250-RICR-120-05-34
250-RICR-120-05-34. Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program (version Amendment, 01/05/2009 to 12/25/2018)
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
OFFICE OF AIR RESOURCES
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL REGULATION NO. 34
RHODE ISLAND MOTOR VEHICLE
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
Effective 30 March 2000
Last Amended 5 January 2009
AUTHORITY:
These regulations are authorized pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-47-1, as amended,
and have been promulgated pursuant to the procedures set forth in the R.I. Administrative Procedures
Act, R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-35.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
34. Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Inspection/Maintenance Program (Rhode Island I/M Program)...............................1
34.1 Definitions .........................................................................................................................................................1
34.2 Applicability......................................................................................................................................................3
34.3 Inspection Standards..........................................................................................................................................3
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
34.7.2 Computer and Record Audits....................................................................................................................11
34.8 Reporting .........................................................................................................................................................11
34.9
General Provisions.......................................................................................................................................12
34.9.1
Purpose.................................................................................................................................................12
34.9.2
Authority ..............................................................................................................................................12
34.9.3
Application...........................................................................................................................................12
34.9.4
Severability...........................................................................................................................................12
34.9.5
Effective Date.......................................................................................................................................13
Page 1 of 13
RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
OFFICE OF AIR RESOURCES
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL REGULATION NO. 34
RHODE ISLAND MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
34. Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Inspection/Maintenance Program (Rhode Island I/M Program)
34.1 Definitions
Unless otherwise expressly defined in this section, the terms used in this regulation shall be defined
by reference to the Rhode Island Air Pollution Control General Definitions Regulation. As used in
this regulation, the following terms shall, where the context permits, be construed as follows:
34.1.1 "Adjusted loaded vehicle weight" means the numerical average of vehicle curb
weight and gross vehicle weight rating.
34.1.2 "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.
34.1.3 "Calibration" means the act of checking and adjusting the exhaust emission
analyzer by introducing reference gases of known concentrations into the analyzer.
34.1.4 "CIRT" means a Certified Inspection Repair Technician certified by the Department
of Revenue to provide both inspection and repairs for motor vehicle safety and
emissions.
34.1.5 "CIT" means a Certified Inspection Technician certified by the Department of
Revenue to perform motor vehicle safety and emission inspections only.
34.1.6 "Curb weight" means the actual or the manufacturer’s estimated weight of the
vehicle in operational status with all standard equipment and weight of fuel at
nominal tank capacity, and the weight of optional equipment computed in
accordance with 40 CFR 1832-01.
34.1.7 "Day" means a calendar day, unless otherwise designated.
34.1.8 "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.
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34.1.9 "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.
34.1.10 "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.
34.1.11 "IM240" means the transient dynamometer schedule described in EPA Report
number EPA-AA-EPSD-IM-93-1 April 1994.
34.1.12 "Inspection" means the testing of the exhaust and functional emission controls
along with a safety inspection of a subject vehicle.
34.1.13 "Inspection station" means an inspection facility for motor vehicle safety, on-
board diagnostics and emissions inspection operated by an AIRS.
34.1.14 "Loaded vehicle weight" means the vehicle’s curb weight plus 300 pounds.
34.1.15 "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.
34.1.16 "Motor vehicle" means every motor vehicle which is self-propelled, except
vehicles moved exclusively by human power and motorized wheelchairs.
34.1.17 "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.
34.1.18 "Operator" means any motorist, owner or lessee in control of a motor vehicle.
34.1.19 "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.
34.1.20 "RI2000" means the transient dynamometer emissions test described in the
Department of Environmental Management APC Regulation No. 34.
34.1.21 "Rhode Island I/M Program" means the Rhode Island Motor Vehicle
Inspection/Maintenance Program.
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34.1.22 "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.
34.1.23 "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.
34.1.24 "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.
34.1.25 "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.
34.1.26 "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.
34.1.27 "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.
Page 4 of 13
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.
