Author: Emissions

Tennessee Car Insurance

Last updated on April 26th, 2018

Tennessee Car Insurance – Unlike most other states, Tennessee does not require vehicle owners to provide proof of insurance when they are registering a vehicle with the DMV. Requiring drivers to provide proof of insurance before registering a vehicle has proven to be one of the most effective methods in the county in forcing people to abide by car insurance regulations but Tennessee has opted to use other methods of enforcement in order to make sure drivers carry car insurance. Despite the fact that proof of insurance is not required to register a vehicle in Tennessee drivers are still required to be able to prove financial responsibility while operating a vehicle on public roads. If a driver is pulled over or involved in an accident they will have to provide proof of financial responsibility or risk being penalized for driving without insurance.

The purpose of financial responsibility is to ensure that drivers either have the resources or necessary insurance to pay for any injuries or property damage that occurs as a result of their driving. For most Tennessee residents the purchase of an insurance policy that meets state requirements is the easiest and most affordable way to secure proof of financial responsibility. For a car insurance policy to meet the minimum requirements established in Tennessee, it must include at least $20,000 in per person bodily injury liability coverage, $50,000 in per accident bodily injury liability coverage and $10,000 in property damage liability coverage. Liability coverage is the only type of insurance coverage required in Tennessee and while most states require multiple types of coverage Tennessee’s at-fault system functions to make sure that at a minimum every driver has the ability to pay for injuries and damage they cause to other parties in an accident. If a Tennessee resident wishes to add coverage that will pay for their injuries and property damage as well they are free to do so. Maintaining car insurance in Tennessee also protect the policyholder from any legal ramifications should their vehicle be involved in an accident. Tennessee’s car insurance system is based on tort law which allows private individuals to sue other individuals for damages relating to a variety of situations, including car accidents. If a driver fails to pay for the cost o an accident after being ordered to do so by the court it then becomes a criminal matter and the offending party can be punished with fines, suspensions and even possible jail time. If a Tennessee resident does not wish to purchase an auto insurance policy that meets state regulations the only other viable option afforded them is the purchase of bond or deposit in the amount of $50,000. After the deposit is made the drive must then fill out a form certifying that they have the money on deposit and submit it to the DMV as proof of financial responsibility. Failure to supply proof of insurance or financial responsibility on request is considered a Class C misdemeanor in the state of Tennessee and can be punished rather harshly.

Although Tennessee does not require proof of insurance to register a vehicle the state uses a variety o other effective methods in order to make sure as many people as possible meet Tennessee’s financial responsibility requirements.  For instance, Tennessee requires all insurance companies that do business in the state to notify the DMV any time there is a cancellation, lapse or a non-renewal. This allows the DMV to act quickly when a driver and vehicle become uninsured instead of waiting for them to be involved in an accident or pulled over. Tennessee car insurance law also requires drivers to supply proof of insurance every time they are pulled over or involved in an accident, regardless of why they were pulled over or who was at-fault. Failure to supply proof of insurance or financial responsibility on request is considered a Class C misdemeanor in the state of Tennessee though punishment for such an offense is rather light compared to other states that treat driving uninsured as a misdemeanor. In most cases, an uninsured driver that is discovered by police will be slapped with a maximum fine of $100 and the mandatory suspension of the driver’s license. In some cases, such as ones involving a repeat offender, a driver can have their license suspended immediately but it is more common for the suspension to be delayed until the offender is allowed to have their day in court. If a Tennessee motorist can prove that they had insurance at the time the citation was issued the license suspension will generally be canceled but the driver will still have to pay the fine for failing to provide proof of insurance. If a driver has their license suspended in Tennessee for failing to maintain auto insurance they will have to pay a $20 reinstatement fee in order to have the suspension lifted and may even be required to obtain an SR-22 from their insurance company as proof of future insurance.

Find Smog Check Stations Near Me

To stay in compliance with the State of Tennessee’s smog check requirements, Tennessee-registered drivers must get their vehicles to pass a vehicle emissions test if they live in certain regions of the state. Check out our DMV & Emissions Testing Locations in Tennessee pages below to find a DMV office or testing location in your area.

