Under 3 Years Exempt from Emissions Test

If local legislators get their way your vehicle may be exempt from emissions testing for a time. The bill sponsored by Senator Jack Johnson, Representative Jeremy Durham, Representative Glen Casada, and Representative Charles Sargent would save the state time and money in six counties where emission testing is required.

Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 10,500 pounds in Hamilton, Davidson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson or Wilson Counties must currently pass an emissions test prior to registration renewal.  Senate Bill 1080 would exempt testing for gasoline and diesel vehicles from that requirement if the automobile’s model is three years old or newer.

“There is absolutely no reason that vehicle owners should be required to take time out of their busy schedule to test emissions on a vehicle under three years old,” said Senator Johnson.  “Newer cars have improved emission control systems and should be exempt.” Testing was put in place to control pollution in counties that were not meeting the eight-hour ozone Federal Standards for air quality.

“As state government continues its evolution into more streamlined and efficient ways of doing business, we must be willing to implement new consumer-friendly policies to make that transition a success,” stated Rep. Durham. “This bill is one step in that direction and I am certain this legislation will help save both time and money for Tennessee taxpayers.”

The bill is pending a scheduled hearing in the Transportation and Safety Committee in the Senate and the Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee in the House of Representatives.