Georgia's Clean Air Force An Overview for the Motoring Public

 What is Georgia’s Clean Air Force? What is Georgia’s Clean Air Force  Testing Information Testing Information  My Vehicle Did Not Pass, Why? My Vehicle Did Not Pass, Why?  Repairing My Vehicle Repairing My Vehicle  Retest Process Retest Process  Vehicle Sales Vehicle Sales  Registration Scenarios Registration Scenarios  Resources At Your Fingertips Resources At Your Fingertips Overview Slide

` What Is Georgia's Clean Air Force?  Georgia's Clean Air Force (GCAF) is the state's emissions testing program, also known as the Georgia Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Program.  The I/M program has been in existence since Federal CCA Amendments of 1990 led to Georgia being required to implement an “enhanced inspection and maintenance program.” This enhanced program was implemented in OBD testing began in Slide 3

` What Is Georgia's Clean Air Force? Did you know? GCAF has cleaned up nearly 2 million vehicles since the program started in  The program covers thirteen (13) metro Atlanta counties. − The covered counties include: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding and Rockdale. Slide 4 Did you know? GCAF has cleaned up nearly two million vehicles since the program started.

 In This Section: −Why We TestWhy We Test −What Are The Benefits Of Emissions Testing?What Are The Benefits Of Emissions Testing? −How Do I Get My Vehicle Tested?How Do I Get My Vehicle Tested? Testing Information Slide 5

Testing Information Why We Test  Air pollution is a public health and environmental issue in metro Atlanta.  Particulate matter found in air pollution can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular problems.  Children and senior citizens are especially vulnerable, but anyone who inhales deeply can suffer asthma attacks, coughing and wheezing, and shortness of breath. For additional details, download the Health Benefits poster.Health Benefits poster Slide

 GCAF is designed to identify and ultimately repair the emissions issues that cause gasoline-powered cars and light-duty trucks to pollute the air.  Since 1996, more than two million heavy polluting vehicles have been identified and repaired. Testing Information What Are The Benefits Of Emissions Testing? Help Georgia Breathe A Little Easier! Slide 7

Which vehicles require testing?  Please see the current Question and Answer (Q&A) brochure.Question and Answer (Q&A) brochure Which vehicles do not require testing?  Three most recent model years  Vehicles 25 model years old or older  Diesel powered vehicles  Motorcycles  RVs and motor homes  Alternative fueled vehicles that run exclusively on alternative fuels View the Question and Answer (Q&A) brochure for more details.Question and Answer (Q&A) brochure Testing Information How Do I Get My Vehicle Tested? Slide

Where do I test?  You may get your vehicle tested at any testing station which displays a state-certified sign (see example). A list of testing locations can be found by clicking here. clicking here How much does an emissions test cost?  Per Georgia law, the testing fee may not be more than $25. Stations are independently owned and operated and determine the price they will charge. Testing Information How Do I Get My Vehicle Tested? Slide

Are there different types of tests? Yes, there are two types of tests performed in Georgia On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Tests  All 1996 and newer vehicles receive a three-part inspection: a visual inspection of the catalytic converter, an OBD test and a fuel cap inspection. Accelerated Simulation Mode (ASM2) Tests  All 1995 and older model year vehicles will receive a three-part inspection: a visual inspection of the catalytic converter, an ASM2 tailpipe exhaust emission test, and a fuel cap inspection.  For more details, click here.click here What if I own an alternative fueled vehicle?  Vehicles powered only by diesel fuel or that run exclusively on alternative fuel (natural gas, propane, etc.) are exempt from emissions testing. Dual-fuel vehicles must be inspected if one of the fuels burned is gasoline.  For more details, click here.click here Testing Information How Do I Get My Vehicle Tested? Slide

What if my free retest has expired?  The free retest is valid for 30 calendar days, including the day and time of the first inspection. The retest must be used at the original inspection station. If the retest has expired, you will be required to pay for the next inspection.  Note: Another emissions inspection station may perform the free retest at no charge, however it is up to the station’s discretion as to whether or not to perform the retest. What steps do I take if my vehicle has been impounded?  Pay the vehicle’s ad valorem tax and any additional fees.  Take the tax receipt to the impound company, at which point the vehicle will be released.  Have the vehicle towed from the impound lot to a testing station.  Get the vehicle emissions tested.  Return to the tag office for the new tag decal. Testing Information How Do I Get My Vehicle Tested? Slide

