PocketLaw | Illinois Compiled Statutes

Emission Inspection

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(625 ILCS 5/Ch. 13C heading)

CHAPTER 13C. EMISSION INSPECTION

(625 ILCS 5/13C-1)

Sec. 13C-1. Short title. This Chapter may be cited as the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Law of 2005.

(Source: P.A. 94-526, eff. 1-1-06.)

(625 ILCS 5/13C-5)

Sec. 13C-5. Definitions. For the purposes of this Chapter:

"Affected counties" means Cook County; DuPage County; Lake County; those parts of Kane County that are not included within any of the following ZIP code areas, as designated by the U.S. Postal Service on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly: 60109, 60119, 60135, 60140, 60142, 60144, 60147, 60151, 60152, 60178, 60182, 60511, 60520, 60545, and 60554; those parts of Kendall County that are not included within any of the following ZIP code areas, as designated by the U.S. Postal Service on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly: 60447, 60450, 60512, 60536, 60537, 60541, those parts of 60543 that are not within the census defined urbanized area, 60545, 60548, and 60560; those parts of McHenry County that are not included within any of the following ZIP code areas, as designated by the U.S. Postal Service on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly: 60001, 60033, 60034, 60071, 60072, 60097, 60098, 60135, 60142, 60152, and 60180; those parts of Will County that are not included within any of the following ZIP code areas, as designated by the U.S. Postal Service on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly: 60401, 60407, 60408, 60410, 60416, 60418, 60421, 60442, 60447, 60468, 60481, 60935, and 60950; those parts of Madison County that are not included within any of the following ZIP code areas, as designated by the U.S. Postal Service on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly: 62001, 62012, 62021, 62026, 62046, 62058, 62061, 62067, 62074, 62086, 62088, 62097, 62249, 62275, 62281, and 62293; those parts of Monroe County that are not included within any of the following ZIP code areas, as designated by the U.S. Postal Service on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly: 62244, 62248, 62256, 62261, 62264, 62276, 62277, 62278, 62279, 62295, and 62298; and those parts of St. Clair County that are not included within any of the following ZIP code areas, as designated by the U.S. Postal Service on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly: 62224, 62243, 62248, 62254, 62255, 62257, 62258, 62260, 62264, 62265, 62269, 62278, 62282, 62285, 62289, 62293, and 62298.

"Board" means the Illinois Pollution Control Board.

"Claim evaluation center" means an automotive diagnostic facility that meets the standards prescribed by the Agency for performing examinations of vehicle emissions inspection damage claims.

"Contractor" means the vehicle emissions test contractor for official inspection stations described in Section 13C-45.

"Diagnostic code" means a code stored in a vehicle's on-board diagnostic computer to indicate the occurrence of an emissions-related condition or malfunction.

"Inspection area" means Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, and those portions of Kane, Kendall, Madison, McHenry, Monroe, Will, and St. Clair Counties included in the definition of "affected counties".

"Malfunction indicator lamp" or "MIL" means a dashboard lamp designed to illuminate to alert the driver to the occurrence of a problem or condition resulting in excessive emissions.

"On-board diagnostic system" or "OBD system" means the computer-based system built into a vehicle that is designed to monitor the performance of major engine and emissions controls, to alert the operator to emissions-related malfunctions, and to store diagnostic codes and other vehicle operating information useful in repairing the vehicle.

"Official inspection station" means a structure or physical location where the Agency has authorized vehicle emissions testing to be conducted.

"Owner" means the registered owner of the vehicle, as indicated on the vehicle's registration. In the case of an unregistered vehicle, "owner" has the meaning set forth in Section 1-155 of this Code.

"Program" means the vehicle emission inspection program established under this Chapter.

"Readiness status" means an indication of whether a vehicle's on-board diagnostic system has completed a periodic check of the performance of a monitored system or component.

"Resident" includes natural persons, foreign and domestic corporations, partnerships, associations, and all other commercial and governmental entities. For the purpose of determining residence, the owner of a vehicle shall be presumed to reside at the address indicated on the vehicle's registration. A governmental entity, including the federal government and its agencies, and any unit of local government or school district, any part of which is located within an affected county, shall be deemed a resident of an affected county for the purpose of any vehicle that is owned by the governmental entity and regularly operated in an affected county.

"Registration" of a vehicle means its registration under Article IV of Chapter 3 of this Code.

"Vehicle age" means the numerical difference between the current calendar year and the vehicle model year.

(Source: P.A. 97-106, eff. 2-1-12.)

(625 ILCS 5/13C-10)

Sec. 13C-10. Program.

(a) The Agency shall establish a program to begin February 1, 2007, to reduce the emission of pollutants by motor vehicles. This program shall be a replacement for and continuation of the program established under the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Law of 1995, Chapter 13B of this Code.

