Bill Would End Emissions Test Requirement For Newer Vehicles

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A local lawmaker is pushing to stop emissions testing for newer cars, arguing that drivers are wasting millions on the tests.

State Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr., says cars 10 years old and newer -- and all alternative fuel vehicles -- shouldn't have to get emissions tests.

He says fewer than 3 percent of all cars fail the test and newer ones make up a small fraction of that.

Some drivers like the idea.

"It'll be 30 bucks in my pocket," one driver said.

Troubleshooters repair shop owner Tim Dietz says the exemption should stop at five years because failure rates increase significantly after that.

"I would probably say that there might be one in 30 that might fail with five years or newer," he said.

The bill would replace the mandatory tailpipe test with a visual inspection of all parts of the emissions system to guard against tampering.

The legislation has bi-partisan support but probably will not make it to a vote until fall.

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