280-RICR-30-15-1
280-RICR-30-15-1. Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Safety and Emission Control Regulation No. 1 (version Periodic Refile, 01/07/2002 to 11/16/2003)
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES
RHODE ISLAND MOTOR VEHICLE
SAFETY AND EMISSIONS CONTROL REGULATION NO. 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. General Provisions ..................................................................................................... 4
1.1. Definitions ........................................................................................................... 4
1.2. Applicability ............................................................................................................. 8
1.2.3 Emissions ......................................................................................................... 8
1.2.4 Safety ............................................................................................................... 8
1.2.5 Safety and Emissions ........................................................................................ 9
1.3. Exemptions ............................................................................................................. 10
1.4. Rhode Island Vehicle Inspection Program Procedures ............................................. 12
1.4.1 Inspection Frequency ...................................................................................... 12
1.4.2 Registration .................................................................................................... 12
1.4.3 Inspection Fee ................................................................................................. 13
1.4.4 Inspection Requirements ................................................................................. 13
1.4.5 Inspection Prohibited ...................................................................................... 13
1.4.6 Non-Factory Specification Vehicles ................................................................ 13
1.4.7 Requirements for Vehicle Registration ............................................................ 15
1.5. Emission Standards and Criteria .............................................................................. 15
1.6. Safety Inspection Standards and Criteria ................................................................. 16
1.7. Vehicle Inspection Documentation .......................................................................... 16
1.7.1 Safety and Emissions Inspection Report .......................................................... 16
1.7.3 Refused Inspection Report .............................................................................. 18
1.7.4 Reinspection ................................................................................................... 18
1.7.5 Evidence of Inspection Compliance ................................................................. 19
1.8. Challenge Mechanism ............................................................................................. 20
1.9. Waivers .................................................................................................................. 20
1.9.1 Waiver Requirements and Conditions .............................................................. 20
1.9.2 Repair Time Delay .......................................................................................... 21
1.9.3 Compliance by Diagnostic Inspection .............................................................. 21
1.10. Financial Accounting .............................................................................................. 22
1.11. Document Security ................................................................................................ 22
1.12. Prohibitions and Penalties ...................................................................................... 22
1.12.1 Prohibitions .................................................................................................... 22
1.12.2 Penalties ......................................................................................................... 23
1.13. Proceedings for Enforcement ................................................................................. 24
1.13.1 Jurisdiction - Criminal Penalties ...................................................................... 24
1.13.2 Jurisdiction - Administrative Penalties ............................................................ 24
1.14. Authorization and Certification .............................................................................. 24
1.14.1 Authorized Inspection Repair Station .............................................................. 24
1.15 Denial, Suspension, or Revocation of Authorization ................................................ 25
1.15.1 Denial ............................................................................................................. 25
1.15.2 Violations ....................................................................................................... 25
1.15.3 Finding of Fact ............................................................................................... 25
1.15.4 Failure to Comply ........................................................................................... 25
1.15.5 Appeals ........................................................................................................... 26
1.16 Certified Inspection Repair Technician .................................................................... 26
1.16.1 Requirements .................................................................................................. 26
1.16.2 Application ..................................................................................................... 26
1.17 Certified Inspection Technician ............................................................................... 27
1.17.1 Requirements .................................................................................................. 27
1.17.2 Application ..................................................................................................... 27
1. General Provisions
In accordance with Rhode Island General Law 31-47.1, an act relating to the assurance of
motor vehicle safety and the control of vehicle emissions, these Motor Vehicle Safety and Emissions
Inspection Regulations No. 1 shall establish the Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Inspection/Maintenance
Program. Each regulation and each part of each regulation contained herein is declared to be an independent
regulation and the finding of any part or parts thereof to be void, ineffective, or unconstitutional for any cause
shall not affect the remainder of these regulations of any part thereof.
1.1. Definitions
As used in these regulations, the following terms shall, where the context permits,
be construed as follows:
1.1.1 Authorized Inspection Repair Station and ΑAIRS mean an
inspection location authorized by the Department to provide
motor vehicle safety and emission inspection and repairs, or
inspections only.
1.1.2 Calibration means the act of checking and adjusting the
exhaust emission analyzer by introducing reference gases of
known concentrations into the analyzer.
1.1.3 CIRT and ΑCertified Inspection Repair Technician means
a person certified by the Department to provide both inspection
and repairs for motor vehicle safety and emissions.
1.1.4 ΑCIT and ΑCertified Inspection Technician means a person
certified by the Department to perform motor vehicle safety and
emission inspections.
1.1.5 Compliance certificate means a written document or device
with a serial number indicating that a motor vehicle complies
with the requirements of the Department=s regulations.
1.1.6 Day means a calendar day, unless otherwise designated.
1.1.7 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.