At a minimum, this program shall provide for all of the following:

(1) The inspection of certain motor vehicles every 2 years, as required under Section 13C-15.
(2) The establishment and operation of official inspection stations.
(3) The designation of official test equipment and testing procedures.
(4) The training and supervision of inspectors and other personnel.
(5) Procedures to assure the correct operation, maintenance, and calibration of test equipment.
(6) Procedures for certifying test results and for reporting and maintaining relevant data and records.
(7) The funding of electric vehicle rebates and grants as authorized by the Electric Vehicle Rebate Act.

(b) The Agency shall provide for the operation of a sufficient number of official inspection stations to prevent undue difficulty for motorists to obtain the inspections required under this Chapter. In the event that the Agency operates inspection stations or contracts with one or more parties to operate inspection stations on its behalf, the Agency shall endeavor to: (i) locate the stations so that the owners of vehicles subject to inspection reside within 12 miles of an official inspection station; and (ii) have sufficient inspection capacity at the stations so that the usual wait before the start of an inspection does not exceed 15 minutes.

(Source: P.A. 102-662, eff. 9-15-21.)

(625 ILCS 5/13C-15)

Sec. 13C-15. Inspections.

(a) Computer-Matched Inspections and Notification.

(1) The provisions of this subsection (a) are operative until the implementation of the registration denial inspection and notification mechanisms required by subsection (b). Beginning with the implementation of the program required by this Chapter, every motor vehicle that is owned by a resident of an affected county, other than a vehicle that is exempt under paragraph (a)(6) or (a)(7), is subject to inspection under the program.
The Agency shall send notice of the assigned inspection month, at least 15 days before the beginning of the assigned month, to the owner of each vehicle subject to the program. An initial emission inspection sticker or initial inspection certificate, as the case may be, expires on the last day of the third month following the month assigned by the Agency for the first inspection of the vehicle. A renewal inspection sticker or certificate expires on the last day of the third month following the month assigned for inspection in the year in which the vehicle's next inspection is required.
The Agency or its agent may issue an interim emission inspection sticker or certificate for any vehicle subject to inspection that does not have a currently valid emission inspection sticker or certificate at the time the Agency is notified by the Secretary of State of its registration by a new owner, and for which an initial emission inspection sticker or certificate has already been issued. An interim emission inspection sticker or certificate expires no later than the last day of the sixth complete calendar month after the date the Agency issued the interim emission inspection sticker or certificate.
The owner of each vehicle subject to inspection shall obtain an emission inspection sticker or certificate for the vehicle in accordance with this paragraph (1). Before the expiration of the emission inspection sticker or certificate, the owner shall have the vehicle inspected and, upon demonstration of compliance, obtain a renewal emission inspection sticker or certificate. A renewal emission inspection sticker or certificate shall not be issued more than 5 months before the expiration date of the previous inspection sticker or certificate.
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(3), vehicles shall be inspected every 2 years on a schedule that begins either in the second, fourth, or later calendar year after the vehicle model year. The beginning test schedule shall be set by the Agency and shall be consistent with the State's requirements for emission reductions as determined by the applicable United States Environmental Protection Agency vehicle emissions estimation model and applicable guidance and rules.
(3) A vehicle may be inspected at a time outside of its normal 2-year inspection schedule, if (i) the vehicle was acquired by a new owner and (ii) the vehicle was required to be in compliance with this Act at the time the vehicle was acquired by the new owner, but it was not then in compliance.
(4) The owner of a vehicle subject to inspection shall have the vehicle inspected and shall obtain and display on the vehicle or carry within the vehicle, in a manner specified by the Agency, a valid unexpired emission inspection sticker or certificate in the manner specified by the Agency. A person who violates this paragraph (4) is guilty of a petty offense, except that a third or subsequent violation within one year of the first violation is a Class C misdemeanor. The fine imposed for a violation of this paragraph (4) shall be not less than $50 if the violation occurred within 60 days following the date by which a new or renewal emission inspection sticker or certificate was required to be obtained for the vehicle, and not less than $300 if the violation occurred more than 60 days after that date.
(5) For a $20 fee, to be paid into the Vehicle Inspection Fund, the Agency may inspect:

(A) A vehicle registered in and subject to the emission inspections requirements of another state.
(B) A vehicle presented for inspection on a voluntary basis.