Filed under: Tennessee, Articles, Car InsuranceTagged with: ,

Florida Car Insurance

Last updated on April 26th, 2018

Florida Car Insurance – The state of Florida is one of only a handful of states to have a no-fault insurance laws whereas most other states are tort states, or states that place blame for a traffic accident on one person or another and it is the at fault driver that is financially responsible for all damages. Tort states typically require liability insurance which serves to protect the policy holder from financial liability in an accident but because Florida is a no-fault state, and Florida Car Insurance laws are a bit unique. Like every other state, Florida still requires its residents to meet minimum liability car insurance requirements in order to legally drive a vehicle. As of 2009 these requirements were set at $10,000 for bodily injury to one person, $20,000 for bodily injury to two or more people and of course $10,000 in property damage coverage. These coverage minimums are established by Florida’s Financial Responsibility Law which states that a drive must have the previous mentioned coverage when one of the following situations arise

 

-The policy holder is involved in a crash that is their fault

-The policy holder’s license is suspended because too many points were accrued

-The policy holder receives a citation for a DUI and their license is suspended

-The policy holder loses their license because they are a habitual traffic offender

-The policy holder has their license revoked for any reason

 

In addition to its financial responsibility law the state of Florida also operates under a no-fault law which requires anyone that has resided in the state at least 90 days during the last year to meet certain insurance requirements. These requirements included a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection as well as a minimum of $10,000 in property damage liability coverage.  The personal injury protection insurance is meant to compensate the policy holder if they are in an accident and they sustain injuries and/or miss work due to those injuries. The property damage liability coverage on the other hand is intended to help pay for property damaged sustained in an accident by someone other than the policy holder.  Unlike property damage coverage, which is typically placed on a certain vehicle, personal injury protection in Florida is purchased for individuals and is not limited to a certain vehicle, meaning that even if the policy holder is a passenger in a vehicle they do not own when they are involved in an accident the coverage is still in place and can be used if the other driver does not have the required insurance.

Although underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage is not required by the state of Florida in order for a vehicle to be legally driven it is one of the many forms of coverage that Florida residents have the option to purchase. In fact, any insurance company that does business in Florida is required by law to offer underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage to their customers. If a driver decides not to purchase underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage as a part of their policy the insurance company is required to issue a declaration page with the policy stating that the policy holder willingly opted out of underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage.

If a driver is found to be driving without the minimum required amounts of car insurance  on a vehicle they risk facing a fine and could even have their license and registration suspended for a period of up to three years.  If the registration of a vehicle is suspended the owner must pay a mandatory $150 reinstatement fee and provide proof of insurance to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles before it can be reinstated.  The $150 reinstatement feel will continue to increase for subsequent offense and can reach s high as $500. In the state of Florida there is very little chance for drivers to skirt the system and avoid purchasing the minimum amounts of coverage as required by state law due to the many different ways the state government has of locating uninsured drivers. In addition to traffic stops and car accidents an uninsured drive can also be found when they are reported by the insurance company. Florida Car Insurance law requires that insurance companies notify the HSMV when a customer cancels a car insurance policy or allows it to lapse. If a driver is reported as having canceled their policy and the state does not receive any updated policy information they will directly request proof of insurance from the driver.  If the driver does not provide this information immediately they are at risk of having their license, registration and tag suspended for a period of up to one year. While the HSMV may allow for a small grace period for the Florida driver to provide proof of insurance legally all three items can be suspended after just one day of a reported lapse in coverage.

Filed under: Florida, Articles, Car InsuranceTagged with: , ,

Massachusetts – General Emissions Information

Last updated on March 4th, 2021

Massachusetts – General Emissions Information – The state of Massachusetts requires emissions testing on most vehicles and there are many common questions that vehicles owners in Massachusetts have concerning the emissions testing program.  This section will cover some of the most frequently asked questions about the Massachusetts emissions inspection program and provide the answers to these questions.

Does every vehicle need to be tested for emissions in Massachusetts?

There are certain vehicles which are not intended to be driven on the roads in Massachusetts and these vehicles do not require an emissions test.  These vehicles would be:  ATVs, Loaders & Haulers, Backhoes, Bulldozers, Cranes, Excavators, Platform Lifters, Motor Graders, Pavers, Tractors and farming equipment, and Tracked Vehicles.