How do I get a refund?  GCAF does not have the authority to issue refunds because stations are independently owned and operated.  Retests are required to be free at the original inspection station for 30 calendar days. The 30 days includes the day of the first inspection and expires at the time of day of the original test.  If your original inspection station’s equipment is down or if the station is closed, call or send an to for assistance. Testing Information How Do I Get My Vehicle Tested? Slide

What if I will be out of the area when my vehicle‘s registration is due?  Vehicles can be tested well in advance if the driver will be out of the area at time the registration is due.  A vehicle inspection report (VIR) is valid for one year.  Contact your county tag office to determine if it will allow a registration renewal prior to the normal renewal period (if more than 60 days prior to the renewal date).  Click here for more information. Click here for more information Testing Information How Do I Get My Vehicle Tested? Slide

Where are the service centers located and what are the hours of operation?  GCAF has five full-time service centers located in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties. Part-time service centers are open in Cherokee, Coweta, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale counties. –The hours of operation and driving directions to all service centers are listed on the GCAF website at service centers –Additionally, GCAF partners with metro Atlanta tag offices to offer waiver services. We recommend contacting your local tag office to find out the services they offer.contacting your local tag office Testing Information How Do I Get My Vehicle Tested? Slide

How do I request a referee test?  If you question the test procedures, accuracy of the inspection equipment, or validity of the results, you may request a referee test within 15 calendar days of the disputed inspection if no repairs have been made to the vehicle (15 days includes the day of the first inspection). −The referee test will be observed by a GCAF representative at a mutually agreeable time at the inspection station where your vehicle was tested. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the GCAF Call Center at −Also, please report any offers to illegally pass a vehicle by calling the GCAF Call Center at or by sending an to Testing Information How Do I Get My Vehicle Tested? For additional testing information, please review the Question and Answer brochure, available at and at all certified testing facilities. For additional testing information, please review the Question and Answer brochure, available at and at all certified testing facilities. Slide

 My Vehicle Did Not Pass. Why? −What Causes A Readiness Failure?What Causes A Readiness Failure? −What Causes A Non-Communication Failure?What Causes A Non-Communication Failure? −The "Check Engine" LightThe "Check Engine" Light −What Causes A NOx Failure?What Causes A NOx Failure? −What Causes A HC Failure?What Causes A HC Failure? −What Causes A CO Failure?What Causes A CO Failure? My Vehicle Did Not Pass. Why? Slide

Possible causes of a readiness failure include:  The failure could be the result of something preventing the vehicle from becoming “Ready.” You should check all wires, fuses, and the thermostat. All wires should be checked on any installed after market system (Ex: CD player, radio, security, navigation system, satellite radio, etc.). Check the thermostat for proper operating temperature.  The failure could mean there is a recall, outstanding Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) or manufacturer extended warranty issue related to the vehicle’s emissions control system.  Note: A diagnostic analysis should be performed using an OBD generic scan tool; be sure the scan tool is connected to the Data Link Connector (DLC) under the dash, not under the hood. My Vehicle Did Not Pass. Why? What Causes A Readiness Failure? For additional information on readiness, click here.here Slide

Possible causes of a non-communication failure include:  A failure could result from the data link connector (DLC) being blocked, missing or broken.  The failure could result from interference caused by or damage to a wire or fuse. You should check all wires and fuses. −All wires should be checked on any after market system (E.g. CD player, radio, security, navigation system, satellite radio, etc). If a wire is interfering with the battery or OBD computer, it could damage or interfere with the connection to the OBD computer.  The failure could mean there is a recall, outstanding TSB, or manufacturer extended warranty issue related to your vehicle’s emissions control system. Continued ► My Vehicle Did Not Pass. Why? What Causes A Non-Communication Failure? Slide

Possible causes of non-communication failure include (cont'd):  Note: A diagnostic analysis should be performed using an OBD generic scan tool; be sure the scan tool is connected to the DLC under the dash, not under the hood.  If a mechanic is able to communicate using generic OBD scan tool, contact GCAF at or call the GCAF Call Center at for further assistance. You are required to provide documentation from your mechanic stating all of the above have been My Vehicle Did Not Pass. Why? What Causes A Non-Communication Failure? For additional information on non- communication, click here.here Slide

