Hey guys,

I'll be moving to the greater Chicago area soon and want to know if / what kind of visual inspection is required. I was researching the Illinois EPA site and it specifically mentions "tampering" (http://www.epa.state.il.us/air/vim/faq/tampering.html) and rejection if the emissions equipment doesn't appear to be visually functioning (http://www.epa.state.il.us/air/vim/faq/rejected.html).

So my question is what can and can't I get away with?

 

I will be going to a test in a couple of weeks, so I can pay better attention. I went to one three years ago. There appears to be two main focuses of the inspections. 1) test exhaust for pollution levels, and 2) make sure the check engine light works. Test 2 are for cars with integrated emission controls (post 93?) I don't recall them doing a mirror test under the car to check for a cat. The process includes a microphone placed on your hood to pick up rpms, a hose over your tailpipe to catch emissions, and an agent plugging in to your diagnostics port to force a check engine light.

If your car is >25 years old it is exempt from the testing.

 

Illinois changed the law a few years ago. There is NO Emissions checks at all for Cars that are PRE '96. No visual etc. The main reason IL did this was to reduce the cost in checking vehicles. I called the DMV personally when I bought my FD in 08 (shortly after the change in Law) and I was told I will NEVER have to emmissions check my RX. I have never been asked for an emmissions check from the state and I have owned my 94 for almost 3 years now.

 

Here is a quick excerpt for the AirTeam site: This is for exempt vehicles.

Vehicles of model year 1995 or before that were in compliance with the Illinois Vehicle Emissions Inspection Law on February 1, 2007

Vehicles registered in, subject to, and in compliance with the emission inspection requirements of another state;

 

OBD2 or newer is the only things they test. Everything else you just pay for yer sticker every year

 

Looks like I'm good to go then. Thanks!