Any fees collected under this paragraph (5) shall not offset Motor Fuel Tax Funds normally appropriated for the program.
(6) The following vehicles are not subject to inspection:

(A) Vehicles not subject to registration under Article IV of Chapter 3 of this Code, other than vehicles owned by the federal government.
(B) Motorcycles, motor driven cycles, and motorized pedalcycles.
(C) Farm vehicles and implements of husbandry.
(D) Implements of warfare owned by the State or federal government.
(E) Antique vehicles, expanded-use antique vehicles, custom vehicles, street rods, and vehicles of model year 1967 or before.
(F) Vehicles operated exclusively for parade or ceremonial purposes by any veterans, fraternal, or civic organization, organized on a not-for-profit basis.
(G) Vehicles for which the Secretary of State, under Section 3-117 of this Code, has issued a Junking Certificate.
(H) Diesel powered vehicles and vehicles that are powered exclusively by electricity.
(I) Vehicles operated exclusively in organized amateur or professional sporting activities, as defined in Section 3.310 of the Environmental Protection Act.
(J) Vehicles registered in, subject to, and in compliance with the emission inspection requirements of another state.
(K) Vehicles participating in an OBD continuous monitoring program operated in accordance with procedures adopted by the Agency.
(L) Vehicles of model year 1995 or earlier that do not have an expired emissions test sticker or certificate on February 1, 2007.

The Agency may issue temporary or permanent exemption stickers or certificates for vehicles temporarily or permanently exempt from inspection under this paragraph (6). An exemption sticker or certificate does not need to be displayed.
(7) According to criteria that the Agency may adopt, a motor vehicle may be exempted from the inspection requirements of this Section by the Agency on the basis of an Agency determination that the vehicle is located and primarily used outside of the affected counties or in other jurisdictions where vehicle emission inspections are not required. The Agency may issue an annual exemption sticker or certificate without inspection for any vehicle exempted from inspection under this paragraph (7).
(8) Any owner or lessee of a fleet of 15 or more motor vehicles that are subject to inspection under this Section may apply to the Agency for a permit to establish and operate a private official inspection station in accordance with rules adopted by the Agency.
(9) Pursuant to Title 40, Section 51.371 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the Agency may establish a program of on-road testing of in-use vehicles through the use of remote sensing devices. In any such program, the Agency shall evaluate the emission performance of 0.5% of the subject fleet or 20,000 vehicles, whichever is less. Under no circumstances shall on-road testing include any sort of roadblock or roadside pullover or cause any type of traffic delay. If, during the course of an on-road inspection, a vehicle is found to exceed the on-road emissions standards established for the model year and type of vehicle, the Agency shall send a notice to the vehicle owner. The notice shall document the occurrence and the results of the on-road exceedance. The notice of a second on-road exceedance shall indicate that the vehicle has been reassigned and is subject to an out-of-cycle follow-up inspection at an official inspection station. In no case shall the Agency send a notice of an on-road exceedance to the owner of a vehicle that was found to exceed the on-road emission standards established for the model year and type of vehicle, if the vehicle is registered outside of the affected counties.

(b) Registration Denial Inspection and Notification.

(1) No later than January 1, 2008, every motor vehicle that is owned by a resident of an affected county, other than a vehicle that is exempt under paragraph (b)(8) or (b)(9), is subject to inspection under the program.
The owner of a vehicle subject to inspection shall have the vehicle inspected and obtain proof of compliance from the Agency in order to obtain or renew a vehicle registration for a subject vehicle.
The Secretary of State shall notify the owner of a vehicle subject to inspection of the requirement to have the vehicle tested at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the month in which the vehicle's registration is due to expire. Notwithstanding the preceding, vehicles with permanent registration plates shall be notified at least 30 days prior to the month corresponding to the date the vehicle was originally registered. This notification shall clearly state the vehicle's test status, based upon the vehicle type, model year and registration address.
The owner of each vehicle subject to inspection shall have the vehicle inspected and, upon demonstration of compliance, obtain an emissions compliance certificate for the vehicle.
(2) Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(3), (b)(4), and (b)(5), vehicles shall be inspected every 2 years on a schedule that begins in the fourth calendar year after the vehicle model year. Even model year vehicles shall be inspected and comply in order to renew registrations expiring in even calendar years and odd model year vehicles shall be inspected and comply in order to renew registrations expiring in odd calendar years.
(3) A vehicle shall be inspected and comply at a time outside of its normal 2-year inspection schedule if (i) the vehicle was acquired by a new owner and (ii) the vehicle had not been issued a Compliance Certificate within one year of the date of application for the title or registration, or both, for the vehicle.
(4) Vehicles with 2-year registrations shall be inspected every 2 years at the time of registration issuance or renewal on a schedule that begins in the fourth year after the vehicle model year.
(5) Vehicles with permanent vehicle registration plates shall be inspected every 2 years on a schedule that begins in the fourth calendar year after the vehicle model year in the month corresponding to the date the vehicle was originally registered. Even model year vehicles shall be inspected and comply in even calendar years, and odd model year vehicles shall be inspected and comply in odd calendar years.
(6) The Agency and the Secretary of State shall endeavor to ensure a smooth transition from test scheduling from the provisions of subsection (a) to subsection (b). Passing tests and waivers issued prior to the implementation of this subsection (b) may be utilized to establish compliance for a period of one year from the date of the emissions or waiver inspection.
(7) For a $20 fee, to be paid into the Vehicle Inspection Fund, the Agency may inspect:

(A) A vehicle registered in and subject to the emissions inspections requirements of another state.
(B) A vehicle presented for inspection on a voluntary basis.