1.1.8 Department means the Department of Administration.
1.1.9 Director means the Director of the Department of Administration.
1.1.10 Emission control device is a component installed on or in a vehicle
for the sole or primary purpose of reducing emissions (not including
those vehicle components which were in general use prior to model
year 1968 and the primary function of which is not related to emission
control).
1.1.11 Exchange engine means an engine other than the specific engine
originally installed by the vehicle manufacturer.
1.1.12 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.
1.1.13 Fleet vehicle means a nonexempt motor vehicle owned or leased by
a fleet owner or operator.
1.1.14 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.
1.1.15 Inspection means the testing of the exhaust and functional emission
controls along with a safety inspection of a subject vehicle.
1.1.16 Inspection report means a document or device automatically generated
as a result of the enhanced safety and emission inspection, containing
detailed inspection information.
1.1.17 Inspection station means a facility for motor vehicle safety and
emissions inspection operated by an AIRS.
1.1.18 Homemade Vehicle means a vehicle which has been materially altered
from its original configuration so that it cannot be visually identified as
a vehicle produced by a particular vehicle manufacturer; or a vehicle
constructed entirely from homemade parts, or parts from one or more
vehicles, or constructed by the use of custom kits and which cannot be
identified as a specific make or model.
1.1.19 IM240 means the transient dynamometer schedule described in EPA
Report number EPA-AA-EPSD-IM-93-1 April 1994.
1.1.20 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.
1.1.21 Motor vehicle means every vehicle which is self-propelled, except
vehicles moved exclusively by human power and motorized wheelchairs.
1.1.22 Motor vehicle safety and emission inspection means a test of exhaust
emissions of air contaminants from a motor vehicle and any functional
evaporative emission tests related to the emission of air contaminants
from a motor vehicle along with safety device inspection conducted
pursuant to these regulations.
1.1.23 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.
1.1.24 Operator means any person in control of a motor vehicle.
1.1.25 Person means any individual, partnership, corporation, whether private,
public or quasi-municipal, municipality, state governmental department
or other legal entity.
1.1.26 Reconstructed Vehicle means a vehicle constructed from two or more
commercially manufactured vehicles of the same type and year which has
not been altered and is recognizable as a commercially manufactured
vehicle of a given year.
1.1.27 RI2000 means the transient dynamometer emissions test described in
the Department of Environmental Management APC Regulation No. 34.
1.1.28 Rhode Island I/M Program means the Rhode Island Motor Vehicle
Inspection/Maintenance Program.
1.1.29 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.
1.1.30 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.
1.1.31 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.
1.1.32 Tampering means the removal, disconnection, or rendering inoperative
a safety or emission control device.
1.1.32 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.
1.1.34 Transient dynamometer 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.
1.1.35 Vehicle identification number and VIN means a combination of letters and numbers a
vehicle manufacturer assigns to a vehicle for identification purposes.
1.1.36 Waiver certificate means a written document, instrument or device
indicating the requirement of compliance with the standards and criteria
for the Rhode Island I/M Program inspection for a particular motor vehicle
has been waived.
1.1.37 Waiver inspector means a Department employee or designee who
reviews, issues and audits waiver requests.
1.1.38 Year means a calendar year.
1.2. Applicability
Starting on January 1, 2000, or as soon thereafter as practical, the inspection requirement shall commence
as follows:
1.2.1 if the last digit of the vehicle=s VIN is 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8, the inspection approval shall expire
two years after it is issued. These vehicles shall undergo an RI2000 emissions inspection, a gas
cap test and a safety inspection.
1.2.2. if the last digit of the vehicle s VIN is 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9, the inspection approval shall
expire one year after it is issued. These vehicles shall undergo a two-speed idle emissions
inspection, a gas cap test and a safety inspection.
One year after the inspection requirement commences, and in subsequent years, all vehicles will
be subject to inspection every two years and will undergo a RI2000 emissions inspection, a gas
cap inspection, and a safety inspection.
Vehicles with a drive configuration that prevents dynamometer inspection will undergo a two-
speed idle test, a gas cap test, and a safety inspection.
On-board Diagnostics The OBD systems of model year 1996 and newer vehicles that are
subject to inspection shall be inspected after the date specified in 40 CFR 51.357(b)(4).
The Director may delay the commencement of the inspection requirement based on the
readiness of the inspection network.
1.2.3 Emissions
These regulations shall apply to all light-duty vehicles and light-duty trucks up to and including
8,500 lbs. GVWR.
1.2.4 Safety
These regulations shall apply to the following for safety:
(a) motor vehicles of all weight classes and model years; and,
(b) all motorcycles shall be inspected for safety items before the end of June of each year;
and,
(c) all trailers, except trailers and semi-trailers used to transport horses or other livestock,
registered with a gross weight of more than 1,000 pounds, shall be inspected for safety
items before the end of June of each year; and,
(d) all trailers and semi-trailers used to transport horses or other livestock, irrespective of
the registered gross weight, shall be inspected for safety items before the end of June of
each year.
