For vehicles receiving a test while operating on a dynamometer, the vehicle shall be rejected from testing if drive wheel tire tread wear indicators, tire cords, bubbles, cuts, or other damage are visible. Such vehicles shall be rejected from testing if space-saver spare tires are being used on a drive axle or if they do not have reasonably sized tires on the drive axle or axles based on dynamometer manufacturer safety criteria or if the set of tires is a mixture of radial and bias ply. Vehicles may be rejected if they have different sized tires on the drive axle or axles. Drive wheel tires shall be checked for appropriate tire pressure and adjusted as necessary as recommended by the tire or vehicle manufacturer.
5. The vehicle shall be rejected from testing if the fuel filler cap (gas cap) is missing.
6. The vehicle shall be rejected from testing if a known, emissions-related, manufacturers recall has not been satisfied according to Part XI (9VAC5-91-720 et seq.).
7. Vehicles that are overheated shall be rejected from testing. Vehicles that indicate that an overheated condition will be achieved during testing may be rejected from testing at the discretion of the inspector.
8. OBD vehicles shall be rejected from testing for any of the following:
a. The OBD data link cannot be accessed physically or electronically.
b. The testing equipment indicates that the OBD system is in a "not ready" status. A "not ready" status shall be indicated by the following:
(1) For model year 1996 through 2000, three or more monitors indicate "not ready."
(2) For model year 2001 and newer, two or more monitors indicate "not ready."
(3) For vehicles that failed the emissions inspection for a catalytic converter related fault code, and the catalyst monitor indicates "not ready" during a reinspection.
c. The catalyst monitor or oxygen sensor monitor, or both, are not supported, except for models exempt by the director.
d. The OBD system is unable to communicate successfully with the analyzer system.
e. The OBD system indicates evidence of tampering.
f. The director may adjust the number of "not ready" monitors required for rejection from testing for specific vehicle models based upon information from this program or other state programs, vehicle manufacturers, or the EPA.
D. The emissions inspection procedure shall be performed under the following conditions:
1. For vehicles subject to exhaust emissions testing, the entire vehicle shall be in normal operating condition as indicated by a temperature gauge or touch test on the radiator hose. If ASM testing is performed, a cooling fan shall be directed at the engine cooling system if the ambient temperature exceeds 72°F.
2. The inspection shall be performed with the transmission in park or neutral for OBD testing or for two-speed idle testing, or in drive (if automatic), or the appropriate gear to achieve necessary RPM range (if manual) for ASM testing; and with all accessories off.
3. All electronic and mechanical testing equipment shall be properly attached according to vehicle and analyzer system manufacturer requirements and instructions.
4. For vehicles subject to exhaust emissions testing, the analyzer probe shall be properly inserted into the exhaust system.
a. The analyzer probe shall be inserted into the tailpipe as recommended by the gas analyzer manufacturer for a quality sample, or at least 10 inches if not specified by the manufacturer.
b. If a baffle or screen prevents probe insertion to an adequate depth, a suitable probe adapter or extension boot which effectively lengthens the tail pipe must be used.
c. If the vehicle is equipped with multiple unique exhaust outlets, a suitable analyzer system manufacturer recommended adapter or other apparatus shall be used in order to provide a single supply of the sample exhaust to the gas analyzer.
d. Vehicle exhaust shall be vented safely out of the inspection area and facility.
5. If the vehicle stops running or the engine stalls during the test it shall be started as soon as possible and, for vehicles subject to exhaust emissions testing, shall be running for at least 30 seconds prior to the restart of the test.
6. For vehicles subject to exhaust emissions testing, the exhaust test shall be terminated upon reaching the overall maximum test time for the applicable test, or if CO plus CO2 concentration falls below 6.0% as determined by the analyzer system.
7. Each emissions inspection, whether initial or retest, shall be conducted in its entirety with the exception of (i) conditions which require that the vehicle be rejected from testing in accordance with subsection C of this section, (ii) invalid test conditions, or (iii) conditions beyond the emissions inspector's control that cause the test to be aborted.
E. In consideration of maintaining inspection integrity:
1. The temperature of the inspection area shall be between 41°F and 110°F during the inspection. Inspection area temperatures shall be accurately measured in a well-ventilated location away from vehicle engine and exhaust heat sources and out of direct sunlight. The analyzer system shall not be operated when the temperature of the inspection area is not within the range stated above.