Any fees collected under this paragraph (7) shall not offset Motor Fuel Tax Funds normally appropriated for the program.
(8) The following vehicles are not subject to inspection:

(A) Vehicles not subject to registration under Article IV of Chapter 3 of this Code, other than vehicles owned by the federal government.
(B) Motorcycles, motor driven cycles, and motorized pedalcycles.
(C) Farm vehicles and implements of husbandry.
(D) Implements of warfare owned by the State or federal government.
(E) Antique vehicles, expanded-use antique vehicles, custom vehicles, street rods, and vehicles of model year 1967 or before.
(F) Vehicles operated exclusively for parade or ceremonial purposes by any veterans, fraternal, or civic organization, organized on a not-for-profit basis.
(G) Vehicles for which the Secretary of State, under Section 3-117 of this Code, has issued a Junking Certificate.
(H) Diesel powered vehicles and vehicles that are powered exclusively by electricity.
(I) Vehicles operated exclusively in organized amateur or professional sporting activities, as defined in Section 3.310 of the Environmental Protection Act.
(J) Vehicles registered in, subject to, and in compliance with the emission inspection requirements of another state.
(K) Vehicles participating in an OBD continuous monitoring program operated in accordance with procedures adopted by the Agency.
(L) Vehicles of model year 1995 or earlier that do not have an expired emissions test sticker or certificate on February 1, 2007.
(M) Vehicles of model year 2006 or earlier with a manufacturer gross vehicle weight rating between 8,501 and 14,000 pounds.
(N) Vehicles with a manufacturer gross vehicle weight rating greater than 14,000 pounds.

The Agency may issue temporary or permanent exemption certificates for vehicles temporarily or permanently exempt from inspection under this paragraph (8). An exemption sticker or certificate does not need to be displayed.
(9) According to criteria that the Agency may adopt, a motor vehicle may be exempted from the inspection requirements of this Section by the Agency on the basis of an Agency determination that the vehicle is located and primarily used outside of the affected counties and in other jurisdictions where vehicle emissions inspections are not required. The Agency may issue an annual exemption certificate without inspection for any vehicle exempted from inspection under this paragraph (9).
(10) Any owner or lessee of a fleet of 15 or more motor vehicles that are subject to inspection under this Section may apply to the Agency for a permit to establish and operate a private official inspection station in accordance with rules adopted by the Agency.
(11) Pursuant to Title 40, Section 51.371 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the Agency may establish a program of on-road testing of in-use vehicles through the use of remote sensing devices. In any such program, the Agency shall evaluate the emission performance of 0.5% of the subject fleet or 20,000 vehicles, whichever is less. Under no circumstances shall on-road testing include any sort of roadblock or roadside pullover or cause any type of traffic delay. If, during the course of an on-road inspection, a vehicle is found to exceed the on-road emissions standards established for the model year and type of vehicle, the Agency shall send a notice to the vehicle owner. The notice shall document the occurrence and the results of the on-road exceedance. The notice of a second on-road exceedance shall indicate that the vehicle has been reassigned and is subject to an out-of-cycle follow-up inspection at an official inspection station. In no case shall the Agency send a notice of an on-road exceedance to the owner of a vehicle that was found to exceed the on-road emissions standards established for the model year and type of vehicle, if the vehicle is registered outside of the affected counties.(Source: P.A. 97-106, eff. 2-1-12; 97-412, eff. 1-1-12; 97-813, eff. 7-13-12.)

(625 ILCS 5/13C-20)

Sec. 13C-20. Rules and standards.

(a) The rules and emission standards adopted under subsection (a) of Section 13B-20 of this Code shall apply to the program established under this Chapter and continue in effect until amended or repealed by the Board under this subsection.

The Agency shall propose any other standards necessary to achieve reductions in the emission of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen from motor vehicles subject to inspection under this Chapter. Within 120 days after the Agency proposes those standards, the Board shall adopt any necessary rules establishing standards for the emission of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen from motor vehicles subject to inspection under this Chapter. The rules may be amended from time to time pursuant to Agency proposals. The Board shall set standards necessary to achieve the reductions in vehicle hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen emissions, as determined by the applicable vehicle emission estimation model and rules developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, that are required by the federal Clean Air Act. A predetermined rate of failure shall not be used in determining standards necessary to achieve the reductions in vehicle hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen emissions. The emission standards established by the Board for vehicles of model year 1981 or later shall be identical in substance, as defined in Section 7.2(a) of the Environmental Protection Act, to the emission standards promulgated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, subsection (b) of Section 27 of the Environmental Protection Act and the rulemaking provisions of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act do not apply to rules adopted by the Board under this subsection. Challenges to the validity of rules adopted by the Board under this subsection or subsection (a) of Section 13B-20 may be brought only by filing a petition for review in the Appellate Court under Section 29 of the Environmental Protection Act within 35 days after the rule is filed with the Secretary of State.