1.2.5 Safety and Emissions
These regulations shall apply to the following for safety and emissions:
(a) any motor vehicle fleet owner or operator including all federal, state and municipal
fleets;
(b) any motor vehicle owned or controlled by a dealer when operating on the highways of
Rhode Island with a dealer registration, loan agreement, or as a demonstration vehicle;
(c) motor vehicles capable of operating on gasoline or another fuel, excluding diesel, shall be
tested for emissions when the vehicles is operating on gasoline;
(d) a voluntary inspection of Rhode Island registered vehicles and vehicles registered in other
states is allowed. Rhode Island registered vehicles may be presented for voluntary
inspection at any time prior to expiration date of the inspection sticker which is affixed to the
vehicle or before the expiration of a manufacturer’s safety and/or emissions warranty.
Vehicles not registered in Rhode Island which are presented for inspection shall be inspected
in accordance with all regulations for Rhode Island registered vehicles.
(e) owners and lessees of Rhode Island registered motor vehicles subject to this regulation,
registered in the Town of New Shoreham, (Block Island) with a New Shoreham address,
shall have their vehicle undergo an official safety inspection as required but may be subject to
an alternative emissions inspection of a type and frequency to be determined by the
Administrator of MotorVehicles;
(f) owners and lessees of diesel fueled vehicles subject to these regulations shall be required to
have their vehicles inspected thirty (30) days after DMV publicly announces that diesel
inspection equipment has been approved by DMV and installed by the Program Manager and
in subsequent years on the biennial anniversary of that inspection.
1.3. Exemptions
The following vehicles shall be exempt from the emissions inspection portion of these regulations:
1.3.1 any model year vehicle 25 years old or older from the requirement to obtain repairs in
order to comply, but such vehicles must undergo an emissions inspection;
1.3.2 a new motor vehicle until twenty-four (24) months after its date of initial purchase or
24,000 miles, whichever occurs first;
1.3.3 tactical military vehicles;
1.3.4 electric powered vehicles;
1.3.5 competition and off-road vehicles used solely for off-highway activities;
1.3.6 motorized wheelchairs;
1.3.7 motorcycles, motor driven cycles, motorized bicycles, motorized tricycles;
1.3.8 farm tractors;
1.3.9 special mobile equipment;
1.3.10 vehicles which may not be available for inspection when temporarily out of state. A
temporary exemption from safety and emissions inspection does not extend the registration
deadline of a vehicle. The operator must obtain a safety and emissions inspection within five (5)
days of returning to the state;
1.3.11 a motor vehicle owned or controlled by a dealer for the first five (5) days after the
vehicle is owned or controlled by the dealer, or a motor vehicle owned or controlled by a dealer
if the vehicle is in compliance for emissions inspection and displays a valid Rhode Island
inspection sticker, or a motor vehicle owned or controlled by a dealer if the vehicle is without a
valid emissions inspection sticker but is not operated on the highways of Rhode Island; and,
1.3.12 other vehicles at the discretion of the Department for portions of an inspection cycle to
advance or delay inspection in order to match registration and inspection cycles.
The following vehicles shall be exempt from the safety inspection portion of these regulations:
1.3.13 a new motor vehicle until twenty-four (24) months after its date of initial purchase or
24,000 miles, whichever occurs first;
1.3.14 motorized wheelchairs;
1.3.15 tactical military vehicles;
1.3.16 farm tractors;
1.3.17 special mobile equipment;
1.3.18 vehicles which may not be available for inspection when temporarily out of state. A
temporary exemption from safety and emissions inspection does not extend the registration
deadline of a vehicle. The operator must obtain a safety and emissions inspection within five (5)
days of returning to the state;
1.3.19 a motor vehicle owned or controlled by a dealer for the first five (5) days after the
vehicle is owned or controlled by the dealer, or a motor vehicle owned or controlled by a
dealer if the vehicle is in compliance for safety inspection and displays a valid Rhode Island
inspection sticker, or a motor vehicle owned or controlled by a dealer if the vehicle is without
a valid safety inspection sticker but is not operated on the highways of Rhode Island; and,
1.3.20 other vehicles at the discretion of the Department for portions of an inspection cycle to
advance or delay inspection in order to match registration and inspection cycles;
1.3.21 vehicles that are properly registered with plates identified as in transit,
40 and 8, shriner, racer-tow, temporary registrations, transporter, bailee;
1.3.22 vehicles registered with Antique Plates are also exempt, however, some antique
registered vehicles may be presented for inspection in order to comply with the State law that
allows the unlimited use of such a vehicle
if it passes an official inspection; and,
1.3.23 any vehicle while it is stored off the public highways.
