250-RICR-120-05-34
250-RICR-120-05-34. Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program (version Technical Revision, 03/30/2004 to 01/05/2009)
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL REGULATION NO. 34
RHODE ISLAND MOTOR VEHICLE
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
Effective 17, November 2003
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3.4 Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Inspection/Maintenance Program (Rhode Island I/M Program)................................2
34.1 Definitions .........................................................................................................................................................2
34.2 Applicability......................................................................................................................................................4
34.3 Inspection Standards..........................................................................................................................................4
34.4 Exhaust Emissions Standards ............................................................................................................................4
34.4.1 Phase-in Standards......................................................................................................................................4
34.4.2 Final Standards ...........................................................................................................................................7
34.4.3 Opacity Test................................................................................................................................................9
34.4.4 Evaporative Emissions Standard.................................................................................................................9
34.5 On-board Diagnostic Test Standards .................................................................................................................9
34.6 Inspection Procedures......................................................................................................................................10
34.7 Audits ..............................................................................................................................................................10
34.7.1 Equipment Audits.....................................................................................................................................10
36.7.2 Computer and Record Audits....................................................................................................................11
34.8 Reporting .........................................................................................................................................................11
APPENDIX (Technical Specifications).......................................................................................................................12
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RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
OFFICE OF AIR RESOURCES
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL REGULATION NO. 34
RHODE ISLAND MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
3.4 Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Inspection/Maintenance Program (Rhode Island I/M Program)
34.1 Definitions
As used in these regulations, the following terms shall, where the context permits, be
construed as follows:
34.1.1 "Authorized Inspection Repair Station" and "AIRS" mean an inspection location
authorized by the Department to provide motor vehicle safety and emission
inspection and repairs, or inspections only.
34.1.2 "Calibration" means the act of checking and adjusting the exhaust emission analyzer
by introducing reference gases of known concentrations into the analyzer.
34.1.3 "CIRT" means a Certified Inspection Repair Technician certified by the Department
of Administration to provide both inspection and repairs for motor vehicle safety and
emissions.
34.1.4 "CIT" means a Certified Inspection Technician certified by the Department of
Administration to perform motor vehicle safety and emission inspections only.
34.1.5 "Day" means a calendar day, unless otherwise designated.
34.1.6 "Dealer" means a person or entity engaged in the business of buying, selling, or
exchanging vehicles and who has an established place of business for such purpose
and as further defined in section 31.1.19 (a) of the Motor Vehicle Code.
34.1.7 "Department" means the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.
34.1.8 "Exhaust emissions standard" means the maximum allowable levels of carbon
monoxide, hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen appropriate for the age and type of
vehicle tested.
34.1.9 "Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)" is the weight value specified by the vehicle
manufacturer on the Federal weight certification label as the loaded weight of a
vehicle.
34.1.10 "IM240" means the transient dynamometer schedule described in EPA Report number
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EPA-AA-EPSD-IM-93-1 April 1994.
34.1.11 "Inspection" means the testing of the exhaust and functional emission controls along
with a safety inspection of a subject vehicle.
34.1.12 "Inspection station" means an inspection facility for motor vehicle safety, on-board
diagnostics and emissions inspection operated by an AIRS.
34.1.13 "Model year" means the manufacturer's annual production period for each engine
family which includes January 1 of a calendar year or, if the manufacturer has no
annual production period, the calendar year. In the case of any motor vehicle
manufactured in two or more stages, the time of manufacture shall be the date of
completion of the chassis.
34.1.14 "Motor vehicle" means every motor vehicle which is self-propelled, except vehicles moved
exclusively by human power and motorized wheelchairs.
34.1.15 "New Motor Vehicle" means a motor vehicle that the equitable or legal title has never been
transferred to the first person who in good faith purchases the vehicle for purposes other
than resale.
34.1.16 "Operator" means any motorist, owner or lessee in control of a motor vehicle.
34.1.17 “On-board diagnostics” and “OBD” mean the system that monitors and records the
operations and faults of a vehicle’s emissions controls and related systems.
34.1.18 "Person" means any individual, partnership, corporation, whether private, public or
quasi-municipal, municipality, state governmental department or other legal entity.
34.1.19 "RI2000" means the transient dynamometer emissions test described in the Department of
Environmental Management APC Regulation No. 34.
34.1.20 “Rhode Island I/M Program" means the Rhode Island Motor Vehicle
Inspection/Maintenance Program.
34.1.21 "Rhode Island I/M Program Manager" means a person, business firm, partnership, or
corporation with whom the Department has a contract that provides for the establishment and
operation of the Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Inspection/Maintenance Program.
