News Release 518

NEW EXTENSION OPTION AVAILABLE FOR ST. LOUIS AREA MOTORISTS WITH UNSET EMISSIONS READINESS MONITORS

Volume 36-518

Contact: Renee Bungart

(For immediate release)

573-751-4465

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 28, 2008 - The Gateway Vehicle Inspection Program would like to remind motorists that vehicle "Readiness" is an important step in the emissions testing process. To assist motorists with this step, a new law becomes effective today allowing motorists to operate vehicles for 30 days beyond the vehicle's registration expiration without current registrations for the sole purpose of resetting emissions Readiness monitors to pass the on-board diagnostic emissions test.

This new law will offer more convenience to St. Louis area motorists who struggle to get their vehicle's emissions monitors set before their registration expires. Motorists must keep a copy of the most recent failing OBD test results in their vehicle to present to law enforcement officials. Motorists are still subject to late registration penalties if they do not renew their vehicle registration on time.

Vehicle readiness refers to whether or not a vehicle's computer has fully completed a system review.  Readiness monitors periodically perform evaluations, track and store information about a vehicle's emissions-control devices and drive train components.  When all monitors have completed a designated check, the OBD system will read Ready.  If a vehicle condition prevents a full evaluation, the vehicle's OBD systems will read Not Ready, and the vehicle's monitoring system will remain on hold until the condition is corrected.

A Not Ready vehicle cannot be emissions tested, as information needed to determine a pass/fail result is not yet available.  Not Ready vehicles will fail the emissions test.  For 1996 to 2000 vehicles, more than two unset monitors will result in a failure. For 2001 and newer vehicles, more than one unset monitor will result in a failure. With most Not Ready vehicles, owners can complete a manufacturer-specific drive cycle to set monitors to Ready.  If an internal issue prevents the monitors from completing an evaluation, repairs may be necessary to allow the vehicle to become Ready for testing.

There are various reasons why a vehicle may be Not Ready. The most common reasons include a recently disconnected or replaced battery, a low or dead battery, a malfunctioning vehicle sensor, insufficient driving distances or vehicle speeds or a vehicle repair or maintenance that cleared relevant data in the OBD computer.

OBD is an advanced computer system installed on all 1996 and newer cars and light duty trucks (8,500 pounds or less in Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). OBD is an early-warning system that monitors the vehicle's emissions-control devices and other engine-related components to ensure that they are functioning properly. OBD systems provide valuable emissions information that allows motorists to invest in needed repairs and preventive maintenance to ensure that their vehicle continues to perform efficiently.

The Gateway Vehicle Inspection Program is jointly administered by the Missouri 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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