Vehicle Emissions Program

Vehicle Repair and Replacement Assistance Program (VRRAP)

• Vehicles less than six years old require an emissions test every other year.
• Vehicles more than six years old require an emissions test every year.

• Vehicles of model year 1967 or older
• Diesel vehicles model year 1997 and older with a GVWR less than 14,000 lbs.
• Diesel vehicles model year 2013 and older with a GVWR greater than 14,000 lbs.
• Farm-plated vehicles

Independent testing facilities located throughout Salt Lake County perform the emissions testing. The  Vehicle Emissions Program licenses and regulates the facilities.

A malfunctioning vehicle can emit one hundred times the amount of pollution that it would if it were working properly.

Every day, the program keeps tons of pollutants out of the Salt Lake Valley’s air:

• 82 tons of carbon monoxide (CO)
• 4 tons of hydrocarbons (HC)
• 4 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOx)

Motor vehicles are responsible for more than 70% of the air pollution that affects our health. When a vehicle is operating properly, its emissions levels are very low. However, a malfunctioning vehicle can emit one hundred times the amount of pollution that it would if it were working properly. Properly tuned and well-maintained vehicles also provide better performance and fuel economy for the owner.

If your vehicle fails the emissions test: 

• Use a repair facility and technician who is familiar with your vehicle and its emissions system.
• Secure a written estimate that includes diagnosis and recommended repairs.
• If you are not satisfied with the estimate or diagnosis, get a second technician’s opinion or contact the Air Quality Bureau.
• Check your vehicle owner’s manual for information specific to your vehicle. Many emissions systems are covered by warranties, if still applicable.

You cannot register a failing vehicle in Salt Lake County until it is properly repaired, retested, and passes the test.

Waivers

In very rare cases, vehicle owners have made repairs toward the major cause of the high emissions and those repairs have failed to reduce the pollution levels to below the standard. In some of those cases, SLCoHD may issue a repair waiver to allow a failing vehicle to be registered for that year.

A vehicle may qualify for a waiver if it has:

• failed at least two emissions inspections.
• received emissions-related repairs from a recognized repair facility.
• fulfills all other waiver requirements.

Waivers are handled on a case-by-case basis and may or may not be granted. A waiver is a last resort. The vehicle must be inspected by a SLCoHD vehicle emissions technician to review all test data and repair information, and to verify the ineffective repairs.

Vehicle Emissions Waiver Application
USE ONLY THE FREE ADOBE ACROBAT READER TO COMPLETE AND SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION. Web browser PDF viewers may not properly submit your application or form.

Stations

Note that permits are not transferable; when a change of ownership occurs at a permitted facility, the new owner must apply for a new permit and pay all applicable fees.

• Station Permit Application
  USE ONLY THE FREE ADOBE ACROBAT READER TO COMPLETE AND SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION. Web browser PDF viewers will NOT allow you to sign or properly submit your application.
• Application for Two-Speed Idle Testing
  USE ONLY THE FREE ADOBE ACROBAT READER TO COMPLETE AND SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION. Web browser PDF viewers will NOT allow you to sign or properly submit your application.

Emissions Stations in good standing with SLCoHD may apply to become a Vehicle Repair Assistance Program (VRAP) repair station. For more information, contact the Air Quality Bureau.

Technicians

• Technician Training Course 
  Conducted by Salt Lake Community College; register for Applied Emissions: Online.
• Technician Certification Study Guide
• Utah2011 Analyzer System Maintenance and Troubleshooting Manual
• Technician Recertification Form (existing techs only)
  Use only the free ADOBE ACROBAT READER to complete and submit your form.