{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/46.2-1176.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/46.2-1176.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/46.2-1176.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/46.2-1176.html"}],"law_id":364828,"edition_id":2,"section_id":364828,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1176","catch_line":"Definitions","history":"1980, c. 469, \u00a7 46.1-326.2; 1982, c. 92; 1984, c. 256; 1988, cc. 81, 806; 1989, c. 727; 1993, cc. 995, 998; 1993, Sp. Sess., c. 2; 1994, c. 838; 1995, cc. 836, 851; 2000, c. 311; 2002, c. 710; 2004, c. 915; 2012, cc. 216, 824.","full_text":"The following words and phrases when used in this article shall have the following meanings except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:\n\n\t\t“Basic, test and repair program” means a motor vehicle emissions inspection system established by regulations of the Board which shall designate the use of an OBD-II (on-board diagnostic system) with wireless capability, and a two-speed idle analyzer as the only authorized testing equipment. Only those computer software programs and emissions testing procedures necessary to comply with the applicable provisions of Title I of the federal Clean Air Act shall be included. Such testing equipment shall be approvable for motor vehicle manufacturers’ warranty repairs.\n\n\t\t“Board” means the State Air Pollution Control Board.\n\n\t\t“Certificate of emissions inspection” means a document, device, or symbol, prescribed by the Director and issued pursuant to this article, which indicates that (i) a motor vehicle has satisfactorily complied with the emissions standards and passed the emissions inspection provided for in this article; (ii) the requirement of compliance with such emissions standards has been waived; or (iii) the motor vehicle has failed such emissions inspection.\n\n\t\t“Director” means the Director of the Department of Environmental Quality.\n\n\t\t“Emissions inspection station” means any facility or portion of a facility that has obtained an emissions inspection station permit from the Director authorizing the facility to perform emissions inspections in accordance with this article.\n\n\t\t“Enhanced emissions inspection program” means a motor vehicle emissions inspection system established by regulations of the Board that shall designate, as the only authorized testing equipment for emissions inspection stations, (i) the use of the ASM 50-15 (acceleration simulation mode or method) together with an OBD-II (on-board diagnostic system) with wireless capability, (ii) the use of the ASM 50-15 together with the use of a dynamometer, and (iii) two-speed tailpipe testing equipment. Possession and availability of a dynamometer shall be required for enhanced emissions inspection stations. Only those computer software programs and emissions testing procedures necessary to comply with applicable provisions of Title I of the federal Clean Air Act shall be included. Such testing equipment shall be approvable for motor vehicle manufacturers’ warranty repairs. An enhanced emissions inspection program shall include remote sensing and an on-road clean screen program as provided in this article.\n\n\t\t“Fleet emissions inspection station” means any inspection facility operated under a permit issued to a qualified fleet owner or lessee as determined by the Director.\n\n\t\t“Motor vehicle” means any vehicle that:\n\n1\n\nIs designed for the transportation of persons or property; and\n\n2\n\nIs powered by an internal combustion engine.\n\t\t\t“On-road clean screen program” means a program that allows a motor vehicle owner to voluntarily certify compliance with emissions standards by means of on-road remote sensing.\n\n\t\t\t“On-road emissions inspector” means the entity or entities authorized by the Department of Environmental Quality to perform on-road testing, including on-road testing in accordance with the on-road clean screen program.\n\n\t\t\t“On-road testing” means tests of motor vehicle emissions or emissions control devices by means of roadside pullovers or remote sensing devices.\n\n\t\t\t“Program coordinator” means any person or corporation that has entered into a contract with the Director to provide services in accordance with this article.\n\n\t\t\t“Qualified hybrid motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle that (i) meets or exceeds all applicable regulatory requirements, (ii) meets or exceeds the applicable federal motor vehicle emissions standards for gasoline-powered passenger cars, and (iii) can draw propulsion energy both from gasoline or diesel fuel and a rechargeable energy storage system.\n\n\t\t\t“Referee station” means an inspection facility operated or used by the Department of Environmental Quality (i) to determine program effectiveness, (ii) to resolve emissions inspection conflicts between motor vehicle owners and emissions inspection stations, and (iii) to provide such other technical support and information, as appropriate, to emissions inspection stations and vehicle owners.\n\n\t\t\t“Remote sensing” means the measurement of motor vehicle emissions through electronic or light-sensing equipment from a remote location such as the roadside. Remote sensing equipment may include devices to detect and record the vehicle’s registration or other identification numbers.\n\n\t\t\t“Test and repair” means motor vehicle emissions inspection facilities that perform official motor vehicle emissions inspections and may also perform vehicle repairs. No regulation of the Board pertaining to test and repair shall bar inspection facilities from also performing vehicle repairs. Emissions inspections and vehicle safety inspections may be performed in the same service bay, provided that the facility is both an emissions inspection station and an official safety inspection station pursuant to §§ 46.2-1163 and 46.2-1166. Emissions inspections may be performed in any service bay of the emissions inspection station or, if by wireless means, in any other area on the premises of the emissions inspection station.