1.4. Rhode Island Vehicle Inspection Program Procedures
The Department shall provide for the Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Inspection/Maintenance Program
(Rhode Island I/M Program) by contract with a Program Manager for support services. The Rhode Island
I/M Program Manager shall assist in the establishment of a network of Authorized Inspection and Repair
Station (AIRS) to inspect and re-inspect motor vehicles as provided under the requirements of these
regulations. The Rhode Island I/M Program Manager shall be responsible for the operation of the network
including host computer, test equipment, technician training and support services to the inspection stations.
The Rhode Island I/M Program Manager is prohibited from operating or having an interest in an AIRS.
The Authorized Inspection and Repair Stations shall be responsible for the inspection of motor vehicles to
determine compliance with the applicable standards and criteria for motor vehicle safety and emissions. For
a motor vehicle that has been completely inspected and determined not to comply with the applicable
standards and criteria, the AIRS shall provide a written inspection report describing, to the extent practical,
the reasons for not complying with the applicable standards and criteria and describing the repairs likely to
be needed to bring the vehicle into compliance with the applicable standards and criteria.
Any motor vehicle which is not in compliance with these regulations and is inspected and found not to be
comply with the standards and criteria for motor vehicle safety and emissions inspections must be re-
inspected and found to comply with the standards and criteria for motor vehicle emissions inspections, or
have received a waiver certificate, or time extension to achieve compliance, or not be operated on the
highways of the state.
1.4.1 Inspection Frequency -Motor vehicles subject to the Rhode Island I/M Program shall be
inspected biennially except as described in section 1.2 of these regulations.
1.4.2 Registration -After January 1, 2001, or as soon there after as practical, no motor vehicle
except those exempted in section 1.3 of these regulations, may be registered or any registration
renewed unless a required inspection has been conducted and the vehicle has been found to
comply with the requirements of these regulations.
A certificate of approval (an inspection sticker) will be issued to vehicle operators
whose vehicles have passed inspection and are in compliance with these regulations. The
inspection sticker shall be placed in the lower right of the
windshield.
1.4.3 Inspection Fee - Operators shall be charged an inspection fee of $47.00 dollars per
motor vehicle at the time of inspection, except that operators of vehicles subject to section 1.2
shall be charged an inspection fee of $23.50. The inspection fee must be paid for each motor
vehicle inspected and is payable whether a compliance certificate, waiver certificate, or no
certificate is issued.
1.4.4 Inspection Requirements - Vehicles subject to the Rhode Island I/M Program shall be
inspected using the standards, criteria and procedures for the safety test as established by the
Department, and for exhaust emissions test, evaporative emissions test, and on-board
diagnostics inspection as described in Air Pollution Control Regulation No. 34. Initial
inspections in a test cycle shall be performed at an AIRS without repair, or adjustment prior to
the test.
1.4.5 Inspection Prohibited - The AIRS shall refuse to perform the inspection of any vehicle
subject to the Rhode Island I/M Program if the vehicle is determined by the AIRS to be in such
an unsafe condition as to be a hazard to inspection personnel and/or the vehicle operator, or a
vehicle owner has not had repairs completed under a recall notice. The owners of vehicles with
an unresolved recall notice must provide proof of compliance to an AIRS before an inspection
can be conducted. The vehicle shall not be inspected until the reason for the refusal has been
remedied. The AIRS shall provide any motorist who is refused an emissions inspection a copy
of an emissions inspection report supplement as described in section 1.7.3 of these regulations.
1.4.6 Non-Factory Specification Vehicles
Vehicles that have been altered from their original certified configuration shall
be tested in accordance with the following:
(a) Reconstructed and Homemade Vehicles - All reconstructed and homemade vehicles
shall be inspected for emissions compliance using the standards and test procedures
applicable for exhaust emission, functional emissions control devices and visual inspection
for each individual vehicle based on the engine year of the engine installed in the vehicle at
the time of inspection.
(b) Vehicles With Exchanged Engines - A motor vehicle with an exchanged engine shall
be inspected for emission compliance by applying the emission standards and criteria for
motor vehicle emissions inspections based on the chassis model year of the vehicle.
Except that if the engine installed in the vehicle at the time of inspection is newer than the
chassis model year the inspection standards and criteria for motor vehicle emissions
inspections shall be based on the model year of engine.
(c) Vehicles With Changed Fuel Type -A vehicle with an engine that has been changed
from one fuel type to another fuel type (e.g., from a diesel engine to a gasoline engine)
that is subject to these regulations shall be subject to the test procedures and standards
for the current fuel type of the engine installed in the vehicle at the time of inspection.
(d) Trucks and Vans- All trucks and vans shall be tested in accordance with the emission
standards for motor vehicles as determined by the manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight
rating (GVWR). If no manufacturer’s GVWR
is available, then the vehicle shall be tested according to the GVWR
as determined by the Department.
