DMV Announces Changes To Inspection Process
The current annual vehicle inspection process will be revised starting on September 1, Division of Motor Vehicles officials announced today.
DMV inspection stations will undergo conversion to perform the new enhanced emissions test, under the contract awarded to Parsons Infrastructure and Technology Group, of Pasadena, California. The conversion process will occur in phases, causing the closure of DMV inspection lanes, and is scheduled for completion by December, 1999.
To maximize customer convenience at DMV inspection stations during the conversion process, a biennial (two-year) inspection cycle will be implemented. The existing emissions test will continue to be in use during this conversion period and motorists may voluntarily take the enhanced emissions test as inspection lanes are converted. The new emissions test will become mandatory when the conversion process is completed.
On September 1, a phase-in period will begin. All vehicles due for inspection in September must be brought in as usual. Vehicles with an odd-number model year (year ending in 1,3,5,7,9) will receive a 1-year sticker upon passing inspection. Vehicles with an even-number model year (year ending in 0,2,4,6,8) will receive a 2-year sticker and will not have to be brought for inspection until the year 2000.
This phase-in period will be in effect from September 1 through September 30.
Beginning October 1, the biennial inspection cycle will begin. From October 1 through December 31, 1998, only vehicles with an even-number model year must be brought for inspection in the month they are due. These vehicles will be issued 2-year stickers upon passing inspection. Odd-number model year vehicles do not have to be brought in for inspection during this period.
Beginning January 1, 1999, only odd-number model year cars must be brought for inspection the month they are due in 1999. These vehicles will be issued 2-year stickers upon passing inspection.
Law-enforcement agencies have been notified of these changes in the inspection process and the extended period of validity of inspection stickers on vehicles not required to be brought for inspection.
Motorists not having to report for inspection in October, November and December, 1998 can obtain extension stickers to be placed above the existing windshield sticker. The extension stickers will function as a visible indicator to police that the vehicle is on an extended inspection cycle. The extension stickers will be available at any DMV inspection station or agency and also at the privately-operated inspection facilities licensed by the state.
Beginning in January, 1999, motorists with even-number model year vehicles who do not have to report for inspection will be mailed an extension sticker during registration renewal.
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