2. The analyzer system shall be kept in a stable environment which affords adequate protection from the weather and local sources of hydrocarbons or other pollutants that may interfere with gas analyzer performance or accuracy of test results, or both.
3. The electrical supply to the analyzer system shall be able to meet the manufacturer's requirements for voltage and frequency stability.
4. The inspection location shall meet all applicable zoning requirements.
5. The analyzer system shall be operated according to quality assurance procedures and other procedures approved by the department.
F. The emissions inspector shall accurately identify and enter vehicle information, visual component and visible smoke inspection results as applicable for vehicle emissions inspection records. The data entered into the certified analyzer system and recorded on the certificate of vehicle emissions inspection shall be the data from the vehicle being inspected and must be obtained from that vehicle.
G. The emissions inspector shall perform an inspection of the emissions control systems. The inspection shall include the following:
1. An examination of the emissions control information decal (sticker) under the hood, reference manual, and applications guide to determine if the vehicle, as manufactured or certified for sale or use within the United States, should be equipped with a catalytic converter system, air injection system, fuel evaporative emissions control system, positive crankcase ventilation system, exhaust gas recirculation valve, on-board diagnostic system, or thermostatic air cleaner system, as appropriate.
2. Based on the determinations made in subdivision 1 of this subsection, a visual inspection for the presence and operability of the catalytic converter system and, for vehicles subject to exhaust emissions testing, the air injection system, fuel evaporative emissions control system, positive crankcase ventilation system, exhaust gas recirculation system and thermostatic air cleaner system. If any of these parts or systems are inoperable, or have been removed or damaged, or rendered inoperable, the vehicle will not qualify for an emissions inspection approval or waiver. If systems are missing which the reference manual or applications guide indicates should be present, the motor vehicle manufacturer's emissions control information provided for that vehicle shall apply. The inspector shall enter the result of the visual inspection, "pass," "fail," or "not applicable" as appropriate into the certified analyzer system. The department may issue a temporary waiver because of the unavailability of component parts listed in subdivision 2 of this subsection if it is determined that the subject components or parts are not available provided the following conditions have been met:
a. The owner of the vehicle obtains a signed statement from the manufacturer's dealer or automotive parts source that supplies parts for the vehicle model indicating the nonavailability of such parts.
b. The statement submitted must be on letterhead or other official form or document and signed by an officer, owner or other responsible official of the automotive parts source.
c. The statement must identify the parts by description and part number and must indicate whether the parts are not currently stocked, have been superseded by other parts, or are out of production.
d. The department may conduct an independent investigation to locate any such parts or to verify the information on the statement prior to the issuance of any vehicle inspection report. The vehicle shall be held to all applicable inspection parameters, test type and standards or other conditions with the exception of the emissions control components and parts that have been verified as unavailable.
e. Any additional requirements to repair the vehicle to meet the applicable emissions standards or to qualify for an emissions inspection waiver under subsection M of this section shall apply.
f. If the department is able to determine that (i) the unavailable part, or parts, is the only method of controlling the emissions for which the vehicle has failed an emissions inspection or (ii) no other repairs will be effective in reducing such emissions, the department may issue a temporary waiver notwithstanding the provisions of subsection M of this section.
3. For OBD vehicles, an electronic inspection of the applicable on-board diagnostic (OBD) system according to manufacturer specifications and procedures approved by the EPA. The exhaust emissions test may also be performed on a limited basis as specified by the department for quality control or program evaluation purposes.
a. Emissions-related failure codes that cause the malfunction indicator lamp to be commanded "on" provided by OBD systems of OBD vehicles shall cause the vehicle to fail the emissions inspection. If testing equipment or visual inspection indicates that the malfunction indicator lamp is inoperable, the vehicle shall fail the emissions inspection. If the testing equipment indicates that the OBD system is in a "not ready" status, the vehicle shall be rejected from testing according to subdivision C 8 of this section.
b. Emissions-related failure codes that cause the malfunction indicator lamp to be commanded "on" as provided by OBD systems of light duty diesel powered vehicles of model years 1997 and newer shall cause the vehicle to fail the inspection. In addition, if the testing equipment or visual examination indicates that the malfunction indicator lamp is inoperable, the vehicle shall fail the emissions inspection. If the testing equipment indicates that the OBD system is in a "not ready" status, the vehicle shall be rejected from testing according to subdivision C 8 of this section. The director may increase or decrease the number of "not ready" monitors allowed based on an analysis of the program data, data from other state's programs and the EPA.
c. The department may exempt vehicle models or some classes of vehicles from OBD testing due to known OBD system problems or anomalies associated with such vehicles. If exempted from OBD testing, such vehicles shall receive the ASM or TSI test as applicable.
