In addition to an annual state inspection, vehicles also need emissions inspections every other year in Burke, VA. But, the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments require the Virginia DEQ to intensify vehicle emissions inspection to accelerate the rate of emissions reduction and improve air quality. Consequently, vehicle owners and regular commuters into these Northern Virginia counties are also subject to the three-pronged federally-mandated Virginia DEQ emissions inspection program.
Air Check Virginia is the comprehensive emissions inspection program operating in the Northern Virginia counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and Stafford and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park. Along with the periodic emissions inspection, Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) introduced "On-Board Diagnostics" testing and an "On-Road Emissions" program for maximum convenience, efficiency and reliability. Air Check Virginia promotes the reduction of pollutants released into the air in the Washington, DC region that impact the health of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) notifies vehicle owners six to eight weeks before their state inspection and registration deadline. An emissions inspection in Burke, VA must be performed every two years at a permitted emissions inspection station. Most inspections take 20 minutes or less, and the inspector issues an emissions inspection report. Only after your vehicle passes the emissions inspection will the DMV register your vehicle.
In addition, remote sensing equipment detects individual vehicles on regional roadways emitting either high or low levels of harmful tailpipe pollutants. Identifying “high emitters” now, instead of waiting for a periodic emissions inspection, means more timely repairs that reduce harmful pollutants sooner than later. And for owners who drive “exceptionally clean” vehicles, a reward - one additional year registration without an emissions inspection.
According to the DEQ most of the 1.7 million vehicles in Northern Virginia have emissions control equipment. But, adding more cars every year means we need to stay ahead of the ever-increasing pollution curve. Effective July 1, 2005, DEQ implemented an On-Board Diagnostic (OBDII) inspection procedure, now the official inspection process for vehicles manufactured after 1996. These vehicles have a legally required generic on-board diagnostic computer system that detects issues due to a loss of fuel performance.
If you have questions, or need a Virginia state inspection or emissions inspection in Burke, VA, you can trust the exceptional automotive professionals at Wiygul Automotive Clinic. As a permitted Virginia State Inspection Center, we have the expertise, tools and knowledge to get your vehicle inspected and safely back on the road in no time.