34.1.22 "Remote Sensing Device" is a device which directs an infra-red or laser beam across a lane
of traffic to instantly detect and read the concentrations of pollutants in a vehicle's exhaust.
34.1.23 "Safety and emission inspection program" means an enhanced vehicle emission inspection
program as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency including, but not limited to, a
network of computerized emission analyzers, on-road testing, and inspection of vehicle
safety devices through an inspection program.
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34.1.24 "Test", and "testing" mean the use of analyzers and diagnostic equipment as appropriate
and the application of techniques, methods, policies and procedures established or approved
by the Department for the purpose of comparing emission levels and/or operating systems in
vehicles to regulatory safety and emission standards.
34.1.25 "Transient emission test" means the quantitative measurement and comparison to established
standards of a vehicle's exhaust emissions over a specified maximum time period while
operating the vehicle on an inertia weight loaded dynamometer over a specified driving
cycle.
34.1.26 "Year" means a calendar year.
34.2 Applicability
These regulations apply to all motor vehicles subject to the inspection requirements of the Rhode
Island Motor Vehicle Inspection/Maintenance Program, Safety and Emissions Control Regulation
No. 1.
34.3 Inspection Standards
These regulations establish the following standards and criteria for motor vehicle emissions
inspections. These regulations are devised to give consideration to the levels of emissions reduction
necessary to achieve and maintain federal and state ambient air quality standards and the levels
necessary to protect human health and the environment. The standards and criteria shall include,
but not be limited to, a requirement to test the emissions of motor vehicles for hydrocarbons (HC),
carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) using an exhaust emissions test, and/or the
examination of a vehicle’s on-board diagnostic system, using the RI2000 test analyzer.
Vehicles subject to the Rhode Island I/M Program shall be inspected for compliance with the
following standards, criteria and procedures using an exhaust emissions test, evaporative emissions
test, and on-board diagnostics inspection.
Vehicles subject to the Rhode Island I/M Program which cannot be inspected using a transient
test because of vehicle drive system configuration such as all-wheel drive shall be inspected
using a two speed idle test, or an on-board diagnostic test.
34.4 Exhaust Emissions Standards
34.4.1 Phase-in Standards
The phase-in standards (tables 1-3) shall apply for two years after the inspection
requirement commences.
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DYNAMOMETER EXHAUST EMISSIONS STANDARD
Light Duty Vehicles
Hydrocarbons
(grams per mile)
Carbon Monoxide
(grams per mile)
Oxides of Nitrogen
(grams per mile)
1996 and newer
2.25
23.74
3.25
1991 – 1995
3.06
30.99
4.09
1983 – 1990
4.70
45.48
7.21
1981 – 1982
4.70
88.96
7.21
1980
4.70
88.96
9.92
1977 – 1979
15.92
132.44
9.92
1975 – 1976
15.92
132.44
14.92
Pre 1975 (advisory)
15.92
132.44
14.92
Light Duty Trucks 1
Trucks less than or equal to 6,000 pounds GVWR
Hydrocarbons
(grams per mile)
Carbon Monoxide
(grams per mile)
Oxides of Nitrogen
(grams per mile)
1996 and newer
3,750 LVW or less
2.25
23.74
3.25
1996 and newer
Greater than 3,750
LVW
2.66
30.99
4.09
1991 – 1995
5.51
88.96
4.92
1988 – 1990
7.15
117.95
8.46
1984 – 1987
10.31
117.95
11.59
1979 – 1983
15.92
146.93
11.59
1975 – 1978
16.94
175.92
14.92
Pre 1975 (advisory)
16.94
175.92
14.92
Light Duty Trucks 2
Trucks greater than 6,000 pounds GVWR
Hydrocarbons
(grams per mile)
Carbon Monoxide
(grams per mile)
Oxides of Nitrogen
(grams per mile)
1996 and newer
5,750 ALVW or less
2.66
30.99
4.09
1996 and newer
greater than 5,750
ALVW
5.51
88.96
6.59
1991 – 1995
5.51
88.96
7.42
1988 – 1990
7.15
117.95
8.25
1984 – 1987
10.31
117.95
11.59
1979 – 1983
15.92
146.93
11.59
1975 – 1978
16.94
175.92
14.92
Pre 1975 (advisory)
16.94
175.92
14.92
LVW means loaded vehicle weight. ALVW means adjusted loaded vehicle weight.
