Pennsylvania Code › Title 67 - TRANSPORTATION › Part I - Department of Transportation › Subpart A - Vehicle Code Provisions › Article VII - Vehicle Characteristics › Chapter 177 - EMISSION INSPECTION PROGRAM › Subchapter A - GENERAL PROVISIONS › GENERAL › Section 177.3 - Definitions

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
The following words and terms, when used in this
							 chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates
							 otherwise:
ASM test-Acceleration Simulation Mode
							 test-
A one mode "loaded" mode emission test (ASM 5015), utilizing a
							 dynamometer, which simulates driving a vehicle at a predetermined speed and
							 driving condition.
Antique motor vehicle-
A motor
							 vehicle, which displays a current antique motor vehicle registration plate
							 issued by the Department, and which is consistent with the definition of
							 "antique motor vehicle" as provided in section 102 of the Vehicle Code
							 (relating to definitions).
Approved exhaust emission analyzer-
An instrument, developed for measuring the hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, carbon
							 dioxide or oxides of nitrogen emissions from the exhaust system of a vehicle,
							 which meets required emission analyzer specifications and program requirements
							 and has been approved by the Department under §
													177.406(b)
							 (relating to equipment).
BAR97-
The acronym used for the
							 California Bureau of Automotive Repair's Exhaust Gas Analyzer system
							 Specifications provided in 1996, for the testing and documentation of technical
							 specifications required for the approval of analyzer and dynamometer use in
							 California for the measurement of hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions.
							 These specifications, including performance criteria, design characteristics,
							 instrument evaluation procedures and documentation, warranty requirements and
							 logistics shall be met or surpassed for an exhaust gas analyzer and dynamometer
							 to be considered equivalent to the BAR97 exhaust gas analyzer system. Copies of
							 the BAR97 specifications may be obtained from the Department of Consumer
							 Affairs, Bureau of Automotive Repair, California Vehicle Inspection Program,
							 3116 Bradshaw Road, Sacramento, California 95827. A fee for this document may
							 be required.
BAR80-
The acronym used for the
							 California Bureau of Automotive Repair's Exhaust Gas Analyzer Specifications:
							 1979 provided in 1980 for the testing and documentation of technical
							 specifications required for the approval of analyzer use in California for the
							 measurement of hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions.
Bureau-
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles
							 of the Department.
Business day-
Each day in which an
							 appointed emission inspection station is open for business, excluding Sundays
							 and selected State holidays determined by the Department.
CO-carbon monoxide-
A colorless,
							 odorless gas formed by incomplete combustion of carbon, including gasoline. It
							 is considered a mobile source pollutant.
CO2-carbon
							 dioxide-
A colorless, odorless incombustible gas formed during
							 respiration and combustion.
Certificate of emission inspection-
A serially numbered sticker that, when affixed to the windshield of a vehicle,
							 indicates that the vehicle has passed an emission inspection consistent with
							 this chapter. The certificate is also referred to in this chapter as a
							 sticker.
Certificate of waiver-
An official
							 Department document indicating that the requirement of passing emission
							 reinspection has been waived for a vehicle under §
													177.291 (relating to certificates
							 of emission inspection).
Certified emission inspector-
A
							 person who holds a valid certification card issued by the Bureau which
							 certifies that the person is qualified and has passed the requirements to
							 perform emission inspections on subject vehicles in an appointed emission
							 inspection station.
Certified repair technician-
A
							 person who has provided proof to the Department of completion of Department or
							 Nationally recognized emission component repair training and has received a
							 valid emissions repair technician certificate issued by the Department.
Classic motor vehicle-
A motor
							 vehicle, but not a reproduction thereof, which displays a current classic motor
							 vehicle registration plate issued by the Department and meets the definition
							 provided in section 102 of the Vehicle Code.
Collectible motor vehicle-
A
							 reconstructed motor vehicle, but not a reproduction thereof, substantially
							 modified from the manufacturer's original specifications and appearance and
							 maintained in a collectible condition as determined by the Department.
Commonwealth emission inspection
							 station-
An inspection station appointed by the Commonwealth to
							 conduct emission inspections on subject vehicles owned by and engaged
							 exclusively in the performance of the official duties of the Federal
							 government, the Commonwealth or a political subdivision of this
							 Commonwealth.
Consumer complaint emission inspection
							 procedure-
The method provided for consumers who wish to have the
							 results of the emission inspection verified at an inspection facility or lane
							 operated under contract to the Department where the verification is supervised
							 by a Department designated official.