\n\n\t\t\t“Validation program” or “program validation” means a program approved by the Director by which vehicles are randomly identified and provided a free emissions inspection for the purpose of monitoring the effectiveness of the emissions inspection program. A “validation program” may be conducted at an emissions inspection station, as defined by § 46.2-1176, in conjunction with a state safety inspection or using on-road testing.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1359291,"text":"The following words and phrases when used in this article shall have the following meanings except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:\t\t“Basic, test and repair program” means a motor vehicle emissions inspection system established by regulations of the Board which shall designate the use of an OBD-II (on-board diagnostic system) with wireless capability, and a two-speed idle analyzer as the only authorized testing equipment. Only those computer software programs and emissions testing procedures necessary to comply with the applicable provisions of Title I of the federal Clean Air Act shall be included. Such testing equipment shall be approvable for motor vehicle manufacturers’ warranty repairs.\t\t“Board” means the State Air Pollution Control Board.\t\t“Certificate of emissions inspection” means a document, device, or symbol, prescribed by the Director and issued pursuant to this article, which indicates that (i) a motor vehicle has satisfactorily complied with the emissions standards and passed the emissions inspection provided for in this article; (ii) the requirement of compliance with such emissions standards has been waived; or (iii) the motor vehicle has failed such emissions inspection.\t\t“Director” means the Director of the Department of Environmental Quality.\t\t“Emissions inspection station” means any facility or portion of a facility that has obtained an emissions inspection station permit from the Director authorizing the facility to perform emissions inspections in accordance with this article.\t\t“Enhanced emissions inspection program” means a motor vehicle emissions inspection system established by regulations of the Board that shall designate, as the only authorized testing equipment for emissions inspection stations, (i) the use of the ASM 50-15 (acceleration simulation mode or method) together with an OBD-II (on-board diagnostic system) with wireless capability, (ii) the use of the ASM 50-15 together with the use of a dynamometer, and (iii) two-speed tailpipe testing equipment. Possession and availability of a dynamometer shall be required for enhanced emissions inspection stations. Only those computer software programs and emissions testing procedures necessary to comply with applicable provisions of Title I of the federal Clean Air Act shall be included. Such testing equipment shall be approvable for motor vehicle manufacturers’ warranty repairs. An enhanced emissions inspection program shall include remote sensing and an on-road clean screen program as provided in this article.\t\t“Fleet emissions inspection station” means any inspection facility operated under a permit issued to a qualified fleet owner or lessee as determined by the Director.\t\t“Motor vehicle” means any vehicle that:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":1359292,"text":"Is designed for the transportation of persons or property; and","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":1359293,"text":"Is powered by an internal combustion engine.\n\t\t\t“On-road clean screen program” means a program that allows a motor vehicle owner to voluntarily certify compliance with emissions standards by means of on-road remote sensing.\t\t\t“On-road emissions inspector” means the entity or entities authorized by the Department of Environmental Quality to perform on-road testing, including on-road testing in accordance with the on-road clean screen program.\t\t\t“On-road testing” means tests of motor vehicle emissions or emissions control devices by means of roadside pullovers or remote sensing devices.\t\t\t“Program coordinator” means any person or corporation that has entered into a contract with the Director to provide services in accordance with this article.\t\t\t“Qualified hybrid motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle that (i) meets or exceeds all applicable regulatory requirements, (ii) meets or exceeds the applicable federal motor vehicle emissions standards for gasoline-powered passenger cars, and (iii) can draw propulsion energy both from gasoline or diesel fuel and a rechargeable energy storage system.\t\t\t“Referee station” means an inspection facility operated or used by the Department of Environmental Quality (i) to determine program effectiveness, (ii) to resolve emissions inspection conflicts between motor vehicle owners and emissions inspection stations, and (iii) to provide such other technical support and information, as appropriate, to emissions inspection stations and vehicle owners.\t\t\t“Remote sensing” means the measurement of motor vehicle emissions through electronic or light-sensing equipment from a remote location such as the roadside. Remote sensing equipment may include devices to detect and record the vehicle’s registration or other identification numbers.\t\t\t“Test and repair” means motor vehicle emissions inspection facilities that perform official motor vehicle emissions inspections and may also perform vehicle repairs. No regulation of the Board pertaining to test and repair shall bar inspection facilities from also performing vehicle repairs. Emissions inspections and vehicle safety inspections may be performed in the same service bay, provided that the facility is both an emissions inspection station and an official safety inspection station pursuant to §§ 46.2-1163 and 46.2-1166. Emissions inspections may be performed in any service bay of the emissions inspection station or, if by wireless means, in any other area on the premises of the emissions inspection station.