Emissions Testing in Wisconsin

Testing Requirements

Current Testing Requirements in Wisconsin

Wisconsin operates the Wisconsin Vehicle Inspection Program (WIVIP) in seven southeastern counties to comply with federal Clean Air Act requirements for ozone. WisDOT administers the program, and OPUS Inspections Inc. operates the testing stations under contract. The DNR sets emission limitations and repair cost limits. The test is an OBD-II diagnostic scan performed at certified testing stations and self-service kiosks. Testing stations also perform a VIN inspection to confirm the vehicle's identity. Wisconsin does not require safety inspections for passenger vehicles. Two testing-only facilities with self-service kiosks (WIVIP North in Brown Deer and WIVIP South in Oak Creek) are available, with kiosks open 24/7 for 2007 and newer vehicles.

Who Needs an Emissions Test

Gasoline-powered vehicles model year 1996 to 2006 with a GVWR under 8,501 pounds customarily kept in the seven designated counties must pass a biennial emissions test. Gasoline and diesel vehicles model year 2007 and newer with a GVWR under 14,001 pounds in those counties are also subject to testing. The three most recent model years are exempt. Vehicles pre-1996 are exempt. Motorcycles are exempt. Natural gas and hybrid vehicles within the applicable model year and weight ranges are subject to testing. An emissions test is also required at change of ownership for vehicles more than five model years old and at new registration. Hobbyist and special interest vehicles are tested only at initial registration and at transfer of ownership. Vehicles must be tested within 45 days of purchase, title change, or moving into a covered county.

How Often Tests Are Required

Emissions testing is biennial, aligned with the two-year registration renewal cycle. Even model year vehicles are tested during registration renewals expiring in even calendar years. Odd model year vehicles are tested during renewals expiring in odd years. At change of ownership, vehicles more than five model years old must be tested regardless of the biennial cycle. WisDOT notifies vehicle owners when an emissions test is required. Residents have 180 days from the due date on the registration renewal notice to complete testing and renew registration.

Where Emissions Testing Is Required

Emissions testing is required in seven southeastern Wisconsin counties: Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington, and Waukesha. The requirement is based on where the vehicle is customarily kept, not where it is registered or where the owner lives. Vehicles kept in all other Wisconsin counties are not required to test. Providing false location information to avoid testing is a violation of Wisconsin law.

What Happens During the Test

The technician verifies that the check engine light illuminates during key-on engine-off and key-on engine-running. If the light does not illuminate during either check, the vehicle fails. The technician connects the OBD-II scan tool to the vehicle's Diagnostic Link Connector and downloads emissions system data. The system checks for stored diagnostic trouble codes, readiness monitor status, and the malfunction indicator lamp status. A check engine light commanded on by the vehicle's computer causes automatic failure. Incomplete readiness monitors result in a rejection, and the vehicle must be driven through its drive cycle before retesting. A VIN inspection confirms the vehicle's identity matches registration documents. The OBD-II scan takes about two minutes.

Areas in Wisconsin That Require Emissions Testing

Within the seven covered counties, cities and communities where testing is required include Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, Sheboygan, West Bend, West Allis, Wauwatosa, Brookfield, New Berlin, Menomonee Falls, Mequon, Cedarburg, Grafton, Port Washington, Oak Creek, Franklin, Greenfield, South Milwaukee, and Cudahy. Cities outside the seven counties do not require emissions testing. Madison, Green Bay, Appleton, Oshkosh, Eau Claire, La Crosse, Janesville, Fond du Lac, Manitowoc, Stevens Point, and all other Wisconsin communities outside the southeastern program area are exempt.

How the Emissions Test Works in Wisconsin

Drivers take their vehicle to any certified WIVIP testing station or self-service kiosk in the seven-county area. No appointment is needed. WisDOT mails notification when testing is required. All emissions tests in Wisconsin are free. There is no fee for testing, retesting, or using the self-service kiosks. The cost is covered by federal funds, the state's Transportation Fund, and general purpose revenue. After passing, registration can be renewed at the testing facility for a $16.25 service fee. If the vehicle fails, the owner must complete repairs and return for retesting within 30 days. If repairs cannot be completed within 30 days, an extension may be available by calling 1-866-OBD-TEST. A repair cost waiver may be issued if the vehicle still fails after qualifying repairs. In Sheboygan County, the minimum repair expenditure for a waiver is $200 ($75 for pre-1981 vehicles). In the other six counties, the waiver threshold varies. Registration cannot be renewed without a passing emissions test or an approved waiver. The WIVIP helpline is 1-866-OBD-TEST (1-866-623-8378).