DTC-Diagnostic Trouble Code-
An
							 alphanumeric code which is set in a vehicle's onboard computer when a monitor
							 detects a condition likely to lead to (or which has already produced) a
							 component or system failure.
Decentralized inspection-
A system
							 for vehicle emission inspection using privately owned and operated,
							 Department-certified facilities to provide for vehicle emission testing or
							 allowing repairs, or both.
Department-
The Department of
							 Transportation of the Commonwealth.
EPA-
The United States Environmental
							 Protection Agency.
Emission inspection-
The testing of
							 the exhaust emissions control systems of a subject vehicle as required by this
							 chapter. The term includes an inspection performed utilizing an I/M emission
							 test, an OBD-I/M check, an evaporative function test, gas cap test, visual
							 inspection or any combination of these tests.
Emission inspection program-
A
							 vehicle emission inspection program as defined by the EPA designed to meet an
							 I/M performance standard.
Emission inspection report-
A
							 document automatically generated by an emission inspection device once the
							 testing cycle is completed.
Federal standard-
A minimum standard
							 of vehicle or vehicle equipment performance issued under the National Highway
							 Traffic Safety Administration Act of 1991 (49 U.S.C.A. §§
														30101-30169), the act of July 5, 1994
							 (Pub. L. No.
							 103-272) (108 stat. 745), Chapter 323-Consumer
							 Information, known as the Motor Vehicle Information, Standards and Requirements
							 Act (49 U.S.C.A.
							 §§
														32301-32309) or the Clean
							 Air Act (42 U.S.C.A. §
														7401-7671q).
Field certified exhaust emission
							 analyzer-
An approved exhaust emission analyzer certified by the
							 manufacturer or distributor as being properly calibrated at the emission
							 inspection station according to the manufacturer's specifications and
							 Department procedures and capable of properly recording, storing and
							 transferring test data.
Fleet emission inspection station-
An inspection station appointed by the Commonwealth to inspect a minimum of 15
							 subject vehicles, space permitting, leased or owned and registered in the name
							 of the person in whose name the certificate of appointment is issued.
GVWR-Gross vehicle weight rating-
The value specified by the manufacturer on the Federal weight certification
							 label as the loaded weight of a single vehicle.
Gas cap test-
A fuel filler gas cap
							 test, as specified in §
													177.204(2)(iii)
							 (relating to basis for failure), that determines whether or not the vehicle's
							 gas cap is functioning as designed.
General emission inspection station-
An inspection station appointed by the Department to conduct emission
							 inspections on all subject vehicles, including fleet, government and private
							 vehicles.
HC-Hydrocarbon-
An organic compound
							 containing carbon and hydrogen and often occurring in petroleum, natural gas,
							 coal and bitumens.
I/M-
Inspection/Maintenance.
I/M emission test-
The testing of
							 exhaust emissions of a subject vehicle, while the vehicle is running, for CO,
							 HC, NO or other emitted gasses.
I/M indicator insert (for safety certificate
							 of inspection)-
An insert containing an indicator in the background to
							 be affixed to the safety certificates of inspection to indicate a requirement
							 for an emission I/M inspection.
I/M monthly insert (for a certificate of
							 emission inspection)-
An insert to be affixed to the certificate of
							 emission inspection to show the expiration date of the current emission I/M
							 inspection.
I/M region-
The designation and
							 grouping of counties in the Commonwealth certified under §
													177.51(d) 
							 (relating to program requirements for purposes of administration of emission
							 inspection requirements) under this chapter. Currently, in accordance with
							 §
													177.51(d),
							 Chester, Delaware, Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties constitute the
							 Philadelphia Region; Allegheny, Beaver, Washington and Westmoreland Counties
							 constitute the Pittsburgh Region. Pending certification in accordance with
							 §
													177.51(d), Berks,
							 Dauphin, Cumberland, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Northampton and York Counties
							 shall constitute the South Central Region; Blair, Cambria, Centre, Erie,
							 Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming and Mercer Counties shall constitute the Northern
							 Region.
I/M registration indicator-
An
							 indicator on the registration card which identifies the vehicle as a subject
							 vehicle which shall be emission inspected annually.