1.4.7 Requirements for Vehicle Registration
Owners of vehicles shall meet the following requirements for registration of a motor vehicle
subject to these regulations:
(a) Registrations or Transfers of Registration-After January 1, 2001 an owner shall
present evidence of compliance, as defined in section 1.4.7 (b), with these regulations to
the Department in order to obtain a new registration or to transfer a registration to a
motor vehicle which is subject to the Rhode Island I/M Program. The evidence must
indicate that the vehicle has been inspected and is in compliance within a twenty-four (24)
month prior to the date of registration application.
(b) Evidence of Compliance - Evidence of compliance shall consist of the following:
(1) Electronic verification from the Department/Rhode Island I/M Program
Manager computer network; or,
(2) a Compliance Certificate; or,
(3) a Waiver Certificate; or,
(4) a time extension approval; or,
(5) proof of exemption by law or regulation; or,
(6) other documentation approved by the Department.
(c) Sale of Non-Complying Used Vehicles - A dealer shall not sell a used vehicle that is
subject to the Rhode Island I/M Program unless a new inspection of the vehicle has been
conducted and a compliance certificate has been issued in accordance with these
regulations. A new inspection shall be construed to be an inspection conducted no more
than ninety (90) calendar days prior to the date of sale of a vehicle, or an inspection
conducted at a point no more than 500 vehicle odometer miles prior to the date of sale,
whichever shall occur first.
1.5. Emission Standards and Criteria - Vehicles subject to the Rhode Island I/M Program shall be governed
by the following standards and criteria for emissions inspection, RI2000 emissions testing procedures,
dynamometer procedures and on-board diagnostic testing procedures.
1.5.1 The AIRS shall adhere to the Exhaust Emissions and Evaporative Testing Procedures as
specified in Air Pollution Control Regulation No. 34.
1.5.2 A vehicle shall pass the Exhaust Emissions and Evaporative Emissions Test if the result of
the test for each pollutant complies with the emission standard and criteria applicable to that
vehicle listed in Air Pollution Control Regulation No. 34.
1.5.3 The AIRS shall adhere to the Vehicle Preparation Procedures as specified in Air Pollution
Control Regulation No. 34.
1.5.4 The AIRS shall adhere to the Dynamometer Procedures as outlined in the Air Pollution
Control Regulation No. 34.
1.5.5 The AIRS shall adhere to the On-Board Diagnostic Test Procedure as specified in DEM
Air Pollution Control Regulation No. 34.
1.5.6 The AIRS shall adhere to the operational procedures outlined in the Division of Motor
Vehicles (DMV) Motor Vehicle Inspection Manual.
1.6. Safety Inspection Standards and Criteria - The AIRS shall adhere to the Safety Inspection Procedures
as specified in the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Motor Vehicle Inspection Procedure Manual. The
Division of Motor Vehicles, Motor Vehicle Inspection Manual may be modified and updated periodically
to address changes in vehicle technology and mechanical practices.
1.7. Vehicle Inspection Documentation
1.7.1 Safety and Emissions Inspection Report- The AIRS shall provide a computer generated
inspection report to the operator of each vehicle inspected upon completion of a safety and
emissions inspection. The safety and emissions inspection report form shall include:
(a) inspection station and inspector numbers;
(b) the type of test(s) performed;
(c) the date of the inspection;
(d) the inspection report serial number;
(e) the inspection certificate number;
(f) the inspection system number;
(g) vehicle model year, make, and type;
(h) vehicle registration plate number;
(i) transmission type;
(j) number of cylinders or rotary engine;
(k) fuel type;
(l) gross vehicle weight rating;
(m) the vehicle identification number;
(n) the odometer reading to the nearest 1,000 miles;
(o) whether the inspection is an initial inspection, re-inspection or diagnostic test;
(p) the pass/fail result of applicable tests;
(q) any vehicle preconditioning performed;
(r) exhaust emissions test start time on the dynamometer and the time final exhaust
emissions were determined;
(s) exhaust emission test results and standards for the vehicle and
a pass/fail determination;
(t) instructions indicating that the report is to be returned to any inspection station upon
re-inspection;
(u) a statement indicating the availability of emissions performance warranty coverage as
required in Section 207 of the Clean Air Act;
(v) space to indicate any repairs which were performed including the name and
identification number of the repairer or the Certified Inspection Repair Technician
who performed the repairs;
(w) space to indicate the cost of parts and labor for emission-related repair(s);
(x) advisory diagnostic information including a graphic depiction of
the emissions trace over the test cycle; and,
(y) other information as the Department may reasonably require to
enable it to determine compliance with these regulations.
1.7.2 Addendum for Vehicles that Fail Emissions Inspection - The inspection report for vehicles
that fail the inspection shall include the items enumerated in 1.7.1 and shall include the following:
(a) instructions indicating that the vehicle should be repaired and
returned to an AIRS for a re-inspection and that the re-inspection
will be free of charge if re-inspected at the AIRS that conducted
the inspection if returned within 30 days;
(b) an explanation of the repair cost limit for emission related repairs;
(c) instructions for waiver applicants; and,
(d) the likely causes of noncompliance, whether obvious, or determined
by software generated and interpretive diagnostic information.
