Throughout the world, we’re seeing a drive to reduce emissions of harmful gasses. The EPA has recently proposed revisions to greenhouse gas emissions standards. This will mean that new vehicles will emit even less of these gasses.
For vehicles that are a little older, a vehicle emission test is important. This checks the level of gasses in car emissions and whether they are within acceptable levels.
Let’s take a closer look at why getting a Georgia emission test matters.
Focus on Georgia: What’s the Law?
Emission testing is not mandated at the federal level. So every state and territory can set their own laws about emission testing.
In the state of Georgia, it is a legal requirement for vehicles registered in the following 13 Metro Atlanta counties:
- Cherokee
- Clayton
- Cobb
- Coweta
- DeKalb
- Douglas
- Fayette
- Forsyth
- Fulton
- Gwinett
- Henry
- Paulding
- Rockdale
Do you live in one of these counties? Do you drive a gasoline-powered car or light-duty truck? Was your vehicle manufactured between 1997-2018?
If you answer yes to all these questions, you need to take your vehicle for an emission test before completing your vehicle registration.
Are you moving into the Metro Atlanta area, or buying a vehicle there?
If you own a 1997-2018 vehicle, you must register it within 30 days. The requirement is 7 days if you are purchasing the vehicle from a non-registered dealer. And you must have proof of a passing emission test within the last 12 months.
However, if your vehicle is over 25 years old, then it will be exempt from emissions testing.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are exceptions to the Georgia emission test for certain people. For example, there is a senior exemption.
Here’s what’s necessary to qualify for this exemption:
- You must be aged 65 years or older
- Your vehicle must be more than 10 years old (2011 or older)
- You must drive your vehicle less than 5,000 miles per year
- Cars 3 years old from the current year
Your odometer (mileage reader) will need to be working for you to demonstrate this. If you’ve benefited from this exemption in the past, you may even be able to renew by phone.
If your vehicle is currently out of the Metro Atlanta area, you may qualify for an out-of-area extension. It’s a good idea to take an emission test early so that you have a valid test for registration, even if you are out of the area. If an extension is granted, you must take an emission test on your return to the area.
Do you have a kit car or another unusual vehicle? It’s possible that you could also qualify for an exception if it is not possible to repair your car to meet the emission requirements.
How Much Does an Emission Test Cost?
The state of Georgia caps the price of state auto emissions tests at $25. However, you can also find these tests for just $15. All emission test centers must, by law, display the price of the test on their exterior signage.
What Happens If My Vehicle Fails an Emission Test?
If your vehicle fails the emission test, you will need to get it repaired. Take the test result to your auto repair shop and they will make the needed adjustments.
Then take the vehicle back for an after repair inspection. If it does not pass a second time, your vehicle may qualify for a repair waiver.
This may be granted if your vehicle received emissions-related repairs that meet or exceed the repair waiver minimum. For 2021 registrations, this level is set at $949.
You will need to produce evidence of the repairs to qualify for this waiver.
The Importance of an Emission Test
Taking an emission test is important because it supports local efforts to reduce air pollution. This helps to keep everyone in Georgia in better health.
Health Effects of Air Pollution
Air pollution is a serious public health issue in Atlanta, not to mention part of a global environmental issue. All vehicles and industries are subject to stringent emissions testing. This includes stationary polluters like factories.
Fuel emissions cause air pollution that makes life difficult for millions of Americans every day. Around 25 million Americans suffer from asthma, and over 3,000 die of this condition every year. Air pollution makes asthma worse and can trigger asthma attacks.
Asthma is just one of the conditions made worse by air pollution. There are toxic chemicals in the air such as benzene and vinyl chloride. These chemicals cause cancer, lung injuries, birth defects, and damage to the brain and nervous system.
Environmental Effects of Air Pollution
The pollution that comes from our vehicles also damages the environment. We see its effect in acid rain. The protective ozone layer is becoming thinner. This is leading to problems such as increased levels of skin cancer and cataracts.
The Impact of State Emission Tests
Georgia’s drive to reduce auto emissions through testing has already had an impact on air quality. Since its inception in 1996, the Georgia Clean Air Force has helped to remove tons of pollutants from the air we all breathe.
The result of this regulation has been a higher level of air quality for all Metro Atlanta residents. There have been fewer days in which the air quality was unhealthy.
New vehicles on the market are exempt from testing because they already emit far lower levels of pollutants than older vehicles. Slowly these measures are working to make Georgia’s air cleaner and safer for all its residents.
Book Your Emission Test Today!
For millions of Georgians, getting an emission test is a legal requirement. But as we’ve seen, it’s about much more than just complying with a law.
By getting an emission test, you are helping to reduce air pollutants. This protects your health, that of your fellow citizens, and the environment. You can feel good when you collect your clean bill of health from an emission test center!
At Fuerza Latina Insurance, we have a great deal on emission testing. It’s only $15 to get your vehicle tested for registration!
Click here to take advantage of this awesome deal today!