Idle test-
A vehicle emission
							 inspection test procedure for sampling exhaust emissions which requires
							 maintaining the vehicle's engine speed in the idle range of rpms. The vehicle
							 engine speed is set with the operational range of rpms as prescribed in 40 CFR
							 Part 51 , Subpart S, Appendix B(I) (relating to test procedures), and the
							 exhaust gas emissions are measured within the single idle speed range.
Implement of husbandry-
A vehicle
							 designed or adapted and determined by the Department to be used exclusively for
							 agricultural operations and infrequently operated or moved upon
							 highways.
Inspection area-
The area in which
							 emission inspections shall be conducted.
Light duty trucks-
Trucks weighing
							 less than 9,000 pounds GVWR.
Light duty vehicles-
Passenger cars
							 or multi-purpose vehicles weighing less than 6,000 pounds GVWR.
Limited fleet inspection periods-
Inspection periods in which approved fleet owners/lessors are required to
							 emission inspect their vehicles, as specified in the Application for Fleet
							 Stations form provided by the Department.
MIL-Malfunction Indicator Light-
Dashboard light illuminated when a vehicle's onboard computer detects
							 conditions likely to result in emissions exceeding standards by 1 1/2 times or
							 greater. The MIL may display "Check Engine," "Service Engine Soon," or other
							 similar message, or a symbol or picture representing an automobile
							 engine.
MY-Model Year-
The calendar year so
							 designated by the manufacturer of a vehicle as the model year for a particular
							 vehicle design.
NMHC-Nonmethane hydrocarbons-
A
							 mobile source or exhaust pollutant for which the EPA has set allowable
							 standards.
NO-Oxides of nitrogen-
A mobile
							 source or exhaust pollutant for which the EPA has set allowable
							 standards.
OBD-Onboard Diagnostics-
A system of
							 vehicle component and condition monitors controlled by a central, on board
							 computer designed and programmed, among other things, to signal the motorist
							 when conditions exist which could lead to (or which has already produced) a
							 component or system failure.
OBD Data Link Connector (DLC)-
The
							 interface which allows connection of the vehicle's OBD computer to an OBD
							 scanner. Connecting an OBD scanner to the DLC allows I/M inspectors and vehicle
							 repair technicians to read the readiness status of the vehicle's various
							 onboard monitors and to read any diagnostic trouble codes recorded by the OBD
							 computer.
OBD-I/M Check-
An inspection and
							 evaluation of a vehicle's emission control systems utilizing the vehicle's OBD
							 system as provided in §
													177.203 (relating to test
							 procedures) and § 177.204.
On-road testing device-
An exhaust
							 gas analyzer capable of measuring vehicle exhaust gas content outside of the
							 emission inspection station environment, while the vehicle is in motion on the
							 road or at a roadside stop.
PA97-
The emission inspection
							 analyzer designed to meet the requirements and specifications for idle testing
							 of this Commonwealth's emission inspection program as defined in Appendix A
							 (relating to acceleration simulation mode: Pennsylvania procedures, standards,
							 equipment specifications and quality control requirements).
PA97 with dynamometer-
The emission
							 inspection analyzer and dynamometer designed to meet the requirements and
							 specifications for ASM testing of this Commonwealth's emission inspection
							 program as defined in Appendix A.
Ppb-
Part per billion.
Ppm-
Part per million.
Qualified Commonwealth employee-
An
							 individual, police officer or qualified Department employee, who has completed
							 training in the inspection or weighing of vehicles as required by section 4704,
							 4981 or 8302 of the Vehicle Code (relating to inspection by police or
							 Commonwealth personnel; weighing and measurement of vehicles; and powers and
							 duties of department).
Quality assurance officer-
A person
							 designated by the Department to investigate, inspect and supervise the
							 operations of emission inspection stations.
Qualifying repairs-
Vehicle repairs
							 necessary to correct the deficiencies which resulted in a vehicle's failure of
							 the emission inspection test and which count toward the minimum dollar amount
							 required before a waiver may be issued. For those repairs where repair or
							 replacement of emission-related parts requires replacement of other nonemission
							 related equipment constructed as one indivisible unit by the manufacturer, the
							 total replacement costs or repair costs may be counted toward qualifying
							 repairs.
Rpm-
Revolutions per minute.
Readiness code-
A status flag stored
							 by a vehicle's onboard computer which is different from a DTC in that it does
							 not indicate a vehicle component or system failure, but rather indicates
							 whether or not the component or system in question has been recently checked by
							 the OBD system to determine if it is functioning properly.