H. For vehicles otherwise subject to ASM testing based on model year and weight classification, the department may determine, due to complications identified in this or other state programs, or consultation with vehicle manufacturers, that certain vehicle makes or models shall be tested using the two-speed idle test in lieu of the ASM test or using a mixture of test modes such as an ASM 2525 coupled with an idle test.
I. For 1981 model year and newer vehicles with a GVWR up to and including 8,500 pounds, the exhaust emissions inspection procedure, if applicable, shall be an ASM, two-mode (ASM 5015 plus ASM 2525), loaded test, performed while the vehicle is operating on a dynamometer. The test shall be preceded by a 30-90 second preconditioning period, as determined by the department, using the ASM 2525 load simulation.
J. The exhaust emissions inspection procedure, if applicable, shall be a two-speed idle test as specified in section (II) of Appendix B of 40 CFR Part 51, Subpart S, and 9VAC5-91-440 for the following affected motor vehicles:
1. Vehicles with a GVWR greater than 8,500 pounds and up to and including 10,000 pounds;
2. Vehicles of model years 1980 and older;
3. Vehicles which employ full-time four wheel drive systems;
4. Vehicles which have traction control or anti-lock brake systems which have been determined by the manufacturer or the department to interfere with proper ASM testing; or
5. Vehicles which have some other configuration which has been determined by the department to interfere with proper ASM testing.
K. In order to obtain a vehicle registration from the Department of Motor Vehicles, a certificate of emissions inspection shall be issued by an emissions inspector or the department indicating that the vehicle has either passed the emissions inspection or has received a waiver as specified in subsections L and M of this section. A motor vehicle shall pass the emissions inspection and a certificate of vehicle emissions inspection and a motor vehicle inspection report indicating the vehicle has passed shall be issued if the following conditions are met:
1. The motor vehicle meets the applicable emissions control systems inspection requirements.
2. For vehicles subject to exhaust emissions testing, the vehicle emissions levels are the same as or less than the applicable exhaust emission standards in Part III (9VAC5-91-160 et seq.) and Part XIV (9VAC5-91-790 et seq.), as applicable; or for vehicles subject to OBD, the vehicle passes the OBD test and exhaust emissions test, if applicable.
3. There are no visible smoke emissions from the vehicle engine crankcase or tail pipe, or both.
L. If the vehicle fails the initial emissions inspection, a certificate of emissions inspection and a motor vehicle inspection report shall be issued indicating a failure, and the owner shall have 14 days in which to have repairs or adjustments made and return the vehicle to the emissions inspection station which performed the initial inspection for one free reinspection.
M. A certificate of vehicle emissions inspection waiver may be issued if all of the following conditions are met:
1. The vehicle passes the emissions control systems inspection described by subsection G of this section if applicable.
2. There are no visible smoke emissions from the vehicle engine crankcase or exhaust system, or both.
3. The vehicle continues to exceed applicable emissions standards after emissions related repairs required by 9VAC5-91-480 have been performed.
4. An amount equal to or greater than the adjusted waiver cost for enhanced emissions inspection programs specified in subsection N of this section has been spent on emissions related repairs as specified in 9VAC5-91-480 provided that:
a. Proof that emissions related repairs have been accomplished and costs for that specific vehicle have been provided to the emissions inspection station in the form of an itemized bill, invoice, paid work order, or statement in which emissions related parts or repairs, or both, are specifically identified, and to the extent practical, the inspector can confirm the repairs by visual examination;
b. The emissions inspector has been provided with a properly completed emissions repair data form indicating that the repair work was performed at a certified emissions repair facility and that the repairs were performed by or under the supervision or approval of a certified emissions repair technician at a certified emissions repair facility; and
c. The repair work was performed no earlier than 60 days prior to the initial inspection.