\t\t\t“Validation program” or “program validation” means a program approved by the Director by which vehicles are randomly identified and provided a free emissions inspection for the purpose of monitoring the effectiveness of the emissions inspection program. A “validation program” may be conducted at an emissions inspection station, as defined by § 46.2-1176, in conjunction with a state safety inspection or using on-road testing.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1"}},"ancestry":[{"id":52074,"edition_id":2,"name":"Emissions Inspections","identifier":"22","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":22,"parent_id":52052,"metadata":{"child_laws":22,"child_structures":0},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:52:55","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:34:15","permalink":{"id":1456271,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52074,"identifier":"22","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22","url":"\/46.2\/III\/10\/22\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":52052,"edition_id":2,"name":"Motor Vehicle and Equipment Safety","identifier":"10","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":2,"parent_id":52051,"metadata":{"child_laws":265,"child_structures":23},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:52:29","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:34:11","permalink":{"id":1455601,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52052,"identifier":"10","token":"46.2\/III\/10","url":"\/46.2\/III\/10\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":52051,"edition_id":2,"name":"Operation","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":3,"parent_id":52048,"metadata":{"child_laws":589,"child_structures":55},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:52:29","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:34:07","permalink":{"id":1455599,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52051,"identifier":"III","token":"46.2\/III","url":"\/46.2\/III\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":52048,"edition_id":2,"name":"Motor Vehicles","identifier":"46.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":101,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{"child_laws":1830,"child_structures":157},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:52:29","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:34:02","permalink":{"id":1452291,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52048,"identifier":"46.2","token":"46.2","url":"\/46.2\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":364828,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1176","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/46.2-1176\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1176","metadata":false},{"id":364830,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1177","catch_line":"Emissions inspection program","url":"\/46.2-1177\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1177","metadata":{"court_decisions":""}},{"id":364829,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1177.1","catch_line":"Inspection program coordinator; agreement for services","url":"\/46.2-1177.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1177.1","metadata":false},{"id":364833,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1178","catch_line":"Administration and scope of emissions inspection program","url":"\/46.2-1178\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1178","metadata":false},{"id":364831,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1178.1","catch_line":"On-road testing of motor vehicle emissions; authority to adopt regulations; civil charges","url":"\/46.2-1178.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1178.1","metadata":false},{"id":364832,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1178.2","catch_line":"Repair of certain vehicles not in compliance with standards established by the Board; payment of repairs from Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program Fund","url":"\/46.2-1178.2\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1178.2","metadata":false},{"id":364835,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1179","catch_line":"Board to adopt emissions standards","url":"\/46.2-1179\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1179","metadata":false},{"id":364834,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1179.1","catch_line":"Board to adopt clean alternative fuel fleet standards for motor vehicles; penalty","url":"\/46.2-1179.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1179.1","metadata":false},{"id":364837,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1180","catch_line":"Board to adopt regulations; exemption of certain motor vehicles","url":"\/46.2-1180\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1180","metadata":{"court_decisions":""}},{"id":364838,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1181","catch_line":"Emissions inspection; cost of repairs; waivers","url":"\/46.2-1181\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1181","metadata":false},{"id":364841,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1182","catch_line":"Emissions inspection fees; exemption","url":"\/46.2-1182\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1182","metadata":false},{"id":364839,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1182.1","catch_line":"Additional registration fee; exemption","url":"\/46.2-1182.