DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Implementation of Exhaust Emission Testing Provisions through On-Board Diagnostic Systems [33 Pa.B. 5479] The Department of Transportation (Department), Bureau of Motor Vehicles, under 75 Pa.C.S. §§ 4103, 4531, 4701, 4706, 4707, 4710, 6103 and 9104, has a final rulemaking pending before the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) amending 67 Pa. Code Chapter 177 (relating to emission inspection program). The revised regulations provide for the implementation, upon notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, of alternative procedures for the emissions testing of vehicles of model years 1996 and newer through the use of the vehicle's on-board diagnostic (OBD) system.
Subject to approval of the regulatory revisions by IRRC, effective January 1, 2004, the Department will begin implementation of 67 Pa. Code § 177.51(f)(2) (relating to program requirements) and, effective April 1, 2004, the Department will begin implementation of 67 Pa. Code § 177.51(f)(4).
Certified emission inspection stations in the Pittsburgh region must be capable of performing the OBD--inspection/maintenance (I/M) check by March 31, 2004. Certified emission inspection stations in the Philadelphia region must be capable of performing the OBD--I/M check by June 30, 2004. From January 1, 2004, to March 31, 2004, vehicles of model year 1996 and newer in the Pittsburgh region may comply with the I/M program (emissions inspection) through the performance of either an I/M emission test (tailpipe test) or the OBD--I/M check. From April 1, 2004, to June 30, 2004, vehicles of model year 1996 and newer in the Philadelphia region may comply with the I/M program through the performance of either an I/M emission test (tailpipe test) or the OBD--I/M check.
Questions or comments regarding this notice should be directed to Cindy Cashman, Department of Transportation, 1101 South Front Street, 4th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17104, (717) 787-2304, ccashman@state.pa.us.
ALLEN D. BIEHLER, P. E.,
Secretary[Pa.B. Doc. No. 03-2120. Filed for public inspection October 31, 2003, 9:00 a.m.]
