Enhanced Safety Inspections Begin in 42 Pa. Counties on December 1

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 24, 2003 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation today announced the state's annual safety inspection program will be modified in 42 counties beginning December 1 to incorporate a visual anti-tampering check for most passenger vehicles and light trucks weighing 11,000 pounds or less.

The 42 counties are: Adams, Armstrong, Bedford, Bradford, Butler, Cameron, Carbon, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Crawford, Elk, Fayette, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lawrence, McKean, Mifflin, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Somerset, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Venango, Warren, Wayne and Wyoming.

The anti-tampering check is a visual inspection for the presence of emission-control components that were installed by the vehicle manufacturer and are required by state and federal law. During the inspection, a mechanic will now look for the following emission-control devices:

  --    Catalytic converter.
  --    Exhaust gas recirculation valve.
  --    Positive crankcase ventilation valve.
  --    Fuel inlet restrictor.
  --    Air pump.
  --    Evaporative control system components such as vapor canisters and
        lines.

The inspection mechanic will also determine whether the devices are properly connected and are the correct type for the vehicle. Components may be original vehicle equipment or an equivalent aftermarket replacement that meets the same standards. Only the six emissions components that were part of the original certified vehicle configuration are subject to this portion of the inspection. If a component was not originally on a vehicle at the time of manufacture, it will pass inspection without it.

Vehicles in the 42 counties are exempt from the enhanced safety inspection if they weigh more than 11,000 pounds or are currently exempt from a safety inspection. Also, vehicles registered as classic or collectible will be exempt from the anti-tampering portion of the safety inspection. Exemptions are determined by the vehicle registration or by a certified safety inspection mechanic.

Visual anti-tampering checks for most passenger vehicles and light trucks weighing 11,000 pounds or less will be conducted in conjunction with the annual safety inspection. Safety inspections are done at certified private garages or dealers. Fees for safety inspections will continue to be market driven. Motorists should choose an inspection station based on price, service and convenience.

For more information about Pennsylvania's enhanced safety inspection program, visit PENNDOT's Driver & Vehicle Services web site at www.dmv.state.pa.us.