How often do I need to have my vehicle’s emissions tested in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts your must have your vehicle’s emissions tested every year before the current inspection sticker expires.

What if I purchased a new or used car, do I need to have the emissions tested?

Yes, you must get your vehicle’s emissions inspection done within seven calendar days from the date you get the registration.

Is there a customer service number to speak to someone about the Massachusetts emissions inspection program if I cannot find the answer to my question online?

There is a Motorist Hotline 1-866-941-6277 for Massachusetts motorists.  There is also the Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236

Is there a fee to get my emissions tested?

Yes, there is a $29 fee which you need to bring with you (along with your registration) when you bring your vehicle in for emissions testing.

What happens after the emissions test is complete?

After your emissions testing is complete there will be a sticker printed out for your vehicle and you will also get a copy of the vehicle inspection test results.  This report will tell you if your car passed or failed the test, and if your vehicle had issues it will direct you as to what the failing area was.

If I’m required to get a federal DOT inspection do I need to do this and get the vehicle’s emissions tested?

No, if you get your Massachusetts emissions inspection done this will allow you to meet the federal DOT requirement.  The paperwork you receive after you pass the emissions inspection is proof that can be used to signify you met the DOT requirements.

Filed under: Massachusets, Articles, State Emissions TestingTagged with: ,

Georgia – General Emissions Information

Last updated on April 26th, 2018

The state of Georgia requires its residents to have their vehicles emissions tested.  There are many commonly asked questions concerning the Georgia emissions program.  In this section we will review some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers.

If I buy a new vehicle do I need to have my emissions tested?

If you are buying a new vehicle which was manufactured within the past three years you do not currently need to have its emissions tested.

Does everyone in Georgia need to have their emissions tested on their vehicle?

If you are a resident in one of the following counties you are required to participate in the Georgia emissions program: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding or Rockdale County.

What if I am buying a used car?

If you are purchasing a used car and you live within one of the counties that is required to participate in the emissions program, the seller is required to have vehicle pass an emissions test at the time of the sale.  The seller is not required to give you a copy of the Vehicle Emissions Inspection report.  The report is on record in electronic format at the tag office.

What I purchased a vehicle from out of state?

If you purchased a vehicle from out of state you must have the emissions tested within thirty days before you will be allowed to register your vehicle in the state of Georgia.  This applies to residents who live in one of the aforementioned counties.

Are there any exemptions?

If you are a senior citizen who is sixty five years old or older and you meet certain requirements concerning how many miles you drive annually and the vehicle you may qualify for an exemption.

If your vehicle is twenty five years old or older it is exempt from emissions testing.

What if I have moved to one of the counties that require emissions testing?

If you moved to one of the counties that requires emissions testing you must have it done within thirty days and you must get your vehicle registered within thirty days also.

 How much does it cost to have an emissions inspection for my vehicle?

The cost for an emissions inspection is between $10 to $25.  When you pull into a station there will be an emissions inspection sign which will have the fee posted on it.

Can I do anything to prepare my vehicle for the emissions inspection?

If your ‘check engine’ light is on it is recommended you have a service center/mechanic take a look at it to determine and fix the cause.

 

 

 

Filed under: Georgia, Articles, State Emissions Testing

Maine – Emissions Testing Hours & Schedule

Last updated on November 15th, 2017

Maine – Emissions Testing Hours Schedule – The state of Maine allows privately owned dealerships, auto repairs shops, and auto tech shops to perform emissions testing on vehicles.  Here is a list of emissions testing locations in Maine.  Because each location is unique there are no set hours or schedule to have your emissions tested in Maine.  It is recommended that you call the location you plan on attending ahead of time to check their hours, schedule, wait times, and if they accept appointments.

Emissions.org will give you a comprehensive information on all the relevant contacts. Browse the States and their Counties to find the information you need.

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Connecticut – Emissions Testing Hours Schedule

Last updated on April 26th, 2018

Connecticut – Emissions Testing Hours Schedule – The state of Connecticut Vehicle Emissions Testing program has certain testing hours and a testing schedule that you should be aware of prior to to getting your car tested.  The vehicle emissions testing official hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.   It is recommended that you call the testing center ahead of driving there to ensure they are open.

