RULES: Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Program - Proposal
This rule addresses the motor vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) program regulations.
The primary purpose of this rule making is to conduct the 5-year reviewof the rules. Based on this review, Ohio EPA finds that the rules in this chapter continue to be necessary and are in need of changes. With the passage of time, tailpipe testing has been phased out and replaced with On Board Diagnostic (OBD) testing only, requiring amendments to the rules to remove outdated tailpipe testing language. The tailpipe emissions test method was discontinued in January 2020. This is because Ohio's vehicle test program requires emission testing for vehicles from six through 25 years old and all of these vehicles are now equipped with OBDII. The OBDII diagnostic scan test method is now the only method for emissions testing purposes.
In addition, with an effective date of June 30, 2025, the legislature passed House Bill 54 (HB 54) which extended the new vehicle testing exemption from four to six years; added a seven-year exemption for hybrid vehicles; and clarified exempting battery electric motor vehicles, requiring amendments to these rules.
A public hearing on this proposed rulemaking will be held to consider public comments in accordance with Section 106.03 and 106.031 of the Ohio Revised Code. Ohio EPA will be holding an in-person and virtual public hearing on the rules on April 21, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. The in-person hearing will be at the same time and date and will be located at Ohio EPA, Suite 700, 50 W. Town Street, Columbus, OH 43215. During the hearing, the public may submit written comments on the record about the proposed rules if participating virtually and verbally if participating in person.
Citizens who want to participate virtually must register in advance for the meeting at:
Registration for the in-person hearing is not required. Citizens intending to give testimony at the hearing should notify the Ohio EPA Public Interest Center, P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049, (614) 644-2160 or by emailing mary.mccarron@epa.ohio.gov. Prior registration will ensure that registrants are heard ahead of those individuals who register at the hearing. Oral testimony may be limited to five minutes, depending on the number of persons testifying. All interested persons are entitled to attend or be represented and to present oral and/or written comments concerning the proposed rule making.
This rule addresses the motor vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) program regulations.
The primary purpose of this rule making is to conduct the 5-year review of the rules. Based on this review, Ohio EPA finds that the rules in this chapter continue to be necessary and are in need of changes. With the passage of time, tailpipe testing has been phased out and replaced with On Board Diagnostic (OBD) testing only, requiring amendments to the rules to remove outdated tailpipe testing language. The tailpipe emissions test method was discontinued in January 2020. This is because Ohio's vehicle test program requires emission testing for vehicles from six through 25 years old and all of these vehicles are now equipped with OBDII. The OBDII diagnostic scan test method is now the only method for emissions testing purposes.
In addition, with an effective date of June 30, 2025, the legislature passed House Bill 54 (HB 54) which extended the new vehicle testing exemption from four to six years; added a seven-year exemption for hybrid vehicles; and clarified exempting battery electric motor vehicles, requiring amendments to these rules.
A public hearing on this proposed rulemaking will be held to consider public comments in accordance with Section 106.03 and 106.031 of the Ohio Revised Code. Ohio EPA will be holding an in-person and virtual public hearing on the rules on April 21, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. The in-person hearing will be at the same time and date and will be located at Ohio EPA, Suite 700, 50 W. Town Street, Columbus, OH 43215. During the hearing, the public may submit written comments on the record about the proposed rules if participating virtually and verbally if participating in person.
Citizens who want to participate virtually must register in advance for the meeting at:
https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/9da11cba-46a7-4b59-bf8d-979e8b11e613@50f8fcc4-94d8-4f07-84eb-36ed57c7c8a2
Registration for the in-person hearing is not required. Citizens intending to give testimony at the hearing should notify the Ohio EPA Public Interest Center, P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049, (614) 644-2160 or by emailing mary.mccarron@epa.ohio.gov. Prior registration will ensure that registrants are heard ahead of those individuals who register at the hearing. Oral testimony may be limited to five minutes, depending on the number of persons testifying. All interested persons are entitled to attend or be represented and to present oral and/or written comments concerning the proposed rule making.
The proposed rules and associated documents are accessible on the Division of Air Pollution Control’s web page for electronic viewing and downloading at : DAPC Proposed Rules | Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Contact Information
*Indicates Required Fields