 The “Check Engine” light may illuminate indicating something as minor as a loose fuel cap or as major as an emission control component failure.  Your Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) will list the first five Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) indicating the general area of the emissions control system failure. My Vehicle Did Not Pass. Why? The “Check Engine” Light  If a DTC listed on the VIR indicates a fault within the vehicle’s “evaporative system,” you should tighten the fuel cap until it clicks and drive the vehicle for a few days to see if the OBD system turns off the “Check Engine” light. Tip: tighten the fuel cap until it clicks and drive for a few days. Slide

 A transmission code that turns on the “Check Engine” light is directly related to the vehicle’s emissions control system.  A vehicle’s on-board computer will illuminate the “Check Engine” light if a problem with the transmission is detected. A diagnostic analysis will help identify the transmission component(s) needing repair.  If the “Check Engine” light is flashing, the vehicle should be serviced immediately to avoid costly damage to the vehicle’s main emissions control component – the catalytic converter. My Vehicle Did Not Pass. Why? The “Check Engine” Light For additional information on the "Check Engine" light, click here.here Slide

Possible causes of NOx failure include:  A faulty or clogged EGR system and/or EGR valve  Incorrect ignition timing  Incorrect fuel pressure  A broken or leaky vacuum hose  A faulty mass air flow sensor  Old coolant/antifreeze  Faulty oxygen sensor(s)  A faulty or malfunctioning thermostat You should seek a repair facility for assistance. You are encouraged to view the RepairWatch Public Report to find a qualified emissions repairRepairWatch Public Report shop in your area. The report can be found at any inspection station or on the GCAF website at My Vehicle Did Not Pass. Why? What Causes A NOx Failure? Slide

Possible causes of a hydrocarbon (HC) failure include:  Faulty spark plugs and plug wires  Faulty oxygen sensor(s)  A faulty mass air flow sensor  A faulty EGR system  Clogged or leaking fuel injectors or carburetor  Incorrect ignition timing You should seek a repair facility for assistance. You are encouraged to view the RepairWatch Public Report to find a qualified emissions repairRepairWatch Public Report shop in your area. The report can be found at any inspection station or on the GCAF website at My Vehicle Did Not Pass. Why? What Causes An HC Failure? Slide

Possible causes of a carbon monoxide (CO) failure include:  Faulty oxygen sensor(s)  A faulty mass air flow sensor  A faulty PCV valve  A clogged air filter  Incorrect ignition timing  Faulty fuel pressure  A dirty fuel injection/carburetor  A vacuum and/or exhaust leak You should seek a repair facility for assistance. You are encouraged to view the RepairWatch Public Report to find a qualified emissions repairRepairWatch Public Report shop in your area. The report can be found at any inspection station or on the GCAF website at My Vehicle Did Not Pass. Why? What Causes A CO Failure? Slide

 Repairing My Vehicle −Where Should I Go For Repairs?Where Should I Go For Repairs? −Repair IssuesRepair Issues −Repair Shop ComplaintsRepair Shop Complaints −Repair Assistance Knowledge BaseRepair Assistance Knowledge Base −TSB/Recall Notification ListTSB/Recall Notification List −How Do I Get My Vehicle Retested?How Do I Get My Vehicle Retested? Repairing My Vehicle Slide

 Check to see if your vehicle is covered by a manufacturer’s emissions control warranty. –If the vehicle is under warranty, you should take it to an authorized dealer. If the vehicle is not under warranty, you should find a qualified emissions repair shop to make the necessary repairs.  You are encouraged to view the Repair Watch Public Report to find a qualified emissions repair shop in your area. Repair Watch Public Report –You can find the report at any emission inspection station or on the GCAF website at Repairing My Vehicle Where Should I Go For Repairs? Slide

 Note: GCAF recommends that you obtain a written estimate for any work before authorizing your repair technician to proceed. −Be sure you or your mechanic completes the Emissions Repair Form you received when your vehicle failed. The completed Emissions Repair Form and original Georgia Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) are required when the vehicle is retested.Emissions Repair Form Repairing My Vehicle Where Should I Go For Repairs? Slide

What if I cannot locate a part?  You should check local salvage yards, as well as the following websites* for the unavailable part:  You can find additional places in the Yellow Pages, under “Auto Parts New.”  If all attempted efforts to locate the part have failed, then contact Attempts to locate parts must be documented.  Please note: it is illegal to install a used catalytic converter.  You are encouraged to pay the vehicle’s ad valorem tax while searching for the part. Repairing My Vehicle Repair Issues Slide *This is not a complete list. Further research may be needed.