1.7.3 Refused Inspection Report- The AIRS shall provide any motorist who is refused an
emissions inspection or reinspection a copy of an emissions inspection report supplement,
indicating the cause of the refusal and an explanation of how the discrepancy can be remedied.
The Refused Inspection Report shall include a statement indicating that the report
is in no way an authorization to operate a motor vehicle which is not in compliance
with these regulations.
1.7.4 Reinspection -Any motor vehicle inspected and found not to comply with the standards
and criteria for motor vehicle safety and emissions inspections must be reinspected within
thirty (30) days of the initial inspection. If a vehicle is reinspected at the AIRS that conducted
the initial inspection, the management of the AIRS shall not charge an additional inspection fee.
The following are requirements for reinspection:
(a) Vehicles exceeding the allowable safety and emission standards during the initial
inspection of the vehicle may be reinspected at any AIRS after the vehicle has been
repaired;
(b) A reinspection shall consist of a complete inspection including all initial tests regardless
of the cause of failure in the initial inspection;
(c) The initial AIRS shall not charge for one reinspection if the vehicle is returned for
reinspection within thirty (30) days. The vehicle owner can only obtain this free
reinspection at the AIRS that performed the initial inspection;
(d) If the vehicle successfully passes the reinspection, the AIRS shall issue a
compliance certificate;
(e) If the vehicle cannot successfully pass the reinspection, the AIRS shall issue a
vehicle inspection report indicating noncompliance. If the motorist desires to request a
waiver, the AIRS shall make information available to the motorist on how a waiver
inspection conducted by the Department may be arranged. Waivers are available for
emissions failures only;
(f) If the vehicle cannot successfully pass the reinspection and the motorist desires to
contest the results of the inspection the motorist may request a challenge inspection
supervised or conducted by the Department (see section 1.8 Challenge Mechanism); and,
(g) If a compliance certificate is not issued, nor a waiver certificate issued, nor a time
extension issued the Department shall not register the vehicle, nor shall the vehicle be
operated on the highways of Rhode Island.
1.7.5 Evidence of Inspection Compliance - Operators shall always carry any certificate issued
under these regulations in an easily accessible place in or about the vehicle for which the
certificate was issued.Evidence of inspection compliance shall consist of a certificate of
compliance or a waiver certificate or an inspection sticker. Any law enforcement officer or
agent of Department may demand and inspect any certificate issued under these regulations.
1.8. Challenge Mechanism
1.8.1 A motorist who desires to contest the results of an inspection or a reinspection may do so
by requesting an appointment to have their vehicle inspected under Department
supervision.
1.8.2 The AIRS shall provide written information on how any motorist who indicates a desire to
challenge an inspection or a reinspection may obtain an appointment for a challenge
inspection. The AIRS shall post this information in a location accessible and convenient to
motorist.
1.9. Waivers
1.9.1 Waiver Requirements and Conditions -The Director or a designee shall issue Waiver
Certificates to the operators of those vehicles satisfying all requirements in this Section. The
following waiver requirements and conditions shall apply:
(a) A motor vehicle which, after inspection or reinspection, fails to comply with the
appropriate emissions standards and criteria as set forth in Section 1.5 of these
regulations shall be eligible to obtain a waiver certificate, provided that the cost of
emissions related repairs performed exceeds the repair cost limit.
(b) The cost of emissions related repairs may include the cost of repairs made after the
inspection or the cost of emission related repairs made up to sixty (60) days prior to the
inspection. The cost of repairs shall not include any costs covered by an emission
performance, or device warranty, or the cost of tampering reversal.
(c) Any emissions related repair which is made during the sixty-day period prior to
inspection or after the inspection, the cost of which is to be applied to the repair cost limit,
must be made by a CIRT.
(d) The repair cost limit shall be four hundred fifty dollars ($450.00) and shall be adjusted
in January of each year by the percentage, if any, by which the Consumer Price Index
(CPI) for the preceding calendar year differs from the Consumer Price Index for 1989.
However, for one year after the inspection requirement commences the repair cost limit
shall be $250 for vehicles under going the dynamometer test, and for $125 for vehicles
subject to the two- speed idle or opacity tests. From one year after the
inspectionrequirement commences until the end of the fourth year after the inspection
requirement commences the repair cost limit shall be $450.
(e) Repairs shall be appropriate to the cause of the test failure and shall be documented
by original receipts for the repair. A visual check shall be made to determine that repairs
were actually made, if such repairs can be visually confirmed.
(f) The appropriateness of the repair cost shall be made through comparison with charges
in a nationally recognized flat rate manual of emission repair cost estimating. The repair
cost may include parts and labor for emissions related repairs.