N. The repair cost requirements for waiver eligibility for the enhanced emissions inspection program shall be $450 adjusted to reflect the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and adjusted annually thereafter, as described at 40 CFR 51.360(a)(7) and § 46.2-1181 C of the Code of Virginia.
O. A waiver shall not be issued for a vehicle which is eligible for the emissions control systems performance warranty, under the provisions of § 207(b) of the federal Clean Air Act. In accordance with the provisions of § 207(b) of the federal Clean Air Act, the repair costs necessary for compliance with emissions standards specified in Part III (9VAC5-91-160 et seq.) and Part XIV (9VAC5-91-790 et seq.) will be borne by the vehicle manufacturer or authorized dealer representative.
P. The analyzer system shall generate an electronic record of the certificate of emissions inspection and transmit the appropriate data to the department and the emissions inspector shall make distribution of the vehicle inspection report to the customer.
Q. The customer shall be advised as specified below upon completion or termination of the inspection procedure.
1. If the test is terminated prior to completion, explain the problem with the vehicle or equipment and, if applicable, advise of free retest and time limit.
2. If the vehicle passes or receives a waiver, provide a motor vehicle inspection report and advise motorist of registration requirement and process, including the process to be used in case of interruption of the electronic data transfer system.
3. If the vehicle fails:
a. Give vehicle inspection report of failure to customer;
b. Advise of type of failure;
c. Advise of free retest and time limit;
d. Advise of repair facility information as provided by the department; and
e. Advise of waiver requirements, if applicable.
R. In cases of complaints or disputes between the emissions inspector or emissions inspection station and the customer, the customer shall be advised of the location and phone number of a department representative to be contacted to obtain assistance in resolving disputes.
Statutory Authority
§ 46.2-1180 of the Code of Virginia; § 182 of the Clean Air Act; 40 CFR Part 51, Subpart S.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 13, Issue 5, eff. January 24, 1997; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 20, eff. October 1, 2002; Volume 29, Issue 24, eff. August 28, 2013; Volume 35, Issue 5, eff. November 28, 2018.
9VAC5-91-430. ASM test procedure.
A. The ASM equipment shall be in proper operating condition according to the manufacturer's instructions prior to initiating a test.
1. The vehicle shall be maneuvered onto the dynamometer with the drive wheels positioned on the dynamometer rolls. Prior to test initiation, the rolls shall be rotated until the vehicle laterally stabilizes on the dynamometer. Vehicles that cannot be stabilized on the dynamometer shall be rejected from testing. Drive wheel tires shall be dried if necessary to prevent slippage.
2. Prior to initiating the ASM exhaust test procedure:
a. Vehicles that are also required to receive OBD testing shall be connected to the appropriate test equipment and vehicle and analyzer system manufacturer instructions.
b. The OBD test, if applicable, shall be performed prior to the ASM test.
3. When ambient temperatures exceed 72°F, testing shall not begin until the cooling fan is positioned and activated. The cooling fan shall be positioned to direct air to the vehicle cooling system, but shall not be directed at the catalytic converter.
4. Testing shall not begin until the vehicle is properly restrained for ASM testing.
5. Testing shall not begin until the exhaust ventilation system is properly functioning and attached or positioned as necessary.
6. To ensure that the motor vehicle and the dynamometer are in a warmed-up condition prior to official testing, a 30-90 second preconditioning, as determined by the department, shall be performed using the ASM 2525 load simulation.
7. Prior to each test or mode of a test, the analyzer system shall automatically select the load setting of the dynamometer.
8. Engine speed shall be monitored by means of an RPM sensor and recorded in the test record.
B. The test sequence shall consist of first chance and, if applicable, second chance tests in both ASM modes described in this section. Vehicles that fail the first chance test as described within 150% of the standard shall receive a second chance test. The department may increase this percentage to 200% when interim or final standards take effect according to 9VAC5-91-170 B. The second chance test shall consist of a repetition of the mode or modes that were failed in the first chance test. The department may eliminate the need to do a second chance test if the vehicle has already failed an emissions component check.