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TWO SPEED IDLE EXHAUST EMISSIONS STANDARD
Light Duty Vehicles
Idle and 2500 RPM Cutpoints
Hydrocarbons
(ppm)
Carbon Monoxide
(percent)
1981 and later
220
1.2
1979-1980
300
2.5
1975-1978
300
3.0
1968-1974
700
6.0
Pre-1968
800
7.0
Light Duty Trucks 1
Trucks less than or equal to 6,000 pounds GVWR
Idle and 2500 RPM Cutpoints
Hydrocarbons
(ppm)
Carbon Monoxide
(percent)
1981 and later
220
1.2
1979-1980
300
2.5
1975-1978
300
3.0
1968-1974
700
6.0
Pre-1968
800
7.0
Light Duty Trucks 2
Trucks greater than 6,000 pounds GVWR
Idle and 2500 RPM Cutpoints
Hydrocarbons
(ppm)
Carbon Monoxide
(percent)
1981 and later
220
1.2
1979-1980
300
2.5
1975-1978
300
3.0
1968-1974
700
6.0
Pre-1968
800
7.0
DIESEL VEHICLE OPACITY EMISSIONS STANDARD
All Light-Duty Vehicles and Trucks up to 8,500 lbs. GVWR
Diesel Smoke Opacity Cutpoints (%)
Model Year
Loaded
Idle
All
20%
20%
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34.4.2 Final Standards
The final standards shall apply beginning two years after the inspection requirement
commences and continue thereafter.
DYNAMOMETER EXHAUST EMISSIONS STANDARD
Light Duty Vehicles
Hydrocarbons
(grams per mile)
Carbon Monoxide
(grams per mile)
Oxides of Nitrogen
(grams per mile)
1996 and newer
1.84
16.50
2.42
1991 – 1995
2.25
23.74
3.25
1984 – 1990
2.25
23.74
3.25
1981 – 1982
2.25
45.48
3.25
1980
2.25
45.48
6.59
1977 – 1979
6.74
96.21
6.59
1975 – 1976
6.74
96.21
9.92
Pre 1975 (advisory)
15.92
132.44
14.92
Light Duty Trucks 1
Trucks less than or equal to 6,000 pounds GVWR
Hydrocarbons
(grams per mile)
Carbon Monoxide
(grams per mile)
Oxides of Nitrogen
(grams per mile)
1996 and newer
3,750 LVW or less
1.84
16.50
2.42
1996 and newer
Greater than 3,750
LVW
2.25
20.84
2.92
1991 – 1995
3.88
59.97
4.09
1988 – 1990
3.88
59.97
4.09
1984 – 1987
3.88
59.97
7.42
1979 – 1983
7.55
103.45
7.42
1975 – 1978
8.78
117.95
9.92
Pre 1975 (advisory)
16.94
175.92
14.92
Light Duty Trucks 2
Trucks greater than 6,000 pounds GVWR
Hydrocarbons
(grams per mile)
Carbon Monoxide
(grams per mile)
Oxides of Nitrogen
(grams per mile)
1996 and newer
5,750 ALVW or less
2.25
20.84
2.92
1996 and newer
greater than 5,750
ALVW
2.25
23.74
3.25
1991 – 1995
3.88
59.97
5.75
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1988 – 1990
3.88
59.97
5.75
1984 – 1987
3.88
59.97
7.42
1979 – 1983
7.55
103.45
7.42
1975 – 1978
8.78
117.95
9.92
Pre 1975 (advisory)
16.94
175.92
14.92
LVW means loaded vehicle weight. ALVW means adjusted loaded vehicle weight.
TWO SPEED IDLE EXHAUST EMISSIONS STANDARD
Light Duty Vehicles
Idle and 2500 RPM Cutpoints
Hydrocarbons
(ppm)
Carbon Monoxide
(percent)
1981 and later
220
1.2
1979-1980
300
2.5
1975-1978
300
3.0
1968-1974
700
6.0
Pre-1968
800
7.0
Light Duty Trucks 1
Trucks less than or equal to 6,000 pounds GVWR
Idle and 2500 RPM Cutpoints
Hydrocarbons
(ppm)
Carbon Monoxide
(percent)
1981 and later
220
1.2
1979-1980
300
2.5
1975-1978
300
3.0
1968-1974
700
6.0
Pre-1968
800
7.0
Light Duty Trucks 2
Trucks greater than 6,000 pounds GVWR
Idle and 2500 RPM Cutpoints
Hydrocarbons
(ppm)
Carbon Monoxide
(percent)
1981 and later
220
1.2
1979-1980
300
2.5
1975-1978
300
3.0
1968-1974
700
6.0
Pre-1968
800
7.0
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DIESEL VEHICLE OPACITY EMISSIONS STANDARD
All Light-Duty Vehicles and Trucks up to 8,500 lbs. GVWR
Diesel Smoke Opacity Standards (%)
Model Year
Dynamometer Test
Idle Test
All
20%
20%
34.4.3 Opacity Test
Dynamometer Opacity Test
The RI2000 workstation and dynamometer shall be used to inspect vehicles capable
of being tested on the dynamometer for opacity. Vehicles shall be driven to a speed of
thirty miles per hour with the load increasing as the vehicle increases speed. Target
parameters shall be displayed on the tests screen and inspectors shall follow the
procedures and adhere the standards outlined in the RI2000 specifications included in
Appendix "A".
