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Time Extension Waiver

The state of Vermont recognizes that emissions repairs not covered under warranty can be costly. There is a time extension waiver available to allow for additional time to bring your vehicle into compliance.

If you have an emissions failure, have your emissions control system diagnosed, and get an estimate to complete the repair. Many emissions component repairs may be covered under your vehicle’s emissions control system warranty. You may be surprised to find out what is covered at no cost to you. The emissions control system warranty differs from the “bumper to bumper” warranty. Contact your dealership to find out more information. Check your vehicle’s owner’s guide or warranty booklet for a contact phone number.

If your vehicle has passed all of the safety components and the emissions repairs are not covered under the emissions warranty, you may qualify for an additional year to complete the repairs. Repairing your vehicle helps to protect our environment and our health by identifying vehicle problems that cause increased air pollutants. Benefits to Vermonters include clean air, improved vehicle performance, and fuel economy, and savings — timely repair of small problems can often prevent more
costly repairs “down the road.”

Time Extension Waiver: What You Need To Know
  • Your vehicle must be ready for the initial OBDII inspection. The Time Extension waiver is not available for the cost associated with getting your vehicle ready.
  • The extension only applies to emissions control components. All vehicle safety defects must be repaired in order to receive a pass sticker.
  • Check your vehicle’s emissions control system warranty. The Time Extension waiver is not available when repairs are covered under warranty.
  • If the estimate to repair your vehicle is under $200, you will have to have your vehicle repaired in order to get a pass sticker. If the estimate to repair your vehicle exceeds $200, or you have spent more than $200 to repair or diagnose your vehicle, you may qualify for a one-year time extension.
  • The Time Extension waiver is good for one inspection cycle. Next inspection, your vehicle must be in safety and emissions compliance in order to receive a pass sticker.
Time Extension Application Check List:
  1. Has the vehicle received an AVIP inspection in 2019?
  2. Does the Fail Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR)indicate that all safety items are a pass?
  3. Does the Fail VIR indicate that the vehicle failed the OBD test?
  4. Does the Fail VIR indicate that the OBD readiness Monitor results are a pass?
  5. Have you had the vehicle diagnosed to determine the cause of emissions problems?
  6. Do you have a written estimate?
  7. Have you checked with a dealership and determined the necessary repairs are NOT covered under your emissions control warranty?
  8. Are the necessary repairs more than $200?

Please review the above checklist. If you’ve answered yes to all of these questions, you may be eligible for additional time to make emissions repairs. Bring your repair estimate to an Official Inspection
Station and ask them about applying for a Time Extension Waiver.

For more information, speak to your inspection mechanic

FAQs.

I have an Agriculture plate, do I need to get an inspection?

Yes, see 23 V.S.A. § 1222 Inspection of registered vehicles

Are emissions system repairs covered by the vehicle manufacturer warranty?

Depending on the model year and mileage of your vehicle, emissions system repairs may be covered by the vehicle manufacturer. Vermont law requires that a vehicle’s entire emissions control system be warranted for a minimum of 3 years or 50,000 miles. Warranty coverage for the more expensive emissions control components is extended to at least 7 years or 70,000 miles, and the catalytic converter is covered up to 8 years or 80,000 miles. Some vehicles’ emissions control systems are warranted up to 15 years or 150,000 miles! Be sure to check your owner’s manual or warranty booklet! For more information on warranty coverage visit: http://dec.vermont.gov/ sites/dec/files/aqc/mobilesources/documents/ Warranty.pdf

Is there a grace period for Vehicle Inspection?

No

What if my vehicle has an emissions problem?

Have your emissions problem diagnosed and determine if the repair is covered under emissions warranty. You will need to make the repair and return for a re-test to get a pass sticker.

Why do we have emissions testing?

Federal law requires Vermont to have an emissions testing program. Ensuring your vehicle is in proper working order allows for;

  • Early detection of defects that lead to repairs that improve vehicle performance and fuel economy.
  • Repairing a defect before it gets worse saves money.
  • Protecting our environment and our health by identifying vehicle problems that cause increased air pollution.
What are some possible reasons for failing the OBD check on a vehicle inspection?
  1. The vehicle’s OBD system connector has been removed or is otherwise not working properly. The OBD check cannot be completed if the connector is missing or is not working properly. 
  2. The Malfunction Indicator Light does not illuminate when the ignition key is turned to the “on” position. When the vehicle’s OBD system detects a problem, it turns on the warning light to alert the driver of a problem. However, if the light cannot illuminate because the bulb has burned out or is otherwise not working, the driver would not be alerted to the problem. 
  3. The Malfunction Indicator Light on the instrument panel is on (and/or commanded by the vehicle’s onboard computer) while the engine is running. This indicates that the OBD system has identified a problem that must be repaired. In this case, one or more diagnostic trouble codes will also be reported by the vehicle’s OBD system and these codes will help your technician diagnose and repair your vehicle. 
What equipment is needed to inspect OBD Systems?

A scan tool with generic OBD II capability is necessary to perform the required check. A scan tool is a very useful device which is commonly used to assist in the diagnosis and repair of a variety of vehicle problems. Many inspection stations already own scan tools which can also be used to perform the required OBD check, but those inspection stations which do not will need to have one in order to inspect 1996 and newer vehicles. At a minimum, scan tools must be capable of :

  1. automatic initialization with any vehicle,
  2. determining readiness status of OBD monitors,
  3. determining malfunction indicator light status, and
  4. retrieving diagnostic trouble codes.

Any scan tool which complies with Society of Automotive Engineers Recommended Practice J1978 is acceptable. Scan tools are available from a number of well known equipment manufacturers.