C. The ASM 2525 mode timer shall start when the dynamometer speed (and corresponding power) are maintained at 25 ±1.0 miles per hour for five continuous seconds. If the acceleration simulation exceeds the tolerance specified by the analyzer system equipment manufacturer for more than five consecutive seconds after the mode timer is started, the test mode timer shall be reset. Should this happen a third time, the test shall be aborted and another started. The dynamometer shall apply the required torque load for 25.0 mph at any testing speed within the tolerance of 25 ±1.0 miles per hour (i.e., constant torque load over speed range). The torque tolerance shall be ±5.0% of the correct torque at 25 mph.
1. The analyzer system shall automatically select the proper load setting for the dynamometer and test standards, based on the Equivalent Test Weight (ETW) and the look-up table in Part XIV (9VAC5-91-790 et seq.), using vehicle identification information.
2. If the dynamometer speed or torque falls outside the speed or torque tolerance for more than two consecutive seconds, or for more than five seconds total, the test mode time shall reset to zero and resume timing. The minimum mode length shall be 45 seconds. The maximum mode length shall be 90 seconds elapsed time.
3. During the 10 second period used for the pass/fail decision, dynamometer speed shall not fall more than 0.5 mph (absolute drop, not cumulative). If the speed at the end of the 10 second period is more than 0.5 mph less than the speed at the start of the 10 second period, testing shall continue until the speed stabilizes enough to meet this criterion.
4. The pass/fail analysis shall begin after an elapsed time of 30 seconds, which may include up to 15 seconds of the preconditioning time period if the ASM 2525 torque and speed tolerances are maintained. A pass or fail determination shall be made for the vehicle and the mode shall be terminated as follows:
a. The vehicle shall pass the ASM 2525 mode and the mode shall be immediately terminated if, at any point between an elapsed time of 30 seconds and 90 seconds, the 10 second running average measured values for each pollutant are simultaneously less than or equal to the applicable test standards described in Part XIV (9VAC5-91-790 et seq.).
b. The vehicle shall fail the ASM 2525 mode and the mode shall be terminated if subdivision C 4 a of this section is not satisfied by an elapsed time of 90 seconds.
5. Upon termination of the ASM 2525 mode, the vehicle and dynamometer shall immediately begin a transition to the speed required for the ASM 5015 mode. The dynamometer torque shall smoothly transition during the transition period and shall automatically reset to the load required for the ASM 5015 mode as specified in subdivision D 1 of this section.
D. The ASM 5015 mode timer shall start when the dynamometer speed (and corresponding power) are maintained at 15 ±1.0 miles per hour for five continuous seconds. If the acceleration simulation exceeds the tolerance specified by the analyzer system manufacturer for more than five consecutive seconds after the mode timer is started, the test mode timer shall be reset. Should this happen a third time, the test shall be aborted and another started. The dynamometer shall apply the required torque for 15.0 mph at any testing speed within the tolerance of 15 ±1.0 miles per hour (i.e., constant torque load over speed range). The torque tolerance shall be ±5.0% of the correct torque at 15 mph.
1. The analyzer system shall automatically select the proper load setting for the dynamometer and test standards, based on the ETW and the look-up table in Part XIV (9VAC5-91-790 et seq.), using vehicle identification information.
2. If the dynamometer speed or torque falls outside the speed or torque tolerance for more than two consecutive seconds, or for more than five seconds total, the mode timer shall reset to zero and resume timing. The minimum mode length shall be 40 seconds. The maximum mode length shall be 90 seconds elapsed time.
3. During the 10 second period used for the pass/fail decision, dynamometer speed shall not fall more than 0.5 mph (absolute drop, not cumulative). If the speed at the end of the 10 second period is more than 0.5 mph less than the speed at the start of the 10 second period, testing shall continue until the speed stabilizes enough to meet this criterion.
4. The pass/fail analysis shall begin after an elapsed time of 30 seconds. A pass or fail determination shall be made for the vehicle and the mode shall be terminated as follows:
a. The vehicle shall pass the ASM 5015 mode if, at any point between an elapsed time of 30 seconds and 90 seconds, the 10-second running average measured values for each pollutant are simultaneously less than or equal to the applicable test standards described in Part XIV (9VAC5-91-790 et seq.). If the vehicle passed the ASM 2525 mode, the ASM 5015 mode shall be terminated upon obtaining passing scores for all three pollutants.
b. The vehicle shall fail the first chance ASM 5015 mode if subdivision D 4 a of this section is not satisfied by an elapsed time of 90 seconds.
