Government Fleets
Frequently Asked Questions
The following information applies only to government agencies
Which government fleet vehicles are affected?
Fleet inspections are required every two years by the end of each odd year. This means that, in 2011, both odd and even year models must be tested and the results reported to Ohio EPA by December 31, 2011. Each motor vehicle owned, leased or operated by the state, local government or any political subdivision whose office is located within a county that is part of a designated program area is subject to inspection, unless otherwise exempt. In addition, each motor vehicle that is owned or leased by the federal government or its employees and is operated on a federal installation within a county that is part of a designated program area is subject to inspection. Ohio E-Check requires passenger cars and trucks 25 years old and newer with gross vehicle weight ratings up to 10,000 pounds to be tested. This can include some 1 to 5 ton heavy-duty trucks. In addition, covert (including police) vehicles are required to obtain a test. Vehicles are tested on a 25-year rolling window. New vehicles are exempt for the first four model years. For example, 2008 - 2011 model year vehicles are exempt from testing in 2011.
Diesel-powered cars and trucks also undergo inspection. They receive an opacity test, which differs from the tailpipe test gasoline-powered vehicles receive (Diesel vehicles are not significant sources of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, but they do emit large amounts of particulate matter, a documented respiratory irritant. So, diesel vehicles receive a special test relating to particulate matter).
Model year 1996 and newer gasoline-fueled vehicles and model year 1997 and newer diesel-fueled vehicles less than 10,001 lbs GVWR will undergo an OBD II test instead of the tailpipe test. For more information on OBD II, please see the OBD II FAQ.
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What model years are required to be inspected in 2011?
In 2011, vehicles of model years 1987 through 2007 are required to be inspected. Model years 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 are exempt as "NEW" (see exemption codes).
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What is a Government Fleet Reporting Form?
The Government Fleet Reporting Form must be completed by your agency, submitted to and received by Ohio EPA no later than December 31, 2011. The reporting form lists all vehicles your agency owns with their test results or exemption codes.
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How can I tell whether my vehicle is over the weight limit?
Vehicles whose gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is over 10,000 lbs are exempt as "OGVW" (see exemption codes). The GVWR for your vehicle is printed on the manufacturer's certificate label, which is usually located either on the driver's side door jamb or the driver's side door.
Ohio EPA identifies the GVWR for each vehicle based on its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and in most cases, we are able to label those vehicles that are over the 10,000 pound limit as "OGVW" for you.
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What do I bring to the test and how much does it cost?
The lane inspector may ask for the vehicle registration to verify that the vehicle requries testing, however the vehicle can be tested without this item. In accordance with House Bill (H.B.) 119, a vehicle may receive up to 3 free tests within a 365 day period. With the 4th test, and all thereafter, a voucher will need to be purchased for $18.00. Vouchers may be purchased at the station. Only one free passing test is permitted within a 365 day period.
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Where are the E-Check test centers located?
All inspections are performed at high-efficiency, contractor-run test stations. The test stations are conveniently located throughout the 7-county test area.
For locations of test centers in your area, call 1-800-CAR-TEST, or see our online information.
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How many vehicles should I bring to the E-Check test center?
Ohio EPA recommends not taking all of your vehicles to the test center at the same time if your fleet size is large. Fleets with more than 25 vehicles should schedule appointments at test facilities by contacting Envirotest Systems at 1-800-CAR-TEST or writing to them at Envirotest Systems, 2180 Pinnacle Parkway, Twinsburg, OH, 44087-2366.
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What happens after I pass the test?
When a vehicle passes the inspection, you will receive a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR), which includes a detachable inspection certificate.
The certificate ID number needed to complete the Government Fleet Reporting Form is shown at the bottom of the VIR. Do not send the VIR to Ohio EPA, but keep it for your records.
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Will you accept handwritten reporting forms?
No. Information must be typed onto reporting forms, using either a typewriter or computer printer. Reporting forms that do not meet this requirement will be returned unprocessed.
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I submitted certificate IDs on my reporting form just for the vehicles we own, but left other vehicles blank. Why was my form returned?
In addition to providing certificate IDs for vehicles in your fleet, you must also provide exemption codes for vehicles that you do not test (but that we list on your reporting form). Please see the exemption codes page for more information.
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Are diesel vehicles exempt from testing?
No. There is no exemption for diesel vehicles. Large diesel trucks may be exempt but only if they are older than 25 years old, or are over 10,000 lbs GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating).
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Are flexible fuel vehicles exempt from testing?
No. Only vehicles that run exclusively on 100% alternative fuel, such as CNG (compressed natural gas), propane, or electricity.
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What happens if the vehicle fails the test?
If a vehicle fails the test, you will be given an emissions report to assist a repair technician in diagnosing and correcting the problem. A list of licensed repair facilities that have the minimum equipment and specially certified technicians who have completed advanced emissions-repair training will also be provided. Vehicle repairs may be performed by a repair facility of your choice or may be performed in-house.
Option-1 Applies to the Tailpipe Test Only:
CONDITIONAL PASS WAIVERS are issued after the initial tailpipe test. To qualify for this waiver, the vehicle must show:
a) at least a 30 percent improvement from the initial emissions readings for which the vehicle failed without causing initially passed readings to exceed state standards; AND
b) eligible receipts for emissions-related repairs totaling at least $200. Tampering-related repairs do not count towards this option. Receipts will only be accepted for emission-related repairs performed within sixty days prior to the initial inspection or any time after the initial inspection.
The above type of waiver applies only to vehicles tested via the tailpipe test.
Option-2 Applies to Both OBD II and Tailpipe Tests:
REPAIR CAP WAIVERS are issued to motorists when they have spent $300 or more towards emissions-related repairs on a vehicle and still do not pass. In the case of the tailpipe test, this waiver does not require any improvements in the pollutant(s) for which the vehicle failed. As with the base waiver (conditional pass), tampering-related repairs do not count towards this option. Receipts will only be accepted for emission-related repairs performed within sixty days prior to the initial inspection or any time after the initial inspection.
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Whom may I contact for additional information?
If you have questions regarding government fleets and the E-Check program please call (614) 644-3059 and ask to speak to the government fleet specialist.
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