Vehicle Emissions Testing is a federal mandate forced on us by by our county and state officials that allows the government to tell you whether or not you can drive your vehicle. If your vehicle does not pass their test, you have to repair it, which could cost hundereds of dollars or you do not get tags for it. The reasons for failing their emissions test may have absolutely nothing to do with emissions. For example, mine failed because of a solenoid in the
transmission. We are the only county in the southern part of TN with this testing. This law borders on extortion.
We the undersigned believe Emissions Testing should be stopped in Hamilton County. We believe it is a way to collect revenue rather than help with pollution problems. It has created a hardship on those who have no other choice but to drive older model vehicles. Hamilton County borders 10 other counties whose vehicles come through our county daily and they do not have this testing. Also, there are thousands of vehicles that pass through from non-bordering counties that do not have this testing. For this reason, it is really hard to believe this testing has really helped with pollution. Another problem with emissions testing is that many of our vehicles won't pass inspection due to codes that have nothing to do with emissions. For example, one code that has caused our vehicles to fail is a P0760 which is a shift solenoid in the transmission. This is an electrical fault in the transmission that has absolutely nothing to do with the emissions system. We believe it is wrong for the government to tell us that we can’t drive a vehicle we worked hard to purchase unless it passes this testing. We have been required to spend hard earned money on repairs that have nothing to do with emissions. As drivers, we put an estimated $2,000 of fuel into each of our vehicles per year. This does not include auto insurance. Most families have very little extra income to put into their vehicles for repairs, yet the government expects us to be able to make major repairs within a 3 month period. To qualify for the waiver, one must spend $75 -$650 depending on year model, have itemized receipts, and (for 1981 and newer vehicles) repairs must be performed by an ASE Certified Mechanic. For many families, that is unreasonable. There are several people who still make their own repairs because they can't afford to pay a Certified Mechanic. The bottom line is, we work hard to purchase and pay off vehicles. After they are paid for, we should be able to drive them until they stop running without the government telling us when and how to make repairs to them. Thank you for taking time to read my letter.
