1996 and Newer Vehicles: On-Board Diagnostics (OBD II) Rejection/Failure Information||1995 and Older Vehicles: I/M 93 or BAR 90 Vehicle Emissions Test|| Waiver Information||Indiana Certified Emission Repair Technicians

If your plates have expired or will expire before you are able to have your vehicle repaired and you may be eligible to purchase a temporary 30-day plate from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.  Contact your local BMV branch for more information.

1996 and Newer Vehicles: On-Board Diagnostics (OBD II) Rejection/Failure Information

If your 1996 or newer vehicle was rejected or failed the emissions inspection the
following steps can assist you in the process of getting your vehicle into compliance.

Please make sure your hood latch is in working condition for an under hood inspection.  Please do not bring any pets in your vehicle during your referee appointment or during you emissions test.

If your vehicle failed an OBD test…

Listed below are common reason a vehicle might fail an OBD test:

• The vehicle’s OBD system connector has been removed or is otherwise not working properly.  The OBD check cannot be completed if the connector is missing or is not working properly.
  
  
• The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is not working.  The MIL functions to let the vehicle operator know when there is a problem with the vehicle.
  
  
• The MIL is illuminated.  You may see a “Service Engine Soon” or “Check Engine” light lit up. This indicates that there is a problem with your vehicle.  The specific Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be listed on the Vehicle Inspection Report.  These DTC’s will help your technician diagnose and repair your vehicle.  A qualified, trained automotive service technician equipped with the appropriate diagnostic repair tools can repair your vehicle.

Depending on your vehicle’s age and mileage, repairs may be covered under the vehicle manufacturer’s warranty.

If your vehicle was rejected for an OBD test…

There are two possible reasons for an OBD vehicle to be rejected:

• The vehicle’s OBD connector is not accessible.  Devices blocking the connector need to be moved to receive a test.
  
  

The vehicle’s OBD system is not ready.  Each OBD system is comprised of several monitors that evaluate specific aspects of the emission control system. If the monitors have not completed their internal tests, the OBD system is “not ready” to report its status. Problems may be present, but not yet identified.  A recently disconnected or discharged (run down) battery, or recent servicing or “clearing codes” with a scan tool are the most likely reasons for a vehicle’s OBD system being “not ready.”

For 1996-2000 model year vehicles, we are not able to retest the vehicle if more than two readiness monitors are not set.  For 2001 and newer model year vehicles, if more than one readiness monitor is not set we are able to retest the vehicle. Check your Vehicle Inspection Report for the specific monitors that were not ready.

In order for the OBD systems to become ready, the vehicle should be driven under a variety of normal operating conditions including a mix of highway driving, stop and go driving and at least one overnight off period.

The vehicle’s owner’s manual may provide more specific information on getting your vehicle’s OBD system ready.  Of course, you may also consult a dealership or repair facility in the event that your vehicle’s OBD system is not ready.

1995 and Older Vehicles: I/M 93 or BAR 90 Vehicle Emissions Test

If your 1995 or older vehicle failed the emissions inspection the following steps can assist you in the process of getting your vehicle into compliance. 

Waiver Information

Under certain conditions, your vehicle may qualify for a one-time waiver.  The waiver is a temporary exemption from additional repairs for vehicles that continue to fail the test.  Therefore, the next time your vehicle is due for an emission check, it must pass in order to be registered.  Only one waiver, valid for one test cycle, will be issued for the lifetime of the vehicle.

The following criteria must be met to apply for a waiver:

• The vehicle has failed two or more tests.
• All emission control equipment applicable to your vehicle is present and visually operational.
• Appropriate repairs were made in an attempt to correct the vehicle’s emission failure.
• Repairs were performed between two failing tests.
• The vehicle shows an emissions reduction from its initial test to its most current test.
• For 1976-1980 model year vehicles, at least $75 has been spent on appropriate emissions-related repairs since the initial failure.  For 1981 and newer model year vehicles, at least $450 has been spent on emission-related repairs performed by an Indiana Certified Emissions Repair shop. Please note: all original receipts detailing specific parts and repairs made to your vehicle must be presented to station management.
• Model year 1996 and newer vehicles must have at least 150,000 miles on the odometer and the vehicle must be at least eight model years of age to be eligible for a minimum expenditure waiver.

If the vehicle’s exhaust system has been tampered with, the vehicle is not eligible for a waiver. Tampering is removing or making inoperable any system or device used to control emissions from a motor vehicle engine.  The motor vehicle is defined as any self-propelled vehicle designed for transporting persons or property on a street or highway. The only exception to the  tampering rule is the need to install a new certified emission control system or device that is equally effective in reducing vehicle emissions

Tampering may include, but is not limited to:

• Removing the catalytic converter, air pump, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, or doing anything to keep them from working properly, such as disconnecting vacuum lines and electrical or mechanical parts of the pollution control system.
• Adjusting any element of a car or truck’s emission control design so that it no longer meets the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Installing a replacement part that is not he same in design and fuction as the part that was originally on the vehicle.
• Adding a part that was not originally certified on the car, such as installing a turbocharger.

Indiana Certified Emissions Repair Technicians