Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024
(a) An inspector
conducting an emissions test on a heavy-duty diesel vehicle or diesel bus
pursuant to any provision of this subchapter including, but not limited to,
N.J.A.C.
7:27B-4.3, 4.4(a), and 4.4(b), shall perform
the test in accordance with the following general procedures:
1. Test the vehicle in as-received
condition;
2. Prior to testing,
verify that the smokemeter is calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer's
requirements;
3. Prior to testing,
ensure that the engine is at normal operating temperature by operating the
vehicle on a highway for a minimum of 15 minutes;
4. Examine the vehicle's exhaust system for
integrity. For testing at a PIF, only, tighten all loose pipe connections and
repair all significant exhaust leaks before performing a test;
5. Prior to conducting a smoke opacity test
on a diesel-powered motor vehicle equipped with multiple exhaust outlets,
determine which exhaust outlet exhibits the highest opacity level by visually
comparing the opacity level of each outlet during a single repetition of the
snap acceleration test as set forth at
N.J.A.C.
7:27B-4.3(a), if
appropriate, or by liberally accelerating the engine at WOT, not to exceed
maximum governed RPM. Conduct the testing using the highest-opacity exhaust
outlet;
6. Do not conduct the test
if the ambient temperature is below 35 degrees Fahrenheit or above 95 degrees
Fahrenheit, or if the temperature is at the dew point as determined by using a
thermometer and hygrometer. If the testing is conducted outdoors, do not
conduct the test if there is any visible precipitation, such as rain or fog, at
the test site during the time of testing;
7. Prior to testing, turn off the engine
brake and all vehicle accessories, including, but not limited to, air
conditioning, heating, defroster, radio and lights;
8. Determine that the engine speed governor
is in proper operating condition. For PIFs only, make this determination as
follows: operate the engine with the transmission in neutral and the clutch
disengaged. Gradually increase the engine speed from curb idle to high idle
while observing an RPM sensor connected to the engine. The engine speed should
not exceed high idle as specified by the engine manufacturer with the
accelerator pedal fully depressed. If the engine speed continues increasing
beyond the manufacturer's rated high idle, immediately release the accelerator
pedal. If the engine speed increases uncontrollably, immediately release the
accelerator pedal and shut off the engine's fuel supply. Discontinue emission
testing of any vehicle with dysfunctional or out-of-specification engine speed
governors. Do not resume testing unless and until speed governor repairs are
made;
9. If inspecting a vehicle,
which was either equipped by the manufacturer or was retrofitted in accordance
with State or Federal law or regulation with a catalytic converter, particulate
trap or trap oxidizer, or any other exhaust aftertreatment device, inspect the
exhaust system for the presence of the device and for its physical integrity.
Discontinue testing of any motor vehicle, which exhibits any missing exhaust
aftertreatment device or perforating rust, crack, hole, tear or other such
physical defect in the device. Discontinue testing if the vehicle's exhaust
aftertreatment system is in regeneration mode or is producing high exhaust
temperatures, as indicated by the instrument panel controls. If the vehicle
being tested is a heavy-duty diesel vehicle or diesel bus with an exhaust
aftertreatment device, discontinue testing and fail the vehicle if the device
is found not to be in proper functioning condition. Do not resume testing
unless and until the defect(s) are repaired;
10. If, at any time before or during the
inspection of a diesel-powered motor vehicle, continuous smoke of any color is
observed in the exhaust emissions for more than three seconds, discontinue the
testing and determine that the vehicle has failed to pass the smoke opacity
test conducted pursuant to
N.J.A.C.
7:27-14.6;
(b) An inspector conducting an emissions test
on a light-duty diesel vehicle pursuant to any provision of this subchapter,
including, but not limited to,
N.J.A.C.
7:27B-4.7 and 4.8, shall perform the test in
accordance with the following general procedures:
1. Test the vehicle in as-received condition
without making any repairs immediately prior to testing;
2. Prior to testing, turn off all vehicle
accessories, including, but not limited to, air conditioning, heating,
defroster, radio and lights;
3.
Prior to testing, ensure that the diesel emissions testing equipment is
calibrated and warmed-up in accordance with the manufacturer's
requirements;
4. Prior to testing,
ensure that the vehicle is at normal operating temperature by doing one of the
following:
i. Check the vehicle's engine
coolant temperature gauge to confirm that the vehicle is at a normal operating
temperature, as indicated by the gauge (that is, that engine coolant
temperature is in the "normal" range as specified by the vehicle manufacturer,
or, if the "normal" range is not specified by the vehicle manufacturer, is at
least 70 degrees Celsius (160 degrees Fahrenheit); or
ii. Operate the vehicle on the road at speeds
above 35 MPH for at least 20 minutes; and
5. Discontinue testing any vehicle in an
overheated condition, as indicated by a temperature gauge or warning light, or
boiling of engine coolant;
(c) Equipment to be used in conducting an
emissions test on a diesel-powered motor vehicle in accordance with
N.J.A.C.
7:27-14.5 shall satisfy all specifications
and standards for diesel emissions testing equipment as set forth in
N.J.A.C.
7:27B-4.6.
(d) An inspector conducting a motor vehicle
emissions test on a diesel-powered motor vehicle as set forth in this
subchapter shall use only diesel emissions testing equipment that has been
approved by the Department prior to its use in the test. Approval by the
Department is based on the following criteria:
1. The equipment meets all applicable
specifications;
2. The equipment
hardware and software comply with the data collection and transfer protocols in
use throughout New Jersey's motor vehicle inspection programs;
3. The equipment maintains compatibility with
other test equipment used concurrently during the motor vehicle inspection
process with which it is required to interface; and
4. The equipment is complete in that it
includes all options and accessories necessary for performing each emissions
inspection test procedure for which it was designed and it is to be
used.
(e) The Department
maintains a list of approved equipment for specific test procedures. The
Department periodically reviews and evaluates equipment offered by
manufacturers of motor vehicle testing equipment of which it is aware or has
been made aware and update this list. A copy of this list can be obtained from:
Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Mobile Sources - Diesel Inspection Program
Mail Code 401-02E
PO Box 420
Trenton, NJ 08625-0420