For gasoline-powered vehicles, all 1996 and newer vehicles should be tested with OBD. If a
gasoline powered vehicle not originally designed to have OBD is presented, it will be tested to the
appropriate dynamometer standards. If the vehicle can not be tested on a dynamometer (such as an
all wheel drive vehicle), it will receive the two speed idle test.
OBD-equipped diesel vehicles should be tested with OBD. If the vehicle is diesel and can not be
tested using OBD, it will be tested with the dynamometer opacity test. If the vehicle can not be
tested on a dynamometer (such as an all wheel drive vehicle), it will not be subjected to an
emissions 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.
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
Page 5 of 13
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.
Page 6 of 13
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%
Page 7 of 13
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
Page 8 of 13
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
Page 9 of 13
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
All
20%
34.4.3 Opacity Test
Dynamometer Opacity Test
The RI2000 workstation and dynamometer shall be used to inspect non-OBD equipped diesel
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. When
the vehicle speed and dynamometer load are within ± 5% of target for five (5) seconds
stabilization period, the system will take opacity samples using the diesel exhaust emissions
probe during the 15 second sample period and automatically record opacity readings. A five
(5) second running average of the opacity readings will be calculated by the RI 2000
analyzer. The lowest average for the test period will be utilized as the final results.
34.4.4 Evaporative Emissions Standard
Gas Cap Integrity Test
Gas caps shall be inspected using the Gas Cap Integrity Test for non OBD-equipped
vehicles. 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 inspection procedures as defined
in 40 CFR 85.2222.
An on-board diagnosis system inspection failure shall occur when:
a) For MY 2001 and newer vehicles, more than one monitor in a vehicle’s on-
board computer is not set as ready; or,
b) For MY 1996-2000 vehicles, more than two monitors in a vehicle’s on-board
computer are not set as ready; or,
Page 10 of 13
c) The malfunction indicator light (MIL) does not illuminate at all when the
vehicle is in the key-on/engine-off condition, even if no diagnostic trouble
codes are present and the MIL has not been 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 and calibration
procedures programmed into the RI2000 analyzers by the Rhode Island I/M Program
Manager. OBD inspection procedures shall comply with OBD procedures defined in 40
CFR 85.2222. Emissions test procedures shall measure and record exhaust emissions to
assess compliance with standards in section 34.4 of this regulation.
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;
Page 11 of 13
f) a check to determine that inspection station gas bottles used for calibration
purposes are properly labeled and within relevant tolerances;
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.
34.7.2 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 Revenue's
computer system and be devised to allow for the capacity to make a real-time 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.
Page 12 of 13
34.9 General Provisions
34.9.1 Purpose
The purpose of this regulation is to specify the requirements for Rhode Island’s Motor
Vehicle Inspection/Maintenance Program.
34.9.2 Authority
These regulations are authorized pursuant to R.I. Gen. Law § 31-47-1, as amended, and
have been promulgated pursuant to the procedures set forth in the R.I. Administrative
Procedures Act, R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-35
34.9.3 Application
The terms and provisions of this regulation shall be liberally construed to permit the
Department to effectuate the purposes of state law, goals and policies.
34.9.4 Severability
If any provision of this regulation or the application thereof to any person or circumstance,
is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity of the remainder of the
regulation shall not be affected thereby.
Page 13 of 13
34.9.5 Effective Date
The foregoing regulation, "Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Inspection/Maintenance Program”,
as amended, after due notice, is hereby adopted and filed with the Secretary of State this
16th day of December, 2008 to become effective twenty (20) days thereafter, in accordance
with the provisions of Chapters 23-23, 42-35, 42-17.1, 42-17.6, of the General Laws of
Rhode Island of 1956, as amended.
W. Michael Sullivan, PhD., Director
Department of Environmental Management
Notice Given on: January 31, 2007
Public Hearing held: March 9, 2007
Filing Date: December 16, 2008
Effective Date: January 5, 2009