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Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program

Your Vehicle Failed the Emissions Test... Now What?

First, if you believe your vehicle was not tested in accordance with the I/M Program Regulations, it may be re-tested at the SLVHD I/M Technical Center. Call 385-468-3837 for more information.

Repairing Failed Vehicles

The purpose of the I/M Program is to identify vehicles emitting high levels of pollution and to reduce those levels by making proper repairs. Adjustments and repairs should be made in such a manner that the repairs will correct the problem causing the excessive emissions. By doing so, the performance and fuel economy of the vehicle will also improve.

In almost all cases, when vehicles are repaired to manufacturer’s specifications, the emissions levels will be well below the emissions standards. Newer computer controlled vehicles that fail the I/M inspection generally require the services of a skilled automotive repair technician, using diagnostic equipment, to make a correct and complete evaluation of an emissions failure.

It is recommended that you obtain the services of a competent repair technician who can correctly diagnose the problem before attempting to repair an I/M failure.

When meteorological conditions are bad high levels of air pollution can accumulate in the Salt Lake Valley. Concentrations of Particulate matter, Ozone or Carbon Monoxide sometimes reach the moderate or unhealthy (for sensitive groups) levels in our air.

Motor vehicles are responsible for a significant (more than 70%) portion of the pollution that affects public health. All gasoline-powered vehicles emit pollution. A concerted effort has been made to reduce the pollution levels from vehicles to a minimum.

When a vehicle is operating properly, emissions levels are very low. However, malfunctioning vehicles can emit 100x  the amount of pollution that they would if they were working properly. Properly tuned and well maintained vehicles provide better performance and fuel economy and reduce the level of air pollution.

Emissions Warranties

Warranties differ between vehicle manufacturers. To find if your vehicle is under warranty, check your vehicle owner’s manual for specific information. If your vehicle is under warranty and has failed the emissions inspection and;

• The test failure did not result from misuse of the vehicle or a failure to follow the manufacturer’s written maintenance instructions and;
• You present the vehicle to a warranty-authorized manufacturer representative, along with your Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Vehicle Inspection Report form, during the relevant warranty period then;
• The manufacturer must repair the vehicle so that it will pass the emissions test.

Waivers

Occasionally, vehicle owners have made repairs toward the major cause of the high emissions and those repairs have failed to reduce the pollution levels below the standard. In some of those cases, SLVHD may issue a repair waiver to allow for vehicle registration. A waiver is a last resort. See our Waiver page for more information.