(g) Waivers shall be effective until the vehicle is next due for emissions
inspection.
1.9.2 Repair Time Delay
(a) A time delay to repair a vehicle which fails an emissions inspection of
one test cycle may be granted to owners who qualify under low income
guidelines as established by the Department.
(b) The delay shall apply only once for that specific vehicle.
1.9.3 Compliance by Diagnostic Inspection - The Department may issue a waiver
certificate without the vehicle meeting the emission standards if after failing an
inspection and subsequent reinspection for emissions at the Final Standards, the
vehicle undergoes a complete, documented physical and functional diagnosis and
inspection, conducted by the Department, which shows:
(a) that the emission control devices originally required for federal vehicle certification
are in place and are functioning as designed; and,
(b) that no additional emission related repairs are reasonably possible; or,
(c) that no further repairs can be made because the parts required for the repairs are
no longer manufactured.
A waiver certificate issued under this section shall be effective for only one
inspection cycle.
1.10. Financial Accounting
(Reserved)
1.11. Document Security -The AIRS shall be responsible for the maintenance of the
security of all documents by which compliance with the inspection requirement is
established including, but not limited to, compliance certificates and waiver certificates.
1.12. Prohibitions and Penalties - The Director or a designee, shall suspend the registration
of any vehicle owner or lessee who is determined to be in violation of this regulation or
who, after notice, does not comply with these regulations.
These regulations establish the following prohibitions and consequential penalties for
violations of any rule or regulation contained herein.
1.12.1 Prohibitions
(a) False Information - No person shall knowingly give false information
to a CIRT or CIT or the Department concerning the repair costs or
repairs needed to bring a motor vehicle into compliance with the
standards and criteria for motor vehicle emissions inspections.
(b) Illegal Issuance
No person may issue a compliance certificate or waiver certificate for
a motor vehicle that has not been inspected in accordance with or is not
in compliance with the standards and criteria for motor vehicle
emissions.
(c) Counterfeit Inspection Documents
No person may alter, falsify, or counterfeit a compliance certificate or
waiver certificate.
(d) Vehicle Tampering-No person may materially alter or change any
equipment or mechanism of a motor vehicle that has received a
compliance certificate in such a manner that the motor vehicle no longer
complies with the standards and criteria for motor vehicle emissions
inspections. This section shall not be construed as preventing the
temporary alteration of equipment for the purpose of motor vehicle
repair.
(e) Altered Inspection Documents- No person may alter any vehicle
documentation or provide false information on the classification of a
vehicle in order to avoid inspection.
(f) Operation of a Non-Complying Vehicle - No person may register or
continue to operate on the highways of Rhode Island, a motor vehicle
which is subject to the provisions of Rhode Island I/M Program which
is not in compliance with the requirements thereof.
(g) Obliteration of Plates -No person shall place or in any way attach,
on a vehicle license plate, any sticker, plastic covering, badge, emblem
or any other material which would cover or obliterate or partially
obliterate any of the lettering or numbers on the license plate or which
would make the license plate unreadable by visual observation or by a
high speed camera used in conjunction with a remote sensing device.
(h) False Declaration- No persons shall profess to be an Authorized
Inspection Repair Station either: verbally; in advertising by print,
electronic media, on letter or bill head or by the use of an
unauthorized sign or by any other means who has not been officially
designated by DMV as an Authorized Inspection Repair Station
(AIRS).
1.12.2 Penalties
(a) General Penalties- Any person violating any of the provisions of
these regulations shall be subject to a civil or administrative penalty of
not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.) for each violation.
(b) Motor Vehicle Operator Penalties -Any owner or lessee of a motor
vehicle who operates their vehicle on the highways of Rhode Island that
is not in compliance with these regulations shall be subject to a fine no
more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.) for
each violation.
1.13. Proceedings for Enforcement
1.13.1 Jurisdiction - Criminal Penalties - The Sixth District Court shall have
jurisdiction to enforce the criminal penalty provisions of these regulations.
1.13.2 Jurisdiction - Administrative Penalties – The Sixth District Court shall
have jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of these regulations.
1.14. Authorization and Certification - Emissions inspectors and emissions
inspection locations seeking authorization as an AIRS, CIRT or CIT must be
certified by the Department prior to conducting official inspections or emission
repairs when those repairs are to be applied to the repair cost limit. Completion of
inspector training and passing of all required tests shall be a condition of
certification. Certification may be withdrawn for good cause at any time.
1.14.1 Authorized Inspection Repair Station
(a) Requirements - A repair facility which is authorized as an Authorized
Inspection Repair Station (AIRS) shall provide necessary space,
tools, testing equipment, liability insurance, signage, repair reports and
copies of the Rhode Island I/M Program rules and regulations as may
be designated and required by the Department. At least one CIRT or
CIT shall be available during the AIRS normal business hours.