= What if I am dissatisfied with the work of my repair facility?  GCAF does not regulate the repair industry; however, GCAF suggests that you file a complaint with your repair facility/dealership or contact the Better Business Bureau, the Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection, or the Secretary of State’s office. Better Business Bureau Governor’s Office of Consumer ProtectionSecretary of State’s office Repairing My Vehicle Repair Shop Complaints Slide

Georgia's Clean Air Force offers two resources to research repair issues: Repair Assistance Knowledge BaseRepair Assistance Knowledge Base - A list of recalls, Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), warranties and Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). TSB/Recall Notification ListTSB/Recall Notification List - A list of recent Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and recalls. Repairing My Vehicle Repair Assistance Knowledge Base and TSB/Recall Notification List Slide

v  For every paid test, you are allowed one free retest. View retest requirements. View retest requirements  Bring the completed Emissions Repair Form to the retest location. You will need to make a copy of the Repair Form if you want one for your records. The emissions station will keep this form.Emissions Repair Form  If you need a copy of your most recent VIR, you can print a copy of your VIR via the GCAF website, All you need is your vehicle identification number (VIN). print a copy of your VIR Repairing My Vehicle How Do I Get My Vehicle Retested? Slide

 In This Section: −Passing VIR Not AvailablePassing VIR Not Available −Non-Emissions County Purchase/Non-Covered CountyNon-Emissions County Purchase/Non-Covered County −Buyer Lives In A Non-Covered CountyBuyer Lives In A Non-Covered County −Out-Of-State SellerOut-Of-State Seller −“As-Is” Clause“As-Is” Clause −Complaint ProcessComplaint Process Vehicle Sales Slide

Vehicle Sales Passing VIR Not Available ** Covered counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale. Slide What if I purchased a vehicle that does not have a passing Georgia Vehicle Emissions Inspection Report (VIR).  Prior to purchasing a used vehicle, you should look up the VIN, via the Georgia’s Clean Air Force (GCAF) website, to see if the vehicle has a passing VIR.*look up the VIN,  If you purchase a used vehicle from a seller located within the 13-county testing area and plan to register the vehicle in a covered county,** the vehicle must have a passing VIR from the last 12 months. ―Within 12 months, a vehicle may be sold numerous times using the same valid VIR.

What if I purchased a vehicle that does not have a passing VIR. (cont'd)  Sellers are not required to provide the buyer with a hard copy of the VIR. The VIR will be on record electronically at the tag office. If you would like a hard copy of the VIR, a free copy can be obtained from the GCAF website at or at any GCAF Customer Service Center.a free copy Vehicle Sales Passing VIR Not Available Slide

I purchased a vehicle in a non-emissions county.  The seller is not responsible for selling a vehicle with a current, valid passing Georgia Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) if the seller is not located in the 13-county testing area. Vehicle Sales Non-Emissions County Purchase * Covered counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale. Slide

What if I live in a county that does not require emissions testing?  If the buyer is located in a county that does not require emission testing, the seller is not responsible for selling a vehicle with a current, valid passing Georgia Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR). What if I purchased a vehicles from an out-of-state seller?  He or she is not responsible for selling a vehicle with a current, valid passing Georgia VIR. Vehicle Sales Buyer Lives In A Non-Covered County and Out-Of-State Seller * Covered counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale. Slide

I purchased a vehicle “As Is”; what does that mean?”  Vehicles sold “As Is” are just that - “as is;” however: −Georgia law requires a vehicle to have a valid, passing emissions inspection at the time of sale if the vehicle will be registered in a covered county and if the seller is located in the 13-county testing area. −A valid, passing emissions inspection is required to register a vehicle in any of the 13 metro Atlanta counties, therefore emissions inspections are not subject to the “As Is” clause. −The Georgia Secretary of State’s Office requires the seller provide the buyer with the necessary paperwork to register and tag a vehicle within 30 days of sale (seven days if purchased from a private seller). Georgia Secretary of State’s Office Vehicle Sales "As Is“ Clause Slide * Covered counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding and Rockdale.

