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Posted: 09/02/2005
Austin and Round Rock Emissions Testing Program
Starting September 1, all cars registered in Williamson County are now required to pass an emissions test as part of their annual vehicle safety inspection before being granted an inspection sticker. The good news is that low income vehicle owners whose cars failed the emissions test can receive assistance through the AirCheckTexas Repair & Replacement Assistance Program administered through Williamson County.
Williamson County has hired a part-time program administrator, Andrea Ybarra, to assist vehicle owners in this process. Ms. Ybarra is bilingual and previously worked for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission working with Centralized Benefit Services, an electronic food benefit program for the aged and disabled throughout the State of Texas.
Eligible, low income vehicle owners may receive up to $600 for vehicle repairs or up to $1,000 for vehicle replacement through the program. A vehicle is eligible if it is two to 24 years old, has failed the emissions test, is currently registered in Williamson County, and has been registered in Williamson County for the past 12 months. Household income requirements vary depending on family size. Individuals already receiving county, state or federal assistance through social service programs may be automatically eligible.
For more information on the program, visit www.txdps.state.tx.us/vi/
To apply for assistance in Williamson County, call 1-800-978-1766 or e-mail Andrea Ybarra at aybarra@wilco.org
Timing: Testing begins September 1, 2005 in Travis and Williamson counties.
Subject Vehicles: All 2-24 year old gasoline vehicles (excluding motorcycles) are subject to an annual emissions test beginning with the vehicle's second anniversary.
Test Method: Model Year 1996 and newer vehicles will be subject to On-board Diagnostic (OBD) testing and Model Year 1995 and older vehicles will be subject to Two Speed Idle (TSI) testing.
Test Fees: In the Austin and Round Rock area, not to exceed $16.00 for a TSI or an OBD emissions test plus $12.50 for the safety test, total not to exceed $28.50.
State Administration Fees: $2.50 from all emissions inspections for the TCEQ/DPS administration of the I/M program; additional $2.00 to fund the Low Income Repair Assistance, Retrofit, and Accelerated Vehicle Retirement Program LIRAP. The cost of inspection stickers to inspection stations will be $10.00.
Testing Network: All inspection stations to offer TSI and OBD.
Waivers: Program requirements are waived if:
- the registered owner of the vehicle cannot afford to comply with the program, based on reasonable income standards;
- a vehicle cannot be brought into compliance with emissions standards by performing repairs;
- a vehicle on which at least $100 h as been spent, has been driven fewer than 5000 miles since the last safety inspection and will be driven less than 5000 miles before the next safety inspection;
- or if parts are not readily available for a vehicle.
Click here for information on Austin Program area Test Equipment.
Click here to view Adopted Rule (Rule Project Number 2004-071-114-AI) (PDF)
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