Test Early: Georgia's Clean Air Force (GCAF) recommends having your vehicle inspected four to six weeks prior to the registration renewal date every year (the vehicle owner's birthday).
Ongoing Maintenance: Follow the recommended maintenance and tune-up schedule for your vehicle.
New Vehicle Exemptions: The three most recent model years are exempt each year. In 2008, all 2006 and newer model years vehicles are exempt from emission testing.
Which Vehicles need to be Tested: In 2008, all 1984 - 2005 model year gasoline powered cars and light-duty trucks (up to 8,500 pounds gross vehicle weight rating) registered in Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding or Rockdale County.
Newly acquired vehicles, model years 1984-2005, in the 13 counties must have proof of passing inspection within the last 12 months. According to Georgia law, it is the seller's responsibility to provide a valid passing emission inspections at the time of sale if the vehicle will be registered in one of the 13 counties.
1984-2005 model year vehicles that are newly acquired or recently moved into the 13-county area must be inspected and registered within 30 days.
The cost of an emission inspection is between $10 and $25. Stations must post the testing fee on their official GCAF sign.
Testing Tips for 1996-2005 model vehicles: If your vehicle's battery was recently replaced or disconnected, or the computer reset, drive the vehicle for one to two weeks under normal conditions, including some highway driving, prior to having an ODB inspection or retest.
If your vehicle's Check Engine light is on, it will not pass. The cause may be as minor as a loose fuel cap or as major as an emission control system problem. Seek repairs prior to have an emissions test.
What if my vehicle fails: Have your vehicle repaired to meet the required emission standards. Your emission inspector will give you the Georgia Vehicle Emission Inspection Report (VIR), a blank Emission Repair Form, and a GCAF Q&A brochure, which details retest procedures.
You can obtain a free retest at the original station within 30 days of the initial inspection.
Federal law requires the catalytic converter and on-board computer for 1995 and newer vehicles to be warranted by the manufacturer for eight years or 80,000 miles.
This information provided by CleanAirForce.com
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