Missouri Emissions Testing

    Motor vehicles are a leading source of air pollution in Jefferson County, Franklin County, and St. Louis area due to the large number of vehicles on the road and amount of miles traveled daily. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has designated Franklin County, Jefferson County and St. Louis Counties as an ozone nonattainment area. The area does not meet the federal health-based air quality standards for ground-level ozone, a strong lung irritant.

    Emissions Testing known as the Gateway Vehicle Inspection Program will be an important part of the eight-hour ozone plan designed to bring the St. Louis area into attainment by June 2010. The federally-required I/M program is designed to reduce passenger vehicle emissions.

    Studies show those most affected by poor air quality are those with respiratory illnesses. When passenger vehicle emissions react with heat and sunlight, ground-level ozone is formed, thats why emissions testing is important. Because ground-level ozone is highly reactive, high concentrations can cause throat irritation, congestion, chest pains, nausea and labored breathing for anyone exposed to this pollution. Emissions testing can also help because ozone can also aggravate the breathing of those with lung or heart conditions. Getting an emission test and performing repairs on the vehicle before emissions issues worsen will help reduce ground-level ozone. Everyone benefits from improved air quality when the release of excessive vehicle emissions are prevented, think of emission testing as a good thing.

    What vehicles require emission testing by GVIP?

• ALL vehicles registered in:
  Jefferson County
  Franklin County
  St. Charles County
  St. Louis City
  St. Louis County
  
• ALL 1996 and newer gas-powered vehicles
• ALL 1997 diesel-powered vehicles weighing 8500lbs or less