2000 vehicles tested in 2000 do not need a test in 2001. The test schedule used to be different. Until now, all even model-year vehicles have been tested in even years. All odd model-year vehicles have been tested in odd years. From now on, this cycle will remain in place for 1995 and older vehicles, but will shift for 1996 and newer models.
State law requires testing every other year.
Ecology has adjusted the cycle to better accommodate the exemption of vehicles under five years old. Otherwise, vehicles would remain untested until they were over six years old. The Emission Check Program makes the entire fleet of vehicles involved in the Emission Check Program 20 percent cleaner. This translates into 246,000 fewer tons of air pollution per year. Without these reductions, violations of health-based air quality standards are almost certain to occur.