E. The inspector shall perform a second chance test on vehicles which fail either mode of the previous test sequence as follows:
1. If the vehicle fails the first-chance test, the test timer shall reset to zero and a second-chance test shall be performed, except as noted below. The second-chance test shall have an overall maximum test time of 145 seconds if one mode is repeated, an overall maximum time of 290 seconds if two modes are repeated.
2. If the vehicle failed only the ASM 2525 mode of the first chance test, then that mode shall be repeated upon completion of the first chance ASM 5015 mode. The repeated mode shall be performed as described in this section except that the provisions of subdivision C 5 of this section shall be omitted.
3. If the vehicle failed only the ASM 5015 mode of the first chance test, then the first chance ASM 5015 mode shall not end at 90 seconds but shall continue for up to 180 seconds.
4. If the vehicle failed both ASM 5015 and ASM 2525 modes of the first chance test, then the vehicle shall receive a second-chance test for the ASM 2525 mode immediately following the first chance ASM 5015 mode. If the vehicle fails the second-chance ASM 2525 mode, then the vehicle shall fail the test, otherwise the vehicle shall also receive a second-chance ASM 5015 mode test.
Statutory Authority
§ 46.2-1180 of the Code of Virginia; § 182 of the Clean Air Act; 40 CFR Part 51, Subpart S.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 13, Issue 5, eff. January 24, 1997; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 20, eff. October 1, 2002; Volume 29, Issue 24, eff. August 28, 2013; Volume 35, Issue 5, eff. November 28, 2018.
9VAC5-91-440. Two-speed idle test procedure.
A. The emissions inspection procedure shall be a two-speed idle test as specified in section (II) of Appendix B of 40 CFR Part 51, Subpart S.
1. The two-speed idle test shall consist of a test of the vehicle's exhaust emissions at idle and at 2500 rpm while the vehicle's gear selector is in neutral or park.
2. The idle test shall be administered after the 2500 rpm test. The tests shall be run consecutively.
3. The complete test shall consist of a first chance 2500 RPM mode test; followed by a first chance idle mode test. If either first chance mode fails, the first chance shall be followed by a preconditioning at 2500 RPM for up to three minutes and a second chance 2500 RPM mode test followed by a second chance idle mode. The department may eliminate the need to repeat a mode that passed the first chance test.
4. If the vehicle fails the first chance test, the second chance test and preconditioning shall be omitted if no exhaust hydrocarbon concentration less than 1800 ppm is detected within an elapsed time of 30 seconds. The department may eliminate the need to do a second chance test if the vehicle has already failed an emissions component check.
5. Motor vehicle manufacturers and the Environmental Protection Agency may issue special test instructions for specific vehicle models which shall be followed in lieu of the test procedures specified in this section if such instructions are provided through the administrator.
6. In order to pass the two-speed idle test, the vehicle's exhaust shall not exceed the standards listed in 9VAC5-91-160.
7. Vehicles which are required to receive OBD testing shall be connected to the appropriate test equipment according to vehicle and analyzer manufacturer instructions. The OBD test shall be performed prior to the two-speed idle test.
B. The idle test mode shall be performed as follows:
1. The vehicle transmission shall be in neutral or park and the parking brake applied; the engine shall be operating at curb idle and there shall not be any manipulation of the engine throttle mechanism.
2. The engine speed (RPM) shall be obtained and shall be between 400 and 1250 RPM for the duration of the test mode.
3. The pass/fail analysis shall begin after an elapsed time of 10 seconds.
4. The idle mode elapsed time shall be 30 seconds.
5. The exhaust concentrations shall be measured as percent carbon monoxide and parts per million hydrocarbons after stabilized readings are obtained and averaged over the last five seconds at the end of the idle test mode.
C. The 2500 RPM test mode shall be performed as follows:
1. The vehicle transmission shall be in neutral or park.
2. The vehicle engine speed shall be increased from idle to between 2200 and 2800 RPM and maintained at that level.
3. If the engine speed varies outside the parameters of 2200 to 2800 RPM for more than two seconds during a sampling period, the 2500 RPM mode shall be invalid and the 2500 RPM test shall be restarted. If the engine speed varies outside such parameters for more than a cumulative total of 10 seconds, the 2500 RPM test mode shall be invalid and another initiated.