Holidays and non working days

The vehicle emissions testing program is closed on certain holidays each year.  These holidays are New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.  You should plan your vehicle emissions testing date accordingly.

Filed under: Connecticut, Articles, State Emissions TestingTagged with: ,

What You Need to Know About Your Check Engine Light

Last updated on March 4th, 2021

Check Engine Light – The state of Colorado requires emissions testing on most vehicles in the state. But did you know that if your check engine light comes on, it could mean that your vehicle is no longer safe on the environment?

We all know that when our check engine light comes on, it means that our vehicle needs some sort of maintenance, it can be something simple, or something more serious. The problem is, most people don’t realize that when you drive your vehicle while the light is on, you are exposing the air to dangerous toxins.

Your vehicle is no longer in good standing with emissions laws, because there is something wrong with the vehicle. It’s also dangerous to drive a vehicle while the light is on because something could go wrong while driving, resulting in an accident. You should have your vehicle checked before driving it again once the engine light comes on.

It’s usually something simple, like a loose gas cap, or its time to replace spark plugs. Don’t be afraid when your check engine light comes on, it’s usually something cheap and easy to repair. So the next time your check engine light comes on, keep in mind that you could be polluting the air around you, and that not only effects you, but the people around you.

Filed under: Colorado, Articles, State Emissions TestingTagged with: ,

Illinois – Emissions Testing Hours & Schedule

Last updated on March 4th, 2021

For the state of Illinois, it is required that the emissions test is carried out every two years. The cars that must be tested are the cars build four years ago or older than that. The two-year inspection must be done before the registration renewal is due. Due to this two year rule, even model years are tested on the even year and odd model years take emissions test on odd years. You also need to check the other state of Illinois regulations and requirements for emissions testing.

The state will send you a notice stating that your car is due for the emissions test. You will need to bring this notice with you for the testing. In order for the car to be eligible for registration renewal, it must successfully pass the Illinois emissions testing. If your car is due for the test, you’ll need to first find the nearest Illinois emissions testing station. To find a location near you, click here.

Illinois emissions testing stations hours

Once you’ve selected your location, you’ll then need to check emissions testing stations hours and availability. Illinois emissions testing stations hours can vary depending upon the location of the service center at which you are going to do your emissions test. For example, emissions testing hours in Naperville are 8:00 AM–6:00 PM, while for some stations for emissions testing hours in Skokie are 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. On Saturdays, most vehicle emissions testing stations work from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Make sure you get the right information by contacting the emissions test location prior to visiting. You can find the nearest station by visiting the locations page for your county. Make sure that your chosen date is not Sunday or a Federal Holiday since most Illinois emissions testing stations are closed on these dates. You can check the dates of Federal Holidays in the table below.

Federal Holidays are:

Holiday 2017 2018
New Year’s Day Monday, January 2 Monday, January 1
Martin Luther King Day Monday, January 16 Monday, January 15
Lincoln’s Birthday Monday, February 13 Monday, February 12
Washington’s Birthday
(President’s Day)		 Monday, February 20 Monday, February 19
Memorial Day Monday, May 29 Monday, May 28
Independence Day Tuesday, July 4 Wednesday, July 4
Labor Day Monday, September 4 Monday, September 3
Columbus Day Monday, October 9 Monday, October 8
General Election Day Tuesday, November 6
Veterans’ Day Friday, November 10 Monday, November 12
Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday
November 23 and 24		 Thursday and Friday
November 22 and 23
Christmas Monday, December 25 Tuesday, December 25

*Please note that the holidays can change since the state is continuously negotiating with various unions.

Illinois Air Team Car Emissions Testing

If you are going to have your car tested by the Air Team appointment only testing station, you can call to set up an appointment. The number to speak with a representative is (844) 258-9071. You can also call to find out how long the current waiting times are for the emissions testing centers.

