Common questions about emissions
Why do I need an emission test for my vehicle?
In 1984 Ada County started emissions testing vehicles to reduce pollution in our air. Vehicles produce 75% of the carbon monoxide and 65% of the hydrocarbon pollution in our air. Over half of all vehicular pollution comes from only 10% of the vehicles. By identifying the dirtiest vehicles and getting them fixed the emissions testing program has been able to reduce vehicular pollution by about 18%. Currently, only vehicles registered in
Ada County are required to undergo emissions testing.
How much will an emissions test cost?
The Air Quality Board has set $15.00 as the maximum amount that a
testing station can charge for a completed emissions test.
What are the ordinances regulating these tests?
The Air Quality Board was established by ordinances passed by the elected officials in Ada County and the cities in the county. The Air Quality Board administers the emissions testing program by establishing the standards used for emissions testing and licensing stations to perform the emissions test. These standards are established following public hearings and printed in the Air Quality Board's Rules and Regulations.
Which vehicles have to get an emissions test?
The local ordinances
require all 1965 and newer vehicles registered as, or
required to be registered as Ada County vehicles, to be tested.
[State law requires you to specify the county where you reside as the
"domicile county" during the registration process.
This "domicile county" is used to determine testing
requirements, not the "1A" or other county identifier on the
plate.] New vehicles bought from a new car dealer are exempt
from testing for
the first year. Motorcycles, motorhomes and vehicles under
1500 pounds gross vehicle weight (gross vehicle weight includes the
weight of the vehicle plus fuel, passengers and baggage and is
generally specified by the manufacturer) are not required to get
tests. Vehicles registered with Old Timer and Classic plates are
not required to get the emissions test but there are restrictions on
the use of vehicles registered with these plates. Farm tractors
registered under Idaho Code 49-406A and prorated registrations under
Idaho Code 49-437 are also exempt from testing.
How is the federal government involved?
Under the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes air quality standards to protect public health and the environment. EPA has set national air quality standards for the six principal air pollutants. These include: carbon monoxide (CO), lead (Pb), nitrogen dioxide (NOx), ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).
Each year EPA looks at the levels of these pollutants in the air and the amounts of emissions from various sources to see how both have changed over time and to summarize the current status of air quality. For more information visit the EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality.
What are vehicle emissions?
Vehicle emissions are created from the incomplete combustion of gasoline or diesel. Vehicles emit carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants combine to form secondary pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) and ozone. Vehicle traffic pulverizes dirt on roads and kicks up dust, contributing to particulate pollution.
What is the OBD-II test?
OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostics and this is the second generation
of this technology. Starting in 1996, all vehicles sold in the
United States were required to include this technology. It
requires a computer on board the vehicle that monitors the engine and
power train systems and logs any problems that could cause the
vehicle's emissions to increase. A failed OBD-II test means that
there is a problem with the vehicle. The technology also
provides valuable information for the service technician to help
diagnose the problem. By using the OBD test we gain additional
emissions reductions that are not possible with the current tail pipe
test.
What is the harm in not testing my vehicle?
Emissions testing helps pinpoint problems with your vehicle’s engine. More importantly, research shows that vehicle emissions testing helps reduce air pollution. That in turn has an impact on our physical and economic health.
- Poor air quality discourages tourism, new business & new
residents - Poor air quality can result in lost school & workdays & higher health care costs
- Air quality concerns can trigger restrictive federal laws and
can result in: - Loss of federal highway funding
- Limits on production capabilities of industries
- Preclude new industries from locating to the Treasure Valley
Whose health is most impacted by vehicle emissions?
While high levels of air pollution can affect everyone, at greatest risk from both particulate matter and ozone are those with lung disease such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema; people with sensitive airways; people with heart disease; the elderly and children .
For specific information on the impact of Particulate Matter click here
For specific information on the impact of Ozone click here