4. The pass/fail analysis shall begin after an elapsed time of 10 seconds.
5. The 2500 RPM mode elapsed time shall be 30 seconds.
6. The exhaust concentrations shall be measured as percent carbon monoxide and parts per million hydrocarbons after stabilized readings are obtained and averaged over the last five seconds at the end of the 2500 RPM test mode.
Statutory Authority
§ 46.2-1180 of the Code of Virginia; § 182 of the Clean Air Act; 40 CFR Part 51, Subpart S.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 13, Issue 5, eff. January 24, 1997; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 20, eff. October 1, 2002; Volume 29, Issue 24, eff. August 28, 2013; Volume 35, Issue 5, eff. November 28, 2018.
9VAC5-91-450. (Repealed.)
Statutory Authority
§ 46.2-1180 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 13, Issue 5, eff. January 24, 1997; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 20, eff. October 1, 2002; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 24, eff. August 28, 2013.
9VAC5-91-460. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 13, Issue 5, eff. January 24, 1997; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 20, eff. October 1, 2002.
9VAC5-91-480. Emissions related repairs.
A. Emissions related repairs generally include only those adjustments to and maintenance and repair of the motor vehicle components and systems which are directly related to the reduction of exhaust and evaporative emissions necessary to comply with the applicable emissions standards. The expenditure for emissions related repairs does not include the inspection fee as specified in § 46.2-1182 of the Virginia Motor Vehicle Emissions Control Law or the expenses associated with the adjustments to and maintenance, replacement, and repair of emissions control equipment if the need for such adjustment, maintenance, or repair is due to obvious disconnection of, tampering with, or abuse to such emissions control equipment.
B. Repairs and maintenance including but not limited to the following systems may qualify as emissions related repairs insofar as the purpose is to reduce exhaust or evaporative emissions:
1. Air intake systems.
2. Ignition systems.
3. Electrical systems.
4. Fuel control systems.
5. Emissions control systems.
6. Basic engine systems.
7. Engine cooling systems for microprocessor based air and fuel control systems.
8. On-board diagnostic systems.
C. The cost of emissions related repairs may qualify for repair costs applicable toward the waiver cost threshold under 9VAC5-91-420 N 5 only if performed at a certified emissions repair facility. The repairs shall be performed by or under the supervision or approval of a certified emissions repair technician.
Statutory Authority
§ 46.2-1180 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 13, Issue 5, eff. January 24, 1997; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 20, eff. October 1, 2002.
9VAC5-91-490. Engine and fuel changes.
A. For those vehicles in which the original engine has been replaced, the following conditions shall apply:
1. The emissions standards and applicable emissions control equipment for the year and model of the vehicle body or chassis, or the engine, whichever is newer, according to the registration or title, shall apply.
2. For those diesel powered vehicles which have been converted to operate on fuels other than diesel, the emissions standards and applicable emissions control equipment for the year, make and model of the gasoline equivalent for the vehicle chassis, according to the registration, shall apply.
3. Exceptions and final determinations regarding this section may be granted by the department provided information is verifiable by inspection of the vehicle engine and emissions control equipment by the department.
B. For those vehicles that were assembled by other than a licensed manufacturer, such as kit cars, the applicable emissions control equipment and emissions standards shall be based upon a determination of the year of the vehicle engine. The year of the engine shall be presumed to be that stated by the vehicle owner unless it is determined by the department, after physical inspection of the vehicle engine, that the year of the engine is other than stated by the owner. The emissions standards for a vehicle of this classification shall be determined by the year of manufacture of the engine.
C. For those vehicles which have the capability or are equipped to operate on either gasoline or an alternative fuel, and are subject to emissions inspections, the vehicle shall be tested while operating on gasoline containing no more than 15% ethanol or methanol.
D. In order to provide for the accurate inspection and registration coordination of motor vehicles in which the original engine has been replaced, questions shall be referred to the department for resolution.
Statutory Authority
§ 46.2-1180 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 13, Issue 5, eff. January 24, 1997; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 20, eff. October 1, 2002.