Illinois emissions testing stations schedule

It is best if you book an emissions testing appointment in advance, but if you cannot do that, it’s good to know the schedule and the time it takes to take the emissions test. If you can, avoid going for a test at the beginning and the end of the month, or on Saturdays. These are the busiest times for most emissions testing locations in Illinois. It should be easy to schedule a timely visit to emissions testing center of your choice since you’ll have four months to take your vehicle in for the test prior to the registration expiry. The wait times can also vary depending on the location. Wait time for emissions testing in Swansea area is usually around one, while for some locations, like Markham emissions testing center, the wait time can be nine. Check all the available information at your disposal, so that you don’t have to waste time waiting in line at the emissions testing location.

Shorten the wait time for others

Chicago Emissions Testing

You can help shorten the emissions test wait times for other motorists if you come prepared for the testing. This, of course, means preparing your car so that the test can be done quickly. You need to make sure that the car engine is warmed up properly, that the car is safe to operate and that there is nothing obstructing the access to the DLC unit of your car. You can also read some tips that may help you pass the emissions testing safely.

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Delaware – General Emissions Information

Last updated on March 4th, 2021

Delaware General Emissions Information – The state of Delaware requires emissions testing on vehicles of Delaware residents.  There are many common questions that residents have about the Delaware emissions testing program and this section will look at some of the most frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers.

Can I apply for a waiver and if so, how?

There are certain criteria that must be met in order for a resident to apply for a waiver in regards to their vehicle’s emissions test.  Waivers are granted not to excuse a vehicle from an initial test, but for vehicles that have failed multiple tests even after repairs have been made on the vehicle to fix the issue found during the emissions inspection period.  In order to receive a waiver the following conditions must be met:

1.  Your vehicle must have failed the emissions inspection at least 2 times or more.

2.  The parameters of your vehicle’s engine are set to the specifications determined by the vehicle’s manufacturer.

3.  You have spent above a set limit in repairs on the vehicle in regards to items repaired specifically for emissions purposes.  If your vehicle is from 1981 or newer the threshold that must be reached is $810 in repairs.  Vehicles manufactured prior to 1981 have a threshold of $75 in repairs.

4.  The reasons for the emissions inspection failure was not due to visible smoke or missions emissions control equipment.

When you present the waiver application to the DMV you must have all the receipts for the repairs you had done along with the vehicle inspection reports from your failed emissions tests.

Who sets the emissions standards for exhaust levels?

This exhaust levels set for the emissions inspection are set by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

How much does emissions testing cost?

In the state of Delaware, residents get their vehicle’s emissions tested for free.

How often do I need to get my vehicle’s emissions tested?

Vehicles are required to get their emissions tested once every two years.  You must get your emissions tested before you are able to renew your vehicle’s registration.

How will I know if I need to get my emissions tested?

The DMV will send you a registration renewal notice about ninety days prior to when your current registration will expire.  At this point you should begin to consider getting your emissions tested.

Filed under: Delaware, Articles, State Emissions TestingTagged with: ,

Florida Residents Can Earn Rewards for Driving Eco-Friendly

Last updated on November 16th, 2017

Driving Eco-Friendly – The state of Florida set few laws for emissions into place over the years. However it didn’t last very long. It became a huge political issue and thus was abolished as a law. Supposedly, a few counties air supply had tested fairly clean. Clean enough to not have any emissions laws put into place. This made the emissions tests not worth their time. The counties that are suffering with low air quality are fighting to bring the emissions laws back.

There are a few incentives for Florida drivers who practice eco-friendly driving. The state has decided to reward people who purchase vehicles that are EPA-certified. These are classified as Inherently Low Emission Vehicles. Driving Eco-Friendly and Drivers of ILE vehicles are allowed to drive in high-occupancy vehicle whenever they choose, and there is no limit to passengers that are riding in the car.

To find out if your vehicle is on the list of approved low emission vehicles, you can click here. If you do find that your vehicle is on the list, you will need to fill out the application for your HOV decal. This decal can be placed on your car.  It will show other residents that you are proud to drive a vehicle that is saving the air quality. There is only a small fee for the decal. $5 for one year, and $10 for a 2 year decal and membership.

Why not help out your fellow Florida residents and the rest of the world by driving a car that is safe for our environment? Everyone should have clean air to breathe, so let’s take a stand.

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