(b) The procedures established by the Agency under subsection (b) of Section 13B-20 of this Code shall apply to the program established under this Chapter and remain in effect until amended or repealed under this subsection. The Agency may at any time amend or repeal those procedures and may establish additional procedures designed to implement this Chapter.

(Source: P.A. 94-526, eff. 1-1-06.)

(625 ILCS 5/13C-25)

Sec. 13C-25. Performance of inspections.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), the inspection of vehicles required under this Chapter shall be performed only: (i) by inspectors who have been certified by the Agency after successfully completing a course of training and successfully passing a written test; (ii) at official inspection stations, including on-road inspection sites established under this Chapter; and (iii) with equipment that has been approved by the Agency for these inspections.

(b) The requirements of subdivisions (a)(i) and (a)(ii) of this Section do not preclude the performance of inspections (1) at self-service official inspection stations, (2) using Agency-approved wireless communication interfaces, and (3) using systems designed to perform remote on-board diagnostic inspections.

(c) Except as provided in subsection (h), the inspection shall consist of an on-board diagnostic system test. The owner of the vehicle or the owner's agent shall be entitled to an emission inspection certificate issued by the Agency only if all required tests are passed at the time of the inspection.

(d) (Blank).

(e) (Blank).

(f) (Blank).

(g) The on-board diagnostic system test shall consist of accessing the vehicle's on-board computer system, determining the vehicle's readiness status and MIL status, and retrieving any stored diagnostic codes that may be present. The vehicle shall be deemed to have passed this test if the vehicle readiness status indicates that the vehicle's OBD system has completed all required system and component checks, the MIL status is appropriate, and the diagnostic codes retrieved do not exceed standards set for vehicles of that type under Section 13C-20.

(h) A visual inspection test of the MIL may be substituted for the on-board diagnostic system test on any vehicle for which on-board diagnostic testing is not possible due to the vehicle's originally certified design or its design as modified in accordance with federal law and regulations, and on any vehicle with known on-board diagnostic communications or software problems, as determined by the Agency. The visual inspection test shall consist of verifying the status of the MIL in the key-on/engine off position and the key-on/engine on position. The vehicle shall be deemed to have passed this test if the MIL illuminates briefly during the key-on/engine off position and does not illuminate during the key-on/engine on position.

(Source: P.A. 97-106, eff. 2-1-12.)

(625 ILCS 5/13C-30)

Sec. 13C-30. Waivers.

(a) The Agency shall certify that a vehicle that has failed a vehicle emission retest qualifies for a waiver of the emission inspection standards if all of the following criteria are met:

(1) The vehicle has received all repairs and adjustments for which it is eligible under any emission performance warranty provided under Section 207 of the federal Clean Air Act.
(2) The Agency determines by normal inspection procedures that the vehicle's emission control devices are present and appear to be properly connected and operating.
(3) Consistent with Title 40, Section 51.360 of the Code of Federal Regulations, for vehicles required to be tested under this Chapter, an expenditure of at least $450 in emission-related repairs (but exclusive of any repairs related to tampering) has been made.
(4) For a vehicle of model year 1981 or later, the repairs were performed by a recognized repair technician.
(5) Evidence of repair is presented, consisting of either (i) signed and dated receipts identifying the vehicle and describing the work performed and the amount charged for the eligible emission-related repairs or (ii) an affidavit executed by the person performing the eligible emission-related repairs.

(b) The Agency may issue an emission inspection certificate to a vehicle failing a retest if a complete documented physical and functional diagnosis and inspection shows that no additional emission-related repairs are needed. This diagnostic inspection must be performed by the Agency or its designated agent and shall be available only to a vehicle owner whose vehicle was repaired by a recognized repair technician.

(c) The Agency may extend the emission inspection certificate expiration date by one year upon receipt of a petition by the vehicle owner that needed repairs cannot be made due to economic hardship. Consistent with Title 40, Section 51.360 of the Code of Federal Regulations, this extension may be granted more than once during the life of the vehicle.

(d) The Agency may issue an emission inspection certificate for a vehicle subject to inspection under this Chapter that is located and primarily used in an area subject to the vehicle inspection requirements of another state. An emission inspection certificate shall be issued under this subsection only upon receipt by the Agency of evidence that the vehicle has been inspected and is in compliance with the emission inspection requirements and standards applicable in the state or local jurisdiction where the vehicle is being used.

(Source: P.A. 94-526, eff. 1-1-06.)

(625 ILCS 5/13C-35)

Sec. 13C-35. Inquiries. The Agency shall develop a means of responding to inquiries from inspectors and members of the public concerning the program, including (i) when inspections are required, (ii) what kind of inspections are required, (iii) whether emission inspection stickers or certificates previously required for a vehicle have been obtained, and (iv) the procedures for resolving disputes concerning inspections.