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1182.1","metadata":false},{"id":364840,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1182.2","catch_line":"Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program Fund established; use of moneys","url":"\/46.2-1182.2\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1182.2","metadata":false},{"id":364843,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1183","catch_line":"Emissions inspection required prior to registration of certain vehicles; records","url":"\/46.2-1183\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1183","metadata":{"court_decisions":""}},{"id":364842,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1183.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-1183.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1183.1","metadata":false},{"id":364844,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1184","catch_line":"Fleet emissions inspection stations","url":"\/46.2-1184\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1184","metadata":false},{"id":364845,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1185","catch_line":"Investigation of inspection stations; revocation or suspension of permits for emissions inspection stations","url":"\/46.2-1185\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1185","metadata":false},{"id":364846,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1186","catch_line":"False certificate","url":"\/46.2-1186\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1186","metadata":{"court_decisions":""}},{"id":364850,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1187","catch_line":"Penalties","url":"\/46.2-1187\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1187","metadata":false},{"id":364847,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1187.1","catch_line":"Right of entry","url":"\/46.2-1187.1\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1187.1","metadata":false},{"id":364848,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1187.2","catch_line":"Compelling compliance with regulations and order of Board; penalty","url":"\/46.2-1187.2\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1187.2","metadata":false},{"id":364849,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1187.3","catch_line":"Vehicles used for investigations","url":"\/46.2-1187.3\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1187.3","metadata":false}],"next_section":{"id":364830,"structure_id":52074,"section_number":"46.2-1177","catch_line":"Emissions inspection program","url":"\/46.2-1177\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1177","metadata":{"court_decisions":""}},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-1176\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1980. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 469 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1980 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 11 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1982, chapter 92; in 1984, chapter 256; in 1988, chapters 81 and 806; in 1989, chapter 727; in 1993, chapters 995 and 998; in 1994, chapter 838<\/a>; in 1995, chapters 836<\/a> and 851<\/a>; in 2000, chapter 311<\/a>; in 2002, chapter 710<\/a>; in 2004, chapter 915<\/a>; in 2012, chapters 216<\/a> and 824<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":345589,"section_number":"10.1-1307","catch_line":"Further powers and duties of Board and Department","order_by":null,"url":"\/10.1-1307\/"},{"id":364792,"section_number":"46.2-1150","catch_line":"Towing certain unlicensed or uninspected vehicles","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1150\/"},{"id":364828,"section_number":"46.2-1176","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1176\/"},{"id":364829,"section_number":"46.2-1177.1","catch_line":"Inspection program coordinator; agreement for services","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1177.1\/"},{"id":364833,"section_number":"46.2-1178","catch_line":"Administration and scope of emissions inspection program","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1178\/"},{"id":365790,"section_number":"46.2-602.1","catch_line":"Titling and registration of replica vehicles","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-602.1\/"},{"id":365792,"section_number":"46.2-602.3","catch_line":"Titling and registration of converted electric vehicles","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-602.3\/"},{"id":365978,"section_number":"46.2-730","catch_line":"License plates for antique motor vehicles and antique trailers; fee","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-730\/"},{"id":366353,"section_number":"46.2-908.3","catch_line":"Low-speed vehicles; operation on highways; license required; registration required; safety and emissions inspections not required","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-908.3\/"},{"id":372339,"section_number":"58.1-438.1","catch_line":"Tax credit for vehicle emissions testing equipment, clean-fuel vehicles and certain refueling property","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-438.1\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":364812,"section_number":"46.2-1163","catch_line":"Official inspection stations; safety inspection approval stickers; actions of Superintendent subject to the Administrative Process Act","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1163\/"},{"id":364815,"section_number":"46.2-1166","catch_line":"Minimum standards required for inspection stations; appointments","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1166\/"},{"id":364828,"section_number":"46.2-1176","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1176\/"}],"permalink":{"id":1456273,"object_type":"law","relational_id":364828,"identifier":"46.2-1176","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1176","url":"\/46.2-1176\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-1176\/","token":"46.2\/III\/10\/22\/46.2-1176","dublin_core":{"Title":"Definitions","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-1176","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

