Program Changes Occurred in 2008

The vehicle emission inspection and maintenance program exists to comply with federal law and regulations under the Clean Air Act and amendments. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has established the inspection and maintenance program as one of several measures to reduce air pollution. DNR has received approval from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for all Wisconsin’s air pollution reduction measures. The program change enacted in 2007 Wisconsin Act 20 and in rule changes to Trans 131 has been approved by USEPA and conforms to federal regulations.

Program changes included:

1995 and Older Vehicles Exempted
In 2008, the law change eliminated the emission inspection of vehicles model year 1995 and earlier (previously, vehicles model year 1968 and newer required testing).

Eliminate testing requirement for non-OBD equipped 1996 and Newer Vehicles Weighing More Than 8500 Pounds
The standardization of OBDII equipped heavy duty vehicles whose gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is over 8,500 lbs, did not occur until model year 2007. Recognizing that, the program law was changed to require the emission inspection of vehicles model year 2007 and later up to 14,000 lbs. GVWR while limiting vehicles model year 2006 and earlier to 8,500 lbs GVWR. Prior to the law change, the program test requirement extended to all vehicles up to 10,000 lbs GVWR had required testing.

Add emission inspection of vehicles model year 2007 and later that are powered by diesel fuel.
Beginning with model year 2007, OBDII compliant diesel fuelled vehicles up to 14,000 GVWR will now be included in the testing requirement. The first test cycle for these vehicles will occur for vehicle registrations expiring in calendar year 2010.

Gas Cap Test Eliminated
All vehicles receiving an OBD test will no longer require a gas cap test. OBDII compliant vehicles monitor the vehicle’s evaporative system as part of the vehicle’s OBDII system.

Waukesha South Facility Closed
The Waukesha South facility, located at 1408 Poplar Drive closed due to low volumes.

As a result of these changes, the 2008 program data presented in this report reflects the impact of the changes which occurred on July 1, 2008. Since the program switched to an OBDII-only test on July 1, 2008, additional OBDII data, including the top diagnostic trouble codes and frequency of readiness monitor and non-communication rejects, are presented