Why Is Vehicle Emissions Testing So Important?

The goal of the Illinois Vehicle Emissions Testing Program is to improve air quality and public health. The federal Clean Air Act Amendment of 1990 requires emissions testing programs in large, metropolitan areas which do not meet certain federal air quality standards.

Vehicles are tested to verify that the vehicle's emissions control systems are performing properly. Vehicle emissions testing programs are designed to identify vehicles that need to be repaired to meet emissions standards.

Although Illinois has made significant strides to clean its air since the Amendments took effect, levels of air pollution in Chicago and the Metro-East St. Louis areas still exceed these standards.

Motor vehicle emissions, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbon, are a significant source of pollution. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that may cause dizziness, difficulty in breathing and death. Hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide combine with sunlight to form ground level ozone (smog).

Ozone can aggravate health problems for people with heart disease and breathing-related diseases such as asthma and emphysema. It can be especially harmful to children and the elderly.