(Source: P.A. 94-526, eff. 1-1-06.)

(625 ILCS 5/13C-40)

Sec. 13C-40. Grievance and damage claim requirements and procedures.

(a) Emissions inspection and waiver denial grievance procedures.

(1) Any person aggrieved by a decision regarding the failure of an emissions test or the denial of a waiver may file a petition with the Agency within 30 days after the decision was made, and the Agency shall thereupon investigate the matter. Within 45 days after its receipt of the petition, the Agency shall submit to the petitioner and any affected inspector or station its written determination of the correctness or incorrectness of the decision being grieved. The written determination shall include a statement of the facts relied upon and the legal and technical issues decided by the Agency in making its determination, and may also include an order directing the inspector (i) to issue an emission inspection certificate for the vehicle effective on such date as the Agency may specify, (ii) to reinspect the vehicle, (iii) to apply the standards that the Agency has determined to be applicable, or (iv) to take any other action that the Agency deems to be appropriate. In conducting the investigation, the Agency may require the petitioner to present the vehicle for inspection by the Agency or its designated agent.
(2) The written determination of the Agency shall be subject to review in circuit court in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Review Law, except that no challenge to the validity of a rule adopted or continued under subsection (a) of Section 13C-20 shall be heard by the circuit court if the challenge could have been raised in a timely petition for review as provided in Section 13C-20.

(b) Vehicle damage claim requirements and procedures.

(1) The contractor shall make vehicle damage claim forms authorized by the Agency available for vehicle owners in sufficient quantities at all official inspection stations.
(2) Notice of the vehicle damage claim procedures and the vehicle owner's rights in relation to a vehicle damage claim shall be conspicuously posted at all official inspection stations.
(3) If a vehicle owner believes that his or her vehicle was damaged by an act or omission of the contractor during or as a result of an emissions inspection performed on or after August 1, 2002, the owner may initiate resolution of the damage claim under this subsection by complying with the following:

(A) Within 30 days of the date of the vehicle emissions inspection that allegedly caused the vehicle damage, the vehicle owner shall submit a vehicle damage claim to the contractor at the official inspection station at which the vehicle damage allegedly occurred.
(B) Within 30 days of filing the claim, the owner shall submit to the contractor any relevant information relating to the owner's claim for vehicle damage, including but not limited to evaluations conducted by a claims evaluation center or automotive repair shop meeting standards prescribed by the Agency.

(4) The contractor shall promptly notify the Agency of each vehicle damage claim received by the contractor under subdivision (b)(3) and shall forward to the Agency any additional information provided by the owner.
(5) Within 60 days after the filing of a vehicle damage claim, the contractor shall notify the vehicle owner of its proposed resolution of the damage claim.
(6) Within 30 days after receiving the contractor's proposed resolution of the damage claim, the owner may petition the Agency for a review of the adequacy and completeness of the contractor's proposed resolution. The petition shall be in a form specified by the Agency.
(7) Upon receiving a petition for review, the Agency shall request the contractor to deliver to the Agency a copy of the contractor's proposed resolution of the damage claim, together with all documents, videotapes, and information relevant to the damage claim and the proposed resolution. The contractor shall provide the requested materials to the Agency within 15 days of receiving the Agency's request.
(8) Within 30 days after receiving the relevant materials from the contractor, the Agency shall review the materials and determine whether the contractor's proposed resolution of the damage claim is adequate and complete. The Agency may deem the proposed resolution of the damage claim to be adequate and complete. If the Agency does not deem the proposed resolution of the damage claim to be adequate and complete, it may request the contractor to further investigate and evaluate the damage claim and resubmit its proposed resolution of the claim. The contractor shall then have 30 days to respond in writing to the Agency with the results of its further evaluation of the damage claim and its proposed resolution.
(9) The Agency shall notify the vehicle owner in writing of the result of its review of the adequacy and completeness of the contractor's proposed resolution of the damage claim. Copies of all correspondence between the Agency and the contractor relating to the damage claim shall also be sent to the vehicle owner.
(10) If, after the Agency's review, the vehicle owner still does not agree with all or a portion of the proposed resolution of the damage claim by the contractor, the vehicle owner may further pursue the damage claim through the binding arbitration process established by the contractor and accepted by the Agency, or in circuit court.
(11) The Agency's review of the adequacy and completeness of the contractor's proposed resolution of a damage claim is not binding upon the vehicle owner or the contractor and does not affect the rights of the vehicle owner or the contractor under law. The Agency's review of the adequacy and completeness of the contractor's proposed resolution of a damage claim is not a final action subject to administrative review and is not subject to review by the Pollution Control Board or otherwise appealable.

(Source: P.A. 94-526, eff. 1-1-06.)