The following words and phrases when used in this article shall have the following meanings except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

\t\t“Basic, test and repair<\/span> program<\/span>” means a motor vehicle<\/span> emissions inspection system established by regulations of the Board<\/span> which shall designate the use of an OBD-II (on-board<\/span> diagnostic system) with wireless capability, and a two-speed idle analyzer as the only authorized testing equipment. Only those computer software programs and emissions testing procedures necessary to comply with the applicable provisions of Title I of the federal Clean Air Act shall be included. Such testing equipment shall be approvable for motor vehicle<\/span> manufacturers’ warranty repairs.

\t\t“Board<\/span>” means the State Air Pollution Control Board<\/span>.

\t\t“Certificate of emissions inspection<\/span>” means a document, device, or symbol, prescribed by the Director<\/span> and issued pursuant to this article, which indicates that (i) a motor vehicle<\/span> has satisfactorily complied with the emissions standards and passed the emissions inspection provided for in this article; (ii) the requirement of compliance with such emissions standards has been waived; or (iii) the motor vehicle<\/span> has failed such emissions inspection.

\t\t“Director<\/span>” means the Director<\/span> of the Department<\/span> of Environmental Quality.

\t\t“Emissions inspection station<\/span>” means any facility or portion of a facility that has obtained an emissions inspection station<\/span> permit from the Director<\/span> authorizing the facility to perform emissions inspections in accordance with this article.

\t\t“Enhanced emissions inspection program<\/span>” means a motor vehicle<\/span> emissions inspection system established by regulations of the Board<\/span> that shall designate, as the only authorized testing equipment for emissions inspection stations<\/span>, (i) the use of the ASM 50-15 (acceleration simulation mode or method) together with an OBD-II (on-board<\/span> diagnostic system) with wireless capability, (ii) the use of the ASM 50-15 together with the use of a dynamometer, and (iii) two-speed tailpipe testing equipment. Possession<\/span> and availability of a dynamometer shall be required for enhanced emissions inspection stations<\/span>. Only those computer software programs and emissions testing procedures necessary to comply with applicable provisions of Title I of the federal Clean Air Act shall be included. Such testing equipment shall be approvable for motor vehicle<\/span> manufacturers’ warranty repairs. An enhanced emissions inspection program<\/span> shall include remote sensing<\/span> and an on-road clean screen program<\/span> as provided in this article.

\t\t“Fleet emissions inspection station<\/span>” means any inspection facility operated under a permit issued to a qualified fleet owner<\/span> or lessee as determined by the Director<\/span>.

\t\t“Motor vehicle<\/span>” means any vehicle that:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Is designed for the transportation of persons or property; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Is powered by an internal combustion engine.\n\t\t\t“On-road clean screen program<\/span>” means a program that allows a motor vehicle owner<\/span> to voluntarily certify compliance with emissions standards by means of on-road remote sensing<\/span>.

\t\t\t“On-road emissions inspector<\/span>” means the entity or entities authorized by the Department<\/span> of Environmental Quality to perform on-road testing<\/span>, including on-road testing<\/span> in accordance with the on-road clean screen program<\/span>.

\t\t\t“On-road testing<\/span>” means tests<\/span> of motor vehicle emissions or emissions control devices by means of roadside pullovers or remote sensing<\/span> devices.