Recognized repair facility-
A
							 business engaged in the diagnosis and repair of automotive engines and related
							 systems, and one that has been issued or applied for a State Sales Tax
							 identification number by the Commonwealth or another state jurisdiction.
Registration recall-
A formal action
							 of the Department to withdraw the vehicle registration of a vehicle owner or
							 operator for failure to produce proof of correction or waiver of an on-road
							 emission test failure.
Residency exemption-
A document
							 issued by the Department stating that a residency exemption application has
							 been verified and approved, and that the vehicle listed is exempt from an
							 emission inspection.
Residency exemption application-
An
							 application issued by the Department and used by a Commonwealth vehicle owner
							 residing outside of a designated emission I/M program area to apply for an
							 exemption from emission inspection when the owner has incorrectly received an
							 I/M indicator on the registration card or registration renewal card.
Scanner
or
scan
							 tool-
A PC-based or handheld device used to interface with a vehicle's
							 onboard computer through its DLC for the purpose of determining readiness
							 status and reading DTCs.
Secretary-
The Secretary of the
							 Department.
Special mobile equipment-
(i) Vehicles not designed or used primarily
						  for the transportation of persons or property and only incidentally operated or
						  moved over a highway, including, but not limited to: ditch digging apparatus;
						  well boring apparatus; earth moving and road construction and maintenance
						  machinery, such as asphalt spreaders, bituminous mixers, bucket loaders,
						  snowplows, ditchers, graders, finishing machines, road rollers, scarifiers,
						  earth moving carryalls, scrapers, power shovels and draglines; and
						  self-propelled cranes and tractors, other than truck tractors.
(ii) The term does not include: house
						  trailers; dump trucks; truck-mounted transit mixers, cranes or shovels; or
						  other vehicles designed for the transportation of persons or property to which
						  machinery has been attached.
Street rod-
A motor vehicle, or a
							 reproduction thereof, with a model year of 1948 or older which has been
							 materially altered or modified by the removal, addition or substitution of
							 essential parts and with a gross weight or registered gross weight of not more
							 than 9,000 pounds.
Subject emission control device-
The
							 vehicle emission control devices, including the catalytic convertor, the fuel
							 tank inlet restrictor and the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve which are
							 required to be inspected as part of the emission inspection program.
Transient test-
A vehicle emission
							 inspection test in which the vehicle is tested for exhaust emissions under
							 conditions simulating actual on-road driving conditions. Testing equipment
							 includes a dynamometer that permits simulation of driving and exhaust gas
							 analyzer equipment that analyzes the exhaust gas emissions under various
							 driving conditions.
Two-speed test-
A vehicle emission
							 inspection test in which the exhaust emissions are measured at two ranges of
							 engine revolutions per minute (rpm) as prescribed in 40 CFR Part 51 , Subpart
							 S, Appendix B(II) (relating to test procedures two speed idle test).
Unsafe condition-
A defect,
							 malfunction or condition which may expose an emission inspector to harm in the
							 performance of an emission inspection of that vehicle.
VIID-Vehicle Inspection Information
							 Database-
The vehicle database established to collect inspection test
							 data and to provide emission inspection test standards to emission inspection
							 stations for the purpose of conducting the appropriate emission
							 inspection.
VIN-Vehicle identification number-
A
							 combination of numbers or letters, or both, which the manufacturer assigns to a
							 vehicle for identification purposes, or, if no VIN is present on the vehicle,
							 which the Department may assign for identification purposes.
Vehicle Code-
75 Pa.C.S.
Vehicle equipment standard-
A
							 minimum standard for vehicle performance or vehicle equipment performance which
							 meets the needs of vehicle safety, noise control or air quality control, and
							 which is practicable and provides objective criteria.
Vehicle Inspection Division-
The
							 division within the Bureau which administers vehicle equipment and inspection
							 matters.
Vehicle year-
The date of
							 manufacture of a vehicle as specified by the VIN, or, if this number is not
							 available or cannot be interpreted for the year, the annual production period
							 of the vehicle as designated by the manufacturer.
The provisions of this §
															177.3 issued under: the Vehicle
								Code,
								75 Pa.C.S. §§
																4531,
								4702,
								4706,
								4707,
								4721 and
								6103; amended under the
								Vehicle Code,
								75 Pa.C.S. §§
																4531,
								4701,
								4702,
								4706,
								4707,
								4721 and
								6103.
This section cited in 67 Pa. Code §
															177.423 (relating to fleet basic
								and enhanced emission inspection
								stations).