(625 ILCS 5/13C-45)

Sec. 13C-45. Contracts.

(a) The Agency may enter into contracts with one or more responsible parties to construct and operate official inspection stations, provide and maintain approved test equipment, administer tests, certify results, issue emission inspection stickers or certificates, maintain records, train personnel, provide information to the public concerning the program, or to otherwise further the goals of this Chapter.

(b) In preparing its proposals for bidding by potential contractors, the Agency shall endeavor to include provisions relating to the following factors:

(1) The demonstrated financial responsibility of the potential contractor.
(2) The specialized experience and technical competence of the potential contractor in connection with the type of services required and the complexity of the project.
(3) The potential contractor's past record of performance on contracts with the Agency, with other government agencies or public bodies, and with private industry, including such items as cost, quality of work, and ability to meet schedules.
(4) The capacity of the potential contractor to perform the work within the time limitations.
(5) The familiarity of the potential contractor with the types of problems applicable to the project.
(6) The potential contractor's proposed method to accomplish the work required, including where appropriate any demonstrated capability of exploring and developing innovative or advanced techniques and methods.
(7) Avoidance of personal and organizational conflicts of interest prohibited under federal, State, or local law.
(8) The potential contractor's present and prior involvement in the community and in the State of Illinois.

(Source: P.A. 94-526, eff. 1-1-06.)

(625 ILCS 5/13C-50)

Sec. 13C-50. Costs.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (a)(5) or (b)(7) of Section 13C-15, no fee shall be charged to motor vehicle owners for obtaining inspections required under this Chapter. The Vehicle Inspection Fund, which is a fund created in the State treasury for the purpose of receiving moneys from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund and other sources, shall be used, subject to appropriation, for the payment of the costs of the program, including reimbursement of those agencies of the State that incur expenses in the administration or enforcement of the program. The Vehicle Inspection Fund shall continue in existence notwithstanding the repeal of Chapter 13B. Any money in the Vehicle Inspection Fund on February 1, 2007, shall be used for the purposes set forth in this Chapter.

(b) The Agency may acquire, own, maintain, operate, sell, lease and otherwise transfer real and personal property and interests in real and personal property for the purpose of creating or operating inspection stations and for any other purpose relating to the administration of this Chapter, and may use money from the Vehicle Inspection Fund for these purposes.

(Source: P.A. 94-526, eff. 1-1-06; 94-848, eff. 6-9-06.)

(625 ILCS 5/13C-55)

Sec. 13C-55. Enforcement.

(a) Computer-Matched Enforcement.

(1) The provisions of this subsection (a) are operative until the implementation of the registration denial enforcement mechanism required by subsection (b). The Agency shall cooperate in the enforcement of this Chapter by (i) identifying probable violations through computer matching of vehicle registration records and inspection records; (ii) sending one notice to each suspected violator identified through such matching, stating that registration and inspection records indicate that the vehicle owner has not complied with this Chapter; (iii) directing the vehicle owner to notify the Agency or the Secretary of State if he or she has ceased to own the vehicle or has changed residence; and (iv) advising the vehicle owner of the consequences of violating this Chapter.
The Agency shall cooperate with the Secretary of State in the administration of this Chapter and the related provisions of Chapter 3, and shall provide the Secretary of State with such information as the Secretary of State may deem necessary for these purposes, including regular and timely access to vehicle inspection records.
The Secretary of State shall cooperate with the Agency in the administration of this Chapter and shall provide the Agency with such information as the Agency may deem necessary for the purposes of this Chapter, including regular and timely access to vehicle registration records. Section 2-123 of this Code does not apply to the provision of this information.
(2) The Secretary of State shall suspend either the driving privileges or the vehicle registration, or both, of any vehicle owner who has not complied with this Chapter, if (i) the vehicle owner has failed to satisfactorily respond to the one notice sent by the Agency under paragraph (a)(1), and (ii) the Secretary of State has mailed the vehicle owner a notice that the suspension will be imposed if the owner does not comply within a stated period, and the Secretary of State has not received satisfactory evidence of compliance within that period. The Secretary of State shall send this notice only after receiving a statement from the Agency that the vehicle owner has failed to comply with this Section. Notice shall be effective as specified in subsection (c) of Section 6-211 of this Code.
A suspension under this paragraph (a)(2) shall not be terminated until satisfactory proof of compliance has been submitted to the Secretary of State. No driver's license or permit, or renewal of a license or permit, may be issued to a person whose driving privileges have been suspended under this Section until the suspension has been terminated. No vehicle registration or registration plate or digital registration plate that has been suspended under this Section may be reinstated or renewed, or transferred by the owner to any other vehicle, until the suspension has been terminated.

(b) Registration Denial Enforcement.

