Failures and Re-tests
Why didn’t my car pass?
If your vehicle failed, it is not running properly and it's polluting our air. That impacts everyone's health. Over 40% of all air pollution in the State comes from motor vehicles. The Connecticut Emissions Program works to identify vehicles that are "high emitters" and have them repaired to prevent excessive air pollution. That is why Connecticut and other states use inspection programs as a tool for compliance with standards of the Federal Clean Air Act. You are helping in this effort by keeping your vehicle running efficiently.
What if my vehicle doesn’t pass?
If your vehicle fails its initial emissions test, you will have 60 consecutive calendar days from the date of your initial test to have your vehicle’s emissions problems fixed and receive a free retest (test number 2). Also, be sure to check for any federally required emission control warranties that might be in effect for your vehicle.
If you have your vehicle tested after the 60 consecutive calendar days, you will be required to pay the $20 test fee again. Remember, the free retest must be performed at the same test center the original test was done. Please be aware that after the 30 day free retest period expires, your vehicle is out of compliance.
My car had repairs and now the test says it’s “not ready”. What does this mean?
Your vehicle’s computer continually monitors the status of its emission system in order to check that the vehicle’s emissions controls are working properly. After the completion of any emissions related repairs, the service technician will turn off the dashboard check engine light, which resets the status of all the vehicle’s emission system monitors to ‘not ready’. This resetting procedure may also occur if the battery is disconnected or has gone dead. This ‘not ready’ monitor status remains until the vehicle’s computer determines that all necessary conditions required of the On Board Diagnostic (OBD) system have been completed.
How do I make the vehicle’s emissions status “ready”?
After resetting trouble codes or battery disconnection, the vehicle must be driven a pre-determined number of times (known as ‘drive cycles) until the computer determines that enough conditions are satisfied. When this occurs, you should drive the vehicle in normal fashion, both at cruising speeds and “stop and go” driving for about a week before returning for a retest. The actual length of time needed to reset monitors varies by a vehicle’s make and model.
If all the required conditions that the vehicle’s computer is monitoring are not satisfied through your normal or routine driving, the repair technician may be able to drive the vehicle through a special driving cycle. This preset ‘driving cycle’ is designed to give the computer a chance to review most of the systems and reset the various monitor’s status to “ready”. If the check engine light comes back on during this process, additional repairs may be needed.
What if I fail the retest and can’t afford the repairs?
If you cannot afford the required repairs to allow your vehicle to pass, you may qualify for an economic hardship waiver.
Where should I have repairs done?
As described in the Customer Bill Of Rights, you can obtain repairs from any Certified Emission Repair Facility or you can repair the vehicle yourself. However, to qualify for a waiver from compliance, you will be required to supply receipts from a Certified Emission Repair Facility for the vehicle’s repairs.
If your vehicle fails the emissions retest, you may have the vehicle repaired and tested again or apply for an emissions waiver.
Why should I have my repairs done at a Certified Emission Repair Facility?
You are required to have the repairs done at a Certified Emission Repair Facility, if you intend to apply for a Cost Waiver.
How do I know if I’m going to an Official Connecticut Emissions Test Center?
A current listing of the Official Emissions Test Centers is available on the web or by calling 1-888-828-8399. In order for garages and used/new car dealers to be designated as an Official Emissions Test Center, they must be licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Additionally, all participating test centers will display a sign that indicates they are an “Official Emissions Test Center.”
What if my repairer determines there is nothing wrong with my vehicle or it can’t be fixed?
If the diagnosis fails to reveal any problem or there is no evidence to suggest emissions repairs are needed, you may apply for a diagnostic waiver.
What is a waiver?
A waiver allows a vehicle to comply
without meeting the applicable test standards in accordance with Sec. 14-164c-11a of the Connecticut State Regulations and 40 CFR Part 51 Sec. 51.360 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
How do I qualify for a waiver?
In order to qualify for a waiver your vehicle must have failed the emissions test twice. Additionally, your vehicle must have a complete emissions control system with no evidence of tampering. Also, you must be able to document emissions repair expenses of at least $660, including parts and labor that were performed at a Connecticut Certified Emission Repair Facility. For more detailed information, please refer to our Emissions Waiver.
How do I apply for a waiver?
To apply for an emissions waiver, call the Department of Motor Vehicles at 203-271-5427 or contact us via e-mail at emissions@dmvct.org. Also, be sure to check the requirements for waiver eligibility.
What are the types of waivers?
There are three different types of emissions waivers: cost, diagnostic, and time extension (for reasons of economic hardship). Check on the requirements for waiver eligibility to find out more information on waivers.
Are all vehicles eligible for waivers?
Please refer to our waiver eligibility information page for detailed eligibility requirements.
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