\t\t\t“Program coordinator<\/span>” means any person or corporation that has entered into a contract<\/span> with the Director<\/span> to provide services in accordance with this article.

\t\t\t“Qualified hybrid motor vehicle<\/span>” means a motor vehicle that (i) meets or exceeds all applicable regulatory requirements, (ii) meets or exceeds the applicable federal motor vehicle emissions standards for gasoline-powered passenger cars<\/span>, and (iii) can draw propulsion energy both from gasoline or diesel fuel and a rechargeable energy storage system.

\t\t\t“Referee station<\/span>” means an inspection facility operated or used by the Department<\/span> of Environmental Quality (i) to determine program effectiveness, (ii) to resolve emissions inspection conflicts between motor vehicle owners<\/span> and emissions inspection stations<\/span>, and (iii) to provide such other technical support and information, as appropriate, to emissions inspection stations<\/span> and vehicle owners<\/span>.

\t\t\t“Remote sensing<\/span>” means the measurement of motor vehicle emissions through electronic or light<\/span>-sensing equipment from a remote location such as the roadside. Remote sensing<\/span> equipment may include devices to detect and record the vehicle’s registration or other identification numbers.

\t\t\t“Test and repair<\/span>” means motor vehicle emissions inspection facilities that perform official motor vehicle emissions inspections and may also perform vehicle repairs. No regulation of the Board<\/span> pertaining to test and repair<\/span> shall bar inspection facilities from also performing vehicle repairs. Emissions inspections and vehicle safety inspections may be performed in the same service bay, provided that the facility is both an emissions inspection station<\/span> and an official safety inspection station pursuant to §§ 46.2-1163<\/a> and 46.2-1166<\/a>. Emissions inspections may be performed in any service bay of the emissions inspection station<\/span> or, if by wireless means, in any other area on the premises of the emissions inspection station<\/span>.