What is the process for filing a complaint against a seller? 1.Visit the GCAF website and download the Used Vehicle Sale Complaint Form.Used Vehicle Sale Complaint Form 2.Submit the completed form with the requested documentation (a bill of sale and affidavit are required documentation). 3.GCAF will investigate the case and contact you after the investigation is completed. Note: The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) encourages you to seek resolution with the seller prior to filing a Used Vehicle Sale Complaint. Vehicle Sales Complaint Process Slide

 In This Section: −Late RegistrationsLate Registrations −Early RegistrationsEarly Registrations −Moved To A Covered County From A Non- Covered CountyMoved To A Covered County From A Non- Covered County −Test Not On File At Tag OfficeTest Not On File At Tag Office −Data ErrorsData Errors Registration Scenarios Slide

What if I am late registering my vehicle?  If the vehicle has not been registered for several years and is registering late for the previous year, the vehicle will need to be tested now for the late renewal and tested again before the renewal for the current year.  If the vehicle has not been registered for several years and is registering for the current year, the vehicle will only need to be tested once to return it to the regular testing schedule. It is the tag office’s discretion as to what is required for late registration. Please contact your tag office for information regarding registration. Registration Scenarios Late Registrations Slide

Can I test and register my vehicle early?  Yes, a Georgia Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) is valid for 12 months or one registration renewal, by the same owner.  Georgia’s Clean Air Force (GCAF) recommends you test your vehicle four to six weeks prior to the registration renewal date; however, you may have the vehicle tested earlier if needed. –To test early, the emissions inspector will need to select the option to test “At Motorist’s Request.”  You should contact your tag office to determine if it will allow a registration renewal prior to your normal renewal period (more than 60 days before your registration renewal date). Registration Scenarios Early Registrations Slide

I recently moved into a county that requires emission tests; what do I need to do?  You must have your vehicle tested and registered within 30 days.  If you just moved to one of the 13 covered counties from a Georgia county where emissions testing is not required and your vehicle has a current Georgia registration, a valid emissions certificate will not be required until your registration renewal due date. Registration Scenarios Moved To A Covered County From A Non-Covered County Slide

What if my test is not on file at my county tag office?  If your vehicles test record is not on file, your vehicle's information, the vehicle identification number (VIN), was entered incorrectly during testing.  The inspector must retest the vehicle and correct the issue at no cost to you. Registration Scenarios Test Not On File At Tag Office Slide

What if the inspector entered the data for my vehicle incorrectly.  If the VIN, mileage or any of the vehicle information is entered incorrectly, the inspector is to retest the vehicle and correct the issue at no cost to you. Registration Scenarios Data Errors For additional information on your rights, please review the Motorists Rights poster posted at and certified testing facilities. Slide

 Resources At Your Fingertips −GCAF WebsiteGCAF Website −GCAF Customer Service CentersGCAF Customer Service Centers −GCAF Call CenterGCAF Call Center −Question & Answer BrochureQuestion & Answer Brochure −Registration Renewal InsertRegistration Renewal Insert −Foreign Language DocumentsForeign Language Documents −Motorist Rights PosterMotorist Rights Poster −Health Benefits PosterHealth Benefits Poster Resources At Your Fingertips GCAF Website and GCAF Customer Service Centers Slide

Georgia's Clean Air Force (GCAF) offers numerous resources to assist you with the emissions testing process.  GCAF Website CleanAirForce.com CleanAirForce.com −Find Program information, applications, online VIR reprints, station locations, GCAF Service Center locations, tag office locations, etc.  GCAF Customer Service Centers − GCAF offers waivers, extensions, and exemptions assistance at multiple locations throughout metro Atlanta. Click here for a full listing of locationsClick here and additional useful information. Resources at Your Fingertips Slide

 GCAF Call Center − , option 1 − Asistencia disponible en Español  Question & Answer Brochure Q&A brochures are available at all certified testing locations to assist motorists with failing vehicles.  Registration Renewal Inserts are mailed by your county tag office to explain how to get started. Note: Brochures and inserts are available online. Resources at Your Fingertips GCAF Call Center, Q&A Brochure and Registration Renewal Insert Slide

 Foreign language documents Literature available online at in Spanish, Korean and Vietnamese.  Motorists’ Rights Poster Outlines your rights during the emissionyour rights emissions testing process (see example).  Health Benefits Poster Outlines the health benefits of emissionhealth benefits emissions testing. Resources at Your Fingertips Foreign Language Documents, Motorist Rights Poster and Health Benefits Poster Slide

Thank You Georgia's Clean Air Force