News Release 511

GATEWAY VEHICLE INSPECTION PROGRAM COMPLETES
FIRST MONTH OF EMISSIONS TESTING AND
SAFETY INSPECTIONS

Volume 35-511

Contact: Renee Bungart

(For immediate release)

573-751-4465

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 1, 2007 -- The Gateway Vehicle Inspection Program has completed its first month of testing. Since Oct. 1, licensed inspection stations have performed more than 50,000 on-board diagnostics emissions tests at 520 auto shops in the St. Louis nonattainment area.

The state's contractor, SysTech International LLC, has received reports of a few technical problems during this first month of testing. One technical issue involved the check engine light, or bulb check, portion of the on-board diagnostic test. Some makes of vehicles failed the OBD test because the analyzer indicated the check engine light was commanded on when there was actually nothing wrong with the vehicle. In some cases inspectors were incorrectly connecting the analyzer to the vehicle’s diagnostic with the engine running. SysTech and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources worked together to address the issue by clarifying written instructions to the inspectors on how to properly perform this portion of the test. Motorists whose vehicles falsely failed the test will receive a waiver from the department and will not have to return for further testing.

"Our contractor is working as quickly as possible to address any technical service calls so all participating auto shops can continue testing," said Leanne Tippett Mosby, deputy director of the department's Division of Environmental Quality. "We appreciate everyone's patience and assistance as we continue to make improvements that will strengthen the program and add to its convenience."

Motorists with questions about their test or auto shops that encounter technical problems are encouraged to contact SysTech by calling 1-866-OBD-TEST (623-8378). SysTech personnel will determine the best course of action for each situation. Upon notification on its hotline, SysTech will make every reasonable attempt to repair or replace hardware within an average of four business hours. At a minimum, these repairs will occur within the first weekday after notification.

There are approximately 200 auto shops waiting for SysTech to install the testing equipment followed by final licensing and approvals by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. As the state continues to license additional locations, each station's name, location and phone number will be added to the Web site. Motorists can also look for an auto shop near them with the Gateway Vehicle Inspection Program blue reflective sign displayed with the yellow Missouri Official Vehicle Inspection Station sign, or they may visit the Web at www.GatewayVIP.com. They can also call
1-866-OBD-TEST (623-8378). When searching the Web, motorists can choose a shop list by zip code or by city. The department recommends motorists call an inspection station prior to visiting the station.

Local auto shops are testing 1996 and newer gasoline-powered vehicles and 1997 and newer diesel-powered vehicles registered in the St. Louis ozone nonattainment area using on-board diagnostics equipment. This advanced computer inspection system will determine whether 1996 and newer vehicles pass or fail the emissions test. The nonattainment area includes the city of St. Louis and Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles and St. Louis counties.

Model year vehicles 1995 and older are exempt from the emissions testing requirements, as they do not contain the OBD equipment necessary for testing. However, safety inspections are still required biennially for all model years. The state estimates the older vehicles are approximately 20 to 25 percent of the fleet registered in the St. Louis ozone nonattainment area. The impact on ground-level ozone will continue to decrease as these vehicles become a smaller percentage of the fleet and are phased-out.

The state would like to remind September and October registrants they have some flexibility to fulfill their emissions testing requirements. These motorists can proceed to have their vehicles registered with a valid safety inspection and necessary supporting documents and will have extra time to complete the emissions inspection. Odd-model year vehicles with September plates have until Dec. 1 to complete their emissions test. Odd-model year vehicles with October plates have until Jan. 1.

The Gateway Vehicle Inspection Program is jointly administered by the Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The program is a key component of the ongoing effort to improve air quality in the St. Louis region.

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.

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