\t\t\t“Validation program<\/span>” or “program validation<\/span>” means a program approved by the Director<\/span> by which vehicles<\/span> are randomly identified and provided a free emissions inspection for the purpose of monitoring the effectiveness of the emissions inspection program. A “validation program<\/span>” may be conducted at an emissions inspection station<\/span>, as defined by § 46.2-1176<\/a>, in conjunction with a state safety inspection or using on-road testing<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nDEFINITIONS (\u00a7 46.2-1176)\n\nThe following words and phrases when used in this article shall have the\nfollowing meanings except where the context clearly indicates a different\nmeaning:\t\t“Basic, test and repair program” means a motor vehicle\nemissions inspection system established by regulations of the Board which shall\ndesignate the use of an OBD-II (on-board diagnostic system) with wireless\ncapability, and a two-speed idle analyzer as the only authorized testing\nequipment. Only those computer software programs and emissions testing\nprocedures necessary to comply with the applicable provisions of Title I of the\nfederal Clean Air Act shall be included. Such testing equipment shall be\napprovable for motor vehicle manufacturers’ warranty\nrepairs.\t\t“Board” means the State Air Pollution Control\nBoard.\t\t“Certificate of emissions inspection” means a document,\ndevice, or symbol, prescribed by the Director and issued pursuant to this\narticle, which indicates that (i) a motor vehicle has satisfactorily complied\nwith the emissions standards and passed the emissions inspection provided for in\nthis article; (ii) the requirement of compliance with such emissions standards\nhas been waived; or (iii) the motor vehicle has failed such emissions\ninspection.\t\t“Director” means the Director of the Department of\nEnvironmental Quality.\t\t“Emissions inspection station” means any\nfacility or portion of a facility that has obtained an emissions inspection\nstation permit from the Director authorizing the facility to perform emissions\ninspections in accordance with this article.\t\t“Enhanced emissions\ninspection program” means a motor vehicle emissions inspection system\nestablished by regulations of the Board that shall designate, as the only\nauthorized testing equipment for emissions inspection stations, (i) the use of\nthe ASM 50-15 (acceleration simulation mode or method) together with an OBD-II\n(on-board diagnostic system) with wireless capability, (ii) the use of the ASM\n50-15 together with the use of a dynamometer, and (iii) two-speed tailpipe\ntesting equipment. Possession and availability of a dynamometer shall be\nrequired for enhanced emissions inspection stations. Only those computer\nsoftware programs and emissions testing procedures necessary to comply with\napplicable provisions of Title I of the federal Clean Air Act shall be included.\nSuch testing equipment shall be approvable for motor vehicle\nmanufacturers’ warranty repairs. An enhanced emissions inspection program\nshall include remote sensing and an on-road clean screen program as provided in\nthis article.\t\t“Fleet emissions inspection station” means any\ninspection facility operated under a permit issued to a qualified fleet owner or\nlessee as determined by the Director.\t\t“Motor vehicle” means any\nvehicle that:\n\n1. Is designed for the transportation of persons or property; and\n\n2. Is powered by an internal combustion engine.\n\t\t\t“On-road clean screen program” means a program that allows a\nmotor vehicle owner to voluntarily certify compliance with emissions standards\nby means of on-road remote sensing.\t\t\t“On-road emissions inspector”\nmeans the entity or entities authorized by the Department of Environmental\nQuality to perform on-road testing, including on-road testing in accordance with\nthe on-road clean screen program.\t\t\t“On-road testing” means tests of\nmotor vehicle emissions or emissions control devices by means of roadside\npullovers or remote sensing devices.\t\t\t“Program coordinator” means\nany person or corporation that has entered into a contract with the Director to\nprovide services in accordance with this article.\t\t\t“Qualified hybrid\nmotor vehicle” means a motor vehicle that (i) meets or exceeds all\napplicable regulatory requirements, (ii) meets or exceeds the applicable federal\nmotor vehicle emissions standards for gasoline-powered passenger cars, and (iii)\ncan draw propulsion energy both from gasoline or diesel fuel and a rechargeable\nenergy storage system.\t\t\t“Referee station” means an inspection\nfacility operated or used by the Department of Environmental Quality (i) to\ndetermine program effectiveness, (ii) to resolve emissions inspection conflicts\nbetween motor vehicle owners and emissions inspection stations, and (iii) to\nprovide such other technical support and information, as appropriate, to\nemissions inspection stations and vehicle owners.\t\t\t“Remote sensing”\nmeans the measurement of motor vehicle emissions through electronic or\nlight-sensing equipment from a remote location such as the roadside. Remote\nsensing equipment may include devices to detect and record the vehicle’s\nregistration or other identification numbers.\t\t\t“Test and repair”\nmeans motor vehicle emissions inspection facilities that perform official motor\nvehicle emissions inspections and may also perform vehicle repairs. No\nregulation of the Board pertaining to test and repair shall bar inspection\nfacilities from also performing vehicle repairs. Emissions inspections and\nvehicle safety inspections may be performed in the same service bay, provided\nthat the facility is both an emissions inspection station and an official safety\ninspection station pursuant to §§ 46.2-1163 and 46.2-1166. Emissions\ninspections may be performed in any service bay of the emissions inspection\nstation or, if by wireless means, in any other area on the premises of the\nemissions inspection station.\t\t\t“Validation program” or\n“program validation” means a program approved by the Director by\nwhich vehicles are randomly identified and provided a free emissions inspection\nfor the purpose of monitoring the effectiveness of the emissions inspection\nprogram. A “validation program” may be conducted at an emissions\ninspection station, as defined by § 46.2-1176, in conjunction with a state\nsafety inspection or using on-road testing.\n\nHISTORY: 1980, c. 469, \u00a7 46.1-326.2; 1982, c. 92; 1984, c. 256; 1988, cc. 81,\n806; 1989, c. 727; 1993, cc. 995, 998; 1993, Sp. Sess., c. 2; 1994, c. 838;\n1995, cc. 836, 851; 2000, c. 311; 2002, c. 710; 2004, c. 915; 2012, cc. 216,\n824.","edition":{"id":2,"name":"2026","slug":"2026","date_created":"2026-07-16 18:40:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 15:14:36","current":1,"order_by":2,"last_import":"2026-08-02 12:37:30"}}