Extra 60 Days For NoVa Vehicle Emissions Inspections: Coronavirus

NORTHERN VIRGINIA — The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is giving Northern Virginia residents who need to renew their vehicle registration in March or April an extra 60 days to get an emissions inspection on their vehicles, the DEQ said Thursday.

The additional time aligns emissions inspections with the 60-day extension for vehicle registrations expiring in March and April allowed by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles due to the new coronavirus, or COVID-19.

“Emissions inspection requirements are not waived but are extended to assist people with social distancing,” Virginia DEQ Northern Regional Office Director Tom Faha said in a statement.

Emissions inspection facilities, many of which are certified to repair emissions systems, may still be open. But vehicle owners are advised to contact them for their hours of operation. DEQ staff are available to answer questions during business hours of 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 703-583-3900.

For general information about vehicle emissions inspections, registrations and the latest updates, visit DMV’s website.

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The emissions program, called Air Check Virginia, helps reduce harmful emissions from motor vehicles in Northern Virginia, the DEQ said. Motor vehicles are the single greatest source of toxic and smog-forming air pollution in the area.

Vehicles owners in the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and Stafford, and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park are required to get emissions inspections once every two years.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has designated Northern Virginia a "nonattainment area" due to its poor air quality.

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