An Applus+ Technologies, Inc. Website
Frequently Asked Questions
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Washington State Vehicle Emission Inspection Program
An Applus+ Technologies, Inc. Website |
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions:
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| How often must I test my vehicle? | ||||
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Vehicles are required to be tested every other year.
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| How do I know if my vehicle needs an emission test? | ||||
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The license renewal notice will have a statement that an emission test is needed. For licenses that expire in 2011, odd model year vehicles 1987 through 1995 and even model year vehicles 1996 through 2006 need to test before licensing. A test is also required to transfer the registered ownership between private parties for 1987 through 2006 model year vehicles unless the vehicle has been tested within the last 365 days. A test is not required to transfer the registered ownership between parents, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, spouses, legal domestic partners, or present co-owners or to change the legal owner. For licenses that expire in 2012, even model year vehicles 1988 through 1994 and odd model year vehicles 1997 through 2007 need to test before licensing. A test is also required to transfer the registered ownership between private parties for 1988 through 2007 model year vehicles unless the vehicle has been tested within the last 365 days. A test is not required to transfer the registered ownership between parents, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, spouses, legal domestic partners, or present co-owners or to change the legal owner. |
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| What if my vehicle is out of the area? | ||||
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DO NOT have your vehicle emission tested in another state. Other states' tests are NOT valid in Washington. You will need to fill out Ecology Form No. 020-9 (Application for Temporary Exemption from Emission Testing, or "Out of Area" form). You can get this form by:
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| Can test stations test my motor home or other large vehicle? | ||||
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Yes. All the stations can test large vehicles, but the following stations are recommended for vehicles over 30 feet long (Click on the name for directions): King County Pierce County Snohomish County Spokane County |
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| Does my hybrid vehicle have to be tested? | ||||
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Maybe. Only hybrid vehicles with an EPA city fuel economy rating of at least 50 miles per gallon (Honda Insight and Toyota Prius) and all 2009 and newer vehicles will never need to be tested. If your Honda Insight or Toyota Prius vehicle license renewal notice requires an emission test, this is in error. Visit a vehicle licensing office to correct the licensing records. More information on hybrid vehicles is available at www.fueleconomy.gov
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| How much will it cost to get my vehicle tested? | ||||
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| How may I pay for my vehicle's test? | ||||
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Payment of the test fees may be made using cash, credit/debit cards or check. Please use cash if possible. Credit and debit cards will be accepted upon authorization by the card provider. Cash: US currency only. No bills over $50.00 will be accepted. Credit/Debit: Visa/MasterCard/Discover credit and debit cards. ATM cards (cards that require a PIN/code) are not accepted. Checks: From a local bank with preprinted name and address and telephone number, either written or preprinted. Please have Photo ID that matches the name and address on the check. |
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Do I need a renewal notice to get a test or buy tabs and Who may bring in my vehicle to get a test? |
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No, you do not need a renewal notice to get a test and anyone may bring your vehicle to a test station. (See previous section "How may I pay for my vehicle's test?" for check writing restrictions) A passing or waived test, done up to 365 days before the tabs expire, will allow you to buy the tabs up to six months before the tabs expire.
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| When can I get a test or renew my tabs? | ||||
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An emission test may be done at any time up to 365 days before the tabs expire. A passing or waived test, done up to 365 days before the tabs expire, will allow you to buy the tabs up to six months before they expire. You can buy the tabs, once the vehicle has passed the test or has been waived, online at http://www.dol.wa.gov or in person at any vehicle licensing office without the vehicle test report printout.
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| What can I do to be sure my vehicle is tested? | ||||
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| What can I do to help my vehicle pass? | ||||
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| What test will my vehicle receive? | ||||
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Gasoline Vehicles All gasoline vehicles will have their gas caps tested or visually checked.Diesel Vehicles All diesel vehicles get an exhaust smoke test |
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| What if my vehicle does not pass the test? | ||||
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If your vehicle does not pass the test, the Lane Operator will give you a printout that shows where your vehicle failed. The Lane Operator will also give you an Authorized Emission Specialist List. These documents will assist you and your repair technician with the repair process. After your vehicle is diagnosed and repaired, return to any test station for a retest. The first retest is free. Subsequent tests are not free. |
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| How do I get a waiver? | ||||
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Any emission test station can provide you with a waiver, if your vehicle fails a retest after diagnosis/repairs by an Ecology Authorized Emission Specialist. You will need to provide itemized receipts that show that at least $150 was spent on emission diagnosis/repairs of the test failure. Refer to the brochure given to you when your vehicle failed for additional information. Vehicles with missing or tampered emission control equiment will not be waived. |
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| Why are emission tests required? | ||||
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Some areas have air quality problems due to motor vehicle emissions. Children, the elderly and people with breathing problems are most affected by air pollution; however, it does affect all of us. |
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| What can I do to reduce air pollution? | ||||
We can work together for cleaner air.
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| Who can repair my vehicle if it fails the test? | ||||
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Anyone may repair your vehicle. However, only diagnosis and repairs performed by an Authorized Emission Specialist (AES) can count toward a repair waiver. An Authorized Emission Specialist (AES) is a professional automotive repair technician recognized by the Department of Ecology as able to diagnose and repair vehicles that fail an emission test. Shops that employ these emission specialists are familiar with the repair requirements of the Emission Check Program and are equipped to perform repairs on vehicles that fail an emission test. Because some repairs may be very costly, your vehicle could be eligible for a waiver from having to pass a retest. You MAY obtain a waiver if your vehicle fails a retest and you have spent at least $150 on appropriate diagnosis/repairs by an Authorized Emission Specialist (AES) . Click here to find an AES shop in your area |
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| How can I find a good repair shop? | ||||
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| Will my vehicles's warranty pay for repairs? | ||||
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It might. Find out what is covered under your vehicle's warranty or extended service contract. Compare warranties on repair work when shopping around for the best repair shop. Many shops offer a 90-day or 4,000 mile warranty. Get it in writing! Also, consult the owner's manual. Regularly scheduled maintenance that is done according to the owner's manual helps prevent problems. |
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What if the repair shop recommends repairs that I don't think are needed? |
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Get a second diagnosis at another one of Ecology's authorized shops. The costs of the first and second diagnosis can be applied toward a waiver.
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| How do I know if I'm getting the repairs I'm paying for? | ||||
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Be sure you receive the signed, written cost estimate for the work to be performed. Compare the estimate to the invoice when you pick up the vehicle. Keep both the estimate and the invoice with the vehicle to establish service history. Verify that the parts were replaced and save the old parts for reference. Keep records of all transactions. If there is a dispute over a repair or charge, try to obtain a fair settlement with the shop manager or owner. They do care about their business. If you have questions on consumer protection laws related to repair shops, call the Attorney General's Consumer Resource Center: 1-800-551-4636. You may want to request the Attorney General's brochure, "Automotive Repair." If you have a complaint or want to know the complaint history of a specific business, call your local Better Business Bureau listed in your phone book.
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| I still have questions. Who can I contact? | ||||
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If you still have questions about vehicle repairs or testing, please contact the Department of Ecology's office for your county.
Clark and Pierce Counties
King and Snohomish Counties
Spokane County
For questions about: Please email: Applus+ Technologies Note: Please allow up to five business days for response. For questions about vehicle licensing: Please call the Department Of Licensing @ 360-902-3770 or any vehicle licensing office For all other questions: Please email The Department Of Ecology |
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