After 38 years, the Washington emission check program ends today.
The Department of Ecology reminds drivers that vehicle testing requirements end statewide as of close of business today.
When state licensing offices reopen after the New Year on January 2, emissions tests will no longer be required in order to renew vehicle registrations.
Car owners who are scheduled to have their emissions tested in 2019 still need to get a final test in order to renew their tabs this month.
Ecology says that the Legislature began to end the testing program back in 2005 when it adopted more stringent emissions standards for new cars and trucks. Those standards took effect in 2008, and vehicles 2009 and newer were exempted from the testing requirement.
Vehicles older than 25 years are also exempt, and the shrinking pool of vehicles still subject to the requirement have brought a decline in the total annual tests from a peak of about 1.3 million to roughly 750,000 in 2018.
Even without a testing requirement, it remains illegal in Washington to drive a vehicle with modified emissions controls, and drivers can be ticketed if their vehicle smokes or poses a threat to public health.
Closing the program will affect about 180 people statewide that work for Applus, a contractor that operates the testing stations for the state, and a dozen employees at Ecology, plus several independent testing stations and certified repair facilities. Applus and Ecology have been working with their staff members to help them prepare for the shutdown, and find other positions when possible.