The Federal Clean Air Act (CAA) of 1990 required New Jersey to establish the Enhanced Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program (I/M) to ensure regular monitoring of gasoline fueled motor vehicle emissions by requiring that vehicles undergo periodic emissions testing.  This emissions testing ensures that vehicles are well maintained and operating as designed and do not exceed established pollutant limits. Our goal is to implement an Enhanced I/M program in accordance with the State Implementation Plan that reduces ozone precursors, particulates and air toxics. This program also reduces carbon dioxide through improved fuel efficiency.
The major functions of the I/M Program are:

• Administration of inspection test procedures and standards;
• Emission Technician Education Program (ETEP) http://www.nj.gov/dep/bmvim/bmvim_etep.htm ;
• Emission control tampering enforcement and quality assurance audits of the inspection system by providing program reviews; and
• Offer guidance and technical support on engine technology, emissions testing equipment, pollution control devices, regulatory issues and laws in order to design and implement control strategies.

The Enhanced I/M program is jointly administered by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) http://www.nj.gov/mvc/ and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The MVC determines where and when vehicles must be inspected, conducts overt and covert performance audits and audits equipment at Private Inspection Facilities (PIFs). The DEP determines what emissions tests vehicles must receive, approve emissions testing equipment and audits equipment at Centralized Inspection Facilities (CIFs).
Information concerning emissions test your vehicle would be subject to can be found here. Inspections must be performed by a licensed inspector at a CIF or PIF.  Locations, hours of operation and wait times may be found at MVC’s website.
Further detailed information regarding our test procedures and pass/fail standards can be found in our regulations at http://www.nj.gov/dep/aqm/rules.html.
Please follow the links to the left to learn more about our current programs.