Tag: Connecticut

Last updated on November 13th, 2017

There are many questions people have concerning Connecticut’s vehicle emissions program.  This section will take the most commonly asked questions on Connecticut emissions and answer those questions for you.

If you are not in the state during the time you are supposed to get your emissions tested, what happens?

You are allowed to request an extension in order to get your emissions test.  There is a federal law that enables vehicle owners to get extensions due to a variety of circumstances.

Where do I get a copy of the test results for my vehicle’s emission testing?

The service center that performed the test on your vehicle is required to give you a copy of the test results for free upon your request.

How do police know if my vehicle is up to date with emissions testing?

The DMV database that the police use is frequently updated and will contain the most recent information on your vehicle’s emissions test.

What if I am moving to Connecticut from a different state, what do I need to do?

Your first step would be to get your vehicle emissions test done even before your vehicle is registered in the state of Connecticut.

What if I am buying a used car, how does that work in regards to emissions?

There is no law that a car must be in compliance of emissions when it is sold.  It is recommended that you find out when that car last had its emissions tested.  If the car has not been tested and is due for testing you will have thirty days from the date you purchase and register the car in your name to get it tested.  The reason why you want to ensure the car is in compliance (and if it is not you may want to have the seller get the emissions test prior to the sale) is because when the emissions test is done if there is any work that is required to be done on the car you will be required to pay for that work if you already purchased the car.

How can I check if a car has been tested and is not due for a test yet?

There is a toll free number you can call, 888-828-8399, which you can find this information on.

What if I buy a car in another state and want to bring it to Connecticut?

You must get your vehicle’s emission testing done prior to being able to register that car within Connecticut.

What if I think the emissions test results are incorrect and I want to dispute them?

You are allowed to challenge the emissions testing results if you want within a fifteen day period following your test.  You will need to call the DMV’s Emissions Testing Department to dispute the test results.

 

Last updated on November 16th, 2017

There is a chance that your vehicle may not pass its Connecticut Vehicle Emissions test.  If your vehicle did not pass the test it is because your vehicle is not running correctly and it is creating pollution in the air.  It is a fact that over 40% of air pollution in Connecticut is the result of cars, trucks, and other vehicles.  The goal of the emissions testing is to limit as much pollution as possible by catching those vehicles that emit more pollution than they should be and having them fix the issue.

If your vehicle did not pass it emissions test you will have sixty days from the date of the test that your vehicle failed in order to have the problems that were found fixed and get a second emissions test.  The second test, the retest, is free.  You can get the retest done at any location, it does not need to be at the same service center.  If you wait longer than the sixty days in order to get your retest, the retest will not be free and you will need to pay the $20 test fee for the second test.

If you cannot afford the repairs needed for your vehicle you can apply for an economic hardship waiver.  To do this you must follow these steps:

– You must complete documentation and provide it to the DMV that shows your annual income is at or below the state and federal poverty level guidelines.

– You must state that you have no other assets that you could use to pay for the vehicle repairs.

– And if you then receive the economic hardship waiver your vehicle MUST pass its next emissions test in order to become eligible for this waiver in the future.

If you bring your vehicle to a repair shop and that shop runs a diagnostic test on your vehicle and determines that there is nothing that needs to be repaired you can apply for a diagnostic waiver.   To do this your vehicle will need to be brought to DMV to have a full diagnostic test performed.  If the DMV runs the test and agrees that no work is needed you will be given the waiver.  To apply for this waiver you should get in contact with your Department of Motor Vehicles.

 

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.