(b) Application- Application for authorization shall be made on an
official application form designated by the Department. Authorization
shall be granted when the applicant demonstrates the ability to meet the
requirements of section 1.14.1(a) and meets and maintains the criteria
required under the AIRS contract. No authorization may be
assigned, transferred or used at any location other than the location
designated on the original application. The authorization may be
withdrawn by the Department for good cause at any time.
(c) Non-Rhode Island Locations - An AIRS may be located outside
the state of Rhode Island boundaries, provided the AIRS
management pledge to voluntarily submit to the jurisdiction of Rhode
Island courts and these regulations. Out of state AIRS are not eligible
to participate in the Contract Provided equipment provision but
must purchase any required inspection equipment from the I/M
Program Manager through the Self-Financed Equipment provision.
(d) Motorist Service and Convenience -An AIRS must purchase a
minimum of 45 inspection authorizations per month. If those
authorizations are not used, they shall be forfeited.
(e) Proper Display of Signage- An AIRS must display the official
inspection sign which indicates that the AIRS is an authorized motor
vehicle safety and emission inspection station in a prominent location
so as to be easily seen by passing motorists or pay a fine of $50.00 for
each day the sign is not so displayed.
1.15. Denial, Suspension, or Revocation of Authorization
1.15.1 Denial- The Department may deny the issuance of authorization to
perform motor vehicle inspections under these regulations as provided by law.
1.15.2 Violations- If the Department has reason to believe that a person is
violating the provisions of these rules, the Department may issue its order to
such person, commanding them to appear at a hearing to be held not sooner
than ten (10) days nor later than twenty (20) days after issuance of said order
to show cause why the Department should not issue an order to said person to
cease and desist from such violation of the provisions of this regulation.
1.15.3 Finding of Fact - If upon such hearing the Hearing Board shall be
satisfied that such person is in fact violating any provision of these regulations,
then it shall order such person, in writing, to cease and desist from such a
violation or may, at its discretion, suspend or revoke the authorization of that
person to inspect motor vehicles. Any suspension shall be for an indefinite
period. An AIRS may apply to lift the suspension after three (3) months of
suspension.
1.15.4 Failure to Comply- If such person shall thereafter fail to comply with the
order of the Department, the Superior Courts for the State of Rhode Island
shall have jurisdiction upon complaint of the Department to restrain and enjoin
such person from violating this chapter.
1.15.5 Appeals - Any Authorized Inspection Repair Station (AIRS) or any
other person dissatisfied by any order of the Hearing Board or Department may
within ten (10) days after receiving an order, file a request for review with the
Director of the Department of Administration and thereafter with the Superior
Court, not inconsistent with these regulations and Rhode Island General Laws,
Chapters 42-35.
1.16. Certified Inspection Repair Technician
1.16.1 Requirements- A person seeking certification as a Certified Inspection
Repair Technician (CIRT) must be eighteen (18) years of age or order, must
hold a valid drivers license and must have successfully completed the
requirements of a training course approved by the Department or designee.
The Certified Inspection Repair Technician must demonstrate to the Department
a proficiency in operating and calibrating all required diagnostic and repair
equipment. The Certified Inspection Repair Technician certification shall be
posted in a conspicuous location visible to the public with in the Authorized
Emission Inspection Repair Station.
Provisional CIRT status for the first two of the inspection program may be
granted to those seeking permanent CIRT designation provided they hold an
ASE L1 certification or successfully pass a skills level test administered by the
Department or designee with a grade of 75% or higher.
Provisional status shall be withdrawn from all persons holding such status at the
end of the second year of the inspection program. Individuals who desire
permanent designation as a CIRT must demonstrate that they have achieved
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) L1 certification.
1.16.2 Application
The application for Certified Inspection Repair Technician must be on an official
form designated by the Department. The application is for an individual not
a corporate or company application. The designation as a Certified Repair
Technician may be withdrawn by the Department for good cause at any time.
1.17. Certified Inspection Technician
1.17.1 Requirements
A person seeking certification as a Certified Inspection Technician
(CIT) must be
eighteen (18) years of age or older, must hold a valid drivers license and
must have
successfully completed the requirements of a training course approved
by the
Department or designee. The Certified Inspection Technician must
demonstrate
to the Department a knowledge of and proficiency in performing the
required
Rhode Island I/M Program test procedures. The Certified Inspection
Technician
certification shall be posted in a conspicuous location visible to the
public with in
the Authorized Inspection Repair Station. The Certified Inspection
Technician
shall be certified by the Department to perform motor vehicle safety and
emission
inspections only.
1.17.2 Application
The application for Certified Inspection Technician must be on an
official form
designated by the Department. The application is for an individual not a
corporate
or company application. The designation as a Certified Inspection
Technician may
be withdrawn by the Department for good cause at any time.