(1) No later than January 1, 2008, and consistent with Title 40, Part 51, Section 51.361 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the Agency and the Secretary of State shall design, implement, maintain, and operate a registration denial enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Chapter, and cooperate with other State and local governmental entities to effectuate its provisions. Specifically, this enforcement mechanism shall contain, at a minimum, the following elements:

(A) An external, readily visible means of determining vehicle compliance with the registration requirement to facilitate enforcement of the program;
(B) A biennial schedule of testing that clearly determines when a vehicle shall comply prior to registration;
(C) A testing certification mechanism (either paper-based or electronic) that shall be used for registration purposes and clearly states whether the certification is valid for purposes of registration, including:

(i) Expiration date of the certificate;
(ii) Unambiguous vehicle identification information; and
(iii) Whether the vehicle passed or received a waiver;

(D) A commitment to routinely issue citations to motorists with expired or missing license plates, with either no registration or an expired registration, and with no license plate decals or expired decals, and provide for enforcement officials other than police to issue citations (e.g., parking meter attendants) to parked vehicles in noncompliance;
(E) A commitment to structure the penalty system to deter noncompliance with the registration requirement through the use of mandatory minimum fines (meaning civil, monetary penalties) constituting a meaningful deterrent and through a requirement that compliance be demonstrated before a case can be closed;
(F) Ensurance that evidence of testing is available and checked for validity at the time of a new registration of a used vehicle or registration renewal;
(G) Prevention of owners or lessors from avoiding testing through manipulation of the title or registration system; title transfers may re-start the clock on the inspection cycle only if proof of current compliance is required at title transfer;
(H) Prevention of the fraudulent initial classification or reclassification of a vehicle from subject to non-subject or exempt by requiring proof of address changes prior to registration record modification, and documentation from the testing program (or delegate) certifying based on a physical inspection that the vehicle is exempt;
(I) Limiting and tracking of the use of time extensions of the registration requirement to prevent repeated extensions;
(J) Providing for meaningful penalties for cases of registration fraud;
(K) Limiting and tracking exemptions to prevent abuse of the exemption policy for vehicles claimed to be out-of-state; and
(L) Encouraging enforcement of vehicle registration transfer requirements when vehicle owners move into the affected counties by coordinating with local and State enforcement agencies and structuring other activities (e.g., driver's license issuance) to effect registration transfers.

(2) The Agency shall cooperate in the enforcement of this Chapter by providing the owner or owners of complying vehicles with a Compliance Certificate stating that the vehicle meets all applicable requirements of this Chapter.
The Agency shall cooperate with the Secretary of State in the administration of this Chapter and the related provisions of Chapter 3, and shall provide the Secretary of State with such information as the Secretary of State may deem necessary for these purposes, including regular and timely access to vehicle inspection records.
The Secretary of State shall cooperate with the Agency in the administration of this Chapter and shall provide the Agency with such information as the Agency may deem necessary for the purposes of this Chapter, including regular and timely access to vehicle registration records. Section 2-123 of this Code does not apply to the provision of this information.
(3) Consistent with the requirements of Section 13C-15, the Secretary of State shall not renew any vehicle registration for a subject vehicle that has not complied with this Chapter. Additionally, the Secretary of State shall not allow the issuance of a new registration nor allow the transfer of a registration to a subject vehicle that has not complied with this Chapter.
(4) The Secretary of State shall suspend the registration of any vehicle which has permanent vehicle registration plates or digital registration plates that has not complied with the requirements of this Chapter. A suspension under this paragraph (4) shall not be terminated until satisfactory proof of compliance has been submitted to the Secretary of State. No permanent vehicle registration plate or digital registration plate that has been suspended under this Section may be reinstated or renewed, or transferred by the owner to any other vehicle, until the suspension has been terminated.(Source: P.A. 101-395, eff. 8-16-19.)

(625 ILCS 5/13C-60)

Sec. 13C-60. Other offenses.

(a) Any person who knowingly displays an emission inspection or exemption certificate for any vehicle other than the one for which the certificate was lawfully issued in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter, or duplicates, alters, uses, possesses, issues, or distributes any emission inspection or exemption certificate, or facsimile thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter and the rules and regulations adopted hereunder, is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor.

(b) A vehicle owner shall pay a monetary fine equivalent to the test fee plus the applicable waiver repair expenditure for the continued operation of a non-complying vehicle beyond 4 months past the expiration of the vehicle emission inspection certificate. Any fines collected under this Section shall be divided equally between the local jurisdiction issuing the citation and the Vehicle Inspection Fund.

(Source: P.A. 94-526, eff. 1-1-06; 94-848, eff. 6-9-06.)

(625 ILCS 5/13C-75)

Sec. 13C-75. Home rule. The vehicle emission inspection program created by this Chapter is hereby declared to be the subject of exclusive State jurisdiction. Pursuant to subsection (h) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution, the exercise by a home rule unit of any power that is inconsistent with this Chapter is hereby specifically denied and preempted.

(Source: P.A. 94-526, eff. 1-1-06.)

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