Idle Opacity Test
Vehicles that cannot be tested using the dynamometer shall undergo a diesel idle
cycle test that shall follow the procedures and employ the standards outlined in the
RI2000 specifications included in Appendix "A".
34.4.4 Evaporative Emissions Standard
Gas Cap Integrity Test
Gas caps shall be inspected using the Gas Cap Integrity Test. Gas caps shall be subject to an
initial system pressure of 30±1 inches of water. Gas caps with a leak rate of less than or
equal to 60 cubic centimeters per minute shall have passed the Gas Cap Integrity Test.
34.5 On-board Diagnostic Test Standards
OBD inspection shall occur through the connection of the OBD-II SAE standardized vehicle
port to the RI2000 workstation. Inspectors shall follow the procedures outlined in the
RI2000 and on-board diagnostic specifications included in Appendix "A".
An on-board diagnosis system inspection failure shall occur when:
(a) more than two monitors in a vehicle’s on-board computer are not set as ready;
or,
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(b) current Diagnostic Trouble Codes are indicated and the Malfunction Indicator
Light is commanded on.
If the vehicle OBD system is not communicating with the RI2000 analyzer, the vehicle
shall undergo the appropriate exhaust emissions test.
34.6 Inspection Procedures
The AIRS shall conduct emissions or OBD inspections using the inspection procedures in Appendix
"A" of these regulations. The AIRS shall calibrate the inspection testing equipment using a
calibration frequency and procedure approved by the Department and the Program Manager.
34.7 Audits
The Rhode Island I/M Program Manager shall cooperate with the Department in conjunction with
the conducting of audits of, records, equipment and computer data, by providing, in a timely
manner, access, documentation and computer information which may be required to complete any
Rhode Island I/M Program audits including, but not limited to, the following audits:
34.7.1 Equipment Audits
Quality control evaluations shall be conducted at a minimum of two overt audits per year,
per inspection bay on emissions test equipment, with additional audits as needed. The audits
may be conducted electronically using the centralized computer. The evaluations will
include:
(a) a gas audit using gases of known concentrations and comparing these
concentrations to actual readings;
(b) a check for tampering, worn instrumentation, blocked filters, and other
conditions that would impede accurate sampling;
(c) a check for critical flow;
(d) a check of the Constant Volume Sample flow calibration;
(e) a leak check;
(f) a check to determine that inspection station gas bottles used for calibration
purposes are properly labeled and within relevant tolerances;
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(g) a check for the optimization of the analyzer;
(h) functional dynamometer checks addressing coast down, roll speed, roll
distance, inertia weight selection and power absorption;
(i) a check of the system's ability to accurately detect background pollutant
concentrations;
(j) a check of evaporative test equipment (gas cap tester); and,
(k) a check of on-board diagnostics testing equipment.
36.7.2 Computer and Record Audits
The Rhode Island I/M Program Manager shall provide, for the emissions inspections
network, a computer system which shall interface with the Department of Administration's
computer system and be devised to allow for the capacity to make a realtime collection,
analysis and reporting of test data, quality control data, and perform other analysis and
reporting on all aspects of the Rhode Island Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program.
34.8 Reporting
The Rhode Island I/M Program Manager shall assist in the collection of general information
detailing analysis and evaluation of test data, quality assurance, quality control, enforcement and
other areas of the Rhode Island Vehicle Inspection Program.
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APPENDIX (Technical Specifications)
Rhode Island
Motor Vehicle Inspection Test Procedures
Technical Specifications
A copy of the Technical Specifications may be obtained by contacting:
Thomas Barry, Principal Air Quality Specialist
Mobile Sources Section
Department of Environmental Management
Office of Air Resources
235 Promenade Street
Providence, RI 02908
e-mail tom.barry@dem.ri.gov
PHONE (401) 222-2808 ext. 7021
FAX (401)-222-2017
toll free 1-800-752-8088
TCDD (401) 222-6800
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