RULES: Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Program - OAC 3745-26
Interested Party Review - Rules regarding Inspection and Maintenance Program, OAC Chapter 3745-26
What does OAC Chapter 3745-26 cover?
Chapter 3745-26 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) contains the requirements for Ohio’s motor vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) program, also known as E-Check. The program currently tests cars in seven counties in Northeast Ohio (Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Summit, and Portage). These rules fulfill a requirement in the Clean Air Act and are a part of Ohio’s State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the attainment and maintenance of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone in the Cleveland/Akron/Lorain Metropolitan area.
What step is this in the rulemaking process?
This step in Ohio EPA’s rulemaking process, required by Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 121.39, is called Interested Party Review. During this step, the Agency makes available draft rules for interested parties for review and comment. This step occurs after the Early Stakeholder Outreach comment period.
What changes are being considered?
Ohio EPA updated the rules to reflect the changes made in HB 54 to increase the new year exemptions from 4 to 6 years and for non-plug-in hybrids a 7-year exemption from testing. Ohio EPA has also performed a general review of the rules in this chapter to fulfill the requirements of Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 106.03 and 106.31(5-year review). Ohio EPA will make various minor changes for clarification, to fix typographical errors, and to meet state and agency formatting standards.
Who will be regulated by these rules?
The rules in OAC Chapter 3745-26 are applicable to automobile owners whose vehicle is registered in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Summit, or Portage counties as well as the contractor/ operators of the I/M program testing stations, and repair shop and technicians who opt to participate in the program.
What is the rulemaking schedule?
Upon completion of the Interested Party Review portion of this rulemaking, Ohio EPA will make any changes necessary to the rule language. After considering comments, the rules will be filed with JCARR (Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review.).
How can I comment on the draft rules?
Please submit your comments in one of the following ways:
By SmartComment: Enter Comments in the form below.
By postal mail:
Jennifer Van Vlerah
Ohio EPA, DIVISION
P.O. Box 1049
Columbus, OH 43216-1049
Comments on the draft rules must be received no later than 5 p.m. December 4, 2025.
Interested Party Review - Rules regarding Inspection and Maintenance Program, OAC Chapter 3745-26
Comments on the draft rules must be received no later than 5 p.m. December 4, 2025.
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