What to do if your car fails an emission test?- $788 and The Emissions Repair Waiver

What do you do if your vehicle fails the emissions test?

The short answer is you must attempt to repair the vehicle so it passes the emissions test.  But, what if the cost of the repairs are excessive??

Well ... the law provides you with an out.  $788 is the maximum you have to spend (adjusted each year for inflation) before you would qualify for a "repair waiver."  The requirements are different depending on the age of the vehicle.  The law separates all vehicles into two groups - those which are 1995 model vehicles and older; and those which are 1996 and newer (the requirements for each group are listed below).  And remember, Repair Waivers are not renewable or transferable. The Repair Waiver process and qualifications begin each year when the vehicle's registration must be renewed (the vehicle owner's birthday).

1995 and Older Model Year Vehicles

Test Results Scenario

1. The vehicle does not pass the initial inspection.
2. Emission-related repairs must meet or exceed the Repair Waiver limit amount of $788.
3. The retested vehicle must show improvement in all the areas it failed on the first test as well as pass the areas it passed on the first.

Note: Emission-related repairs must be performed between the first and last inspection; receipts must be dated accordingly. Repairs made prior to the first inspection will not count towards the Repair Waiver.

Receipts

1. Must be from a repair facility possessing a valid business license.
   1. All emission-related repairs, including a diagnostic analysis, parts, and labor can be used toward the Repair Waiver.
   2. Labor costs from a company not possessing a business license will not count toward the Repair Waiver.
   3. The repair facility's business license must be obtainable.
   4. If repairs are performed by the owner, only the cost of parts will be considered toward the Repair Waiver.
2. Repairs and parts must be itemized and identifiable for consideration.
   1. The following charges do not count toward the Repair Waiver limit amount:
      1. Emission inspection fees
      2. Surcharges
      3. Taxes
      4. Warranty work
      5. Gas
      6. Disposal fee
      7. Shop supplies
      8. Miscellaneous charges
3. Receipts must identify the vehicle (VIN, year, make and model), and must be dated within 60 days of applying for the Repair Waiver.

Applying for the Repair Waiver

When applying for the Repair Waiver, you must take your vehicle to a GCAF Service Center or a participating tag office along with the following documents:

1. Completed Repair Waiver application. http://www.cleanairforce.com/docs/RepairWaiverApplication.pdf
2. Copies of all failed Georgia Vehicle Emission Inspection Reports (VIRs).
3. Original repair receipts for all emission-related repair work completed.
4. Receipts must identify the vehicle (VIN, year, make and model), and must be dated within 60 days of applying for the Repair Waiver.
5. A copy of the Georgia registration or renewal notice (current or from last year), or Georgia title.

  

1996 and Newer Model Year Vehicles
Test Results Scenario

1. The vehicle does not pass the initial inspection.
2. Emission-related repairs must meet or exceed the Repair Waiver limit amount of $788.
3. The vehicle does not pass the retest.

Note: Emission-related repairs may be accepted up to 60 days prior to the first inspection.

Receipts

1. Must be from a repair facility possessing a valid business license.
   1. All emission-related repairs, including a diagnostic analysis, parts, and labor can be used toward the Repair Waiver.
   2. Labor costs from a company not possessing a business license will not count toward the Repair Waiver.
   3. The repair facility's business license must be obtainable.
   4. If repairs are performed by the owner, only the cost of parts will be considered toward the Repair Waiver.
2. Repairs and parts must be itemized and identifiable for consideration.
   1. The following charges do not count toward the Repair Waiver limit amount:
      1. Emission inspection fees
      2. Surcharges
      3. Taxes
      4. Warranty work
      5. Gas
      6. Disposal fee
      7. Shop supplies
      8. Miscellaneous charges
3. Receipts must identify the vehicle (VIN, year, make and model), and must be dated within 60 days of applying for the Repair Waiver.

Applying for the Repair Waiver

When applying for the Repair Waiver, you must take your vehicle to a GCAF Service Center or a participating tag office along with the following documents:

1. Completed Repair Waiver application.  http://www.cleanairforce.com/docs/RepairWaiverApplication.pdf
2. Copies of all failed Georgia Vehicle Emission Inspection Reports (VIRs).
3. Original repair receipts for all emission-related repair work completed. Receipts must identify the vehicle (VIN, year, make and model), and must be dated within 60 days of applying for the Repair Waiver.
4. A copy of the Georgia registration or renewal notice (current or from last year) or Georgia